All 13 'energy-saving' gadgets purchased from TikTok Shop, Amazon Marketplace and AliExpress failed fundamental safety assessments, with two devices exploding during testing, according to consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First. The products, promoted as bill-cutting solutions, were found to contain fake components and would actually increase users' expenses rather than reduce them.
Investigation reveals dangerous flaws and fake components
The charity's investigation discovered that the plug pins on all 13 devices failed to meet required dimensional and mechanical strength requirements, meaning they could snap under force and break inside a socket. Internally, all devices contained little more than a small circuit board which, in most cases, simply powered an LED on the front of the device, consuming electricity and costing the consumer money.
While some devices appeared to feature a capacitor – which stores energy – or a filter, further examination revealed these components were entirely fake and not connected to the circuit. They were, in essence, plastic boxes with nothing inside. A number of devices also lacked a fuse or any other adequate protection, while others contained a glass fuse in the mains circuit, which falls short of safety requirements.
Explosions during testing and consumer warnings
All 13 devices underwent further testing at an external specialist laboratory, where every single one failed to meet the required standards, lacking the necessary components or protective mechanisms to fail safely in the event of a fault. According to Electrical Safety First, two of the devices subjected to a short circuit test effectively exploded during testing. One detonated with considerable force, sending fragments of scorching, incandescent metal flying through the air. A fault could ignite a fire within seconds, particularly if the product is positioned near curtains, furniture, or other combustible materials within the home.
Despite customer reviews cautioning that these items were a "complete scam", "genuine fire hazard", and "a plastic box with wires stuck in", the product listings indicate that tens of thousands of units may have been purchased. Energy bills are expected to reach a three-year peak, with the price cap rising by 4 per cent on 1 October, as the continuing Middle East conflict drives up wholesale energy costs.
Experts and platforms respond to findings
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: "Unscrupulous third-party sellers on online marketplaces are exploiting the financial pressures facing households, promoting bogus products that prey on people's understandable desire to save money on their energy bills. At a time when household budgets are already being squeezed, consumers should be able to trust that products being sold to them are safe and do what they claim."
He added: "But our investigation exposes these so-called energy-saving devices for what they really are: worthless products that deliver no savings while potentially putting people at serious risk of electric shock or fire."
TikTok has confirmed that the products highlighted in this investigation have been removed from TikTok Shop, with affected buyers notified and provided with safety guidance. TikTok maintains a range of policies and procedures to safeguard customers, including a Product Safety and Recall Policy that addresses concerns raised by both users and regulatory bodies. The platform also regularly collaborates with organisations such as the Office of Product Safety.
A spokesperson at AliExpress said: "Product safety is our top priority at AliExpress. We have removed the five listings identified by Electrical Safety First and are contacting affected customers to initiate a recall through our established channels." They added: "We are also reviewing the broader category for enhanced controls. We welcome detailed findings like these and remain committed to ensuring a safe online shopping environment."
Amazon confirmed they have taken down the products and stated that the sale of such items violates their Seller Guidelines.
Ongoing issue and calls for stronger regulation
In 2022, four 'energy-saving devices' were recalled after posing the same serious risks, yet four years on, near-identical devices are still being sold. Earlier investigations by the charity have exposed other hazardous products available online, including travel adaptors, demonstrating this is an ongoing problem despite platforms insisting customer safety is "a priority".
The Government is considering new legal obligations that would require online marketplaces to prevent unsafe products from appearing on their platforms, supported by robust enforcement powers and penalties for non-compliance. At present, online marketplaces are not legally recognised as part of the conventional supply chain, meaning they bear no direct responsibility for ensuring products sold through their platforms meet safety standards.
Capanna said: "Shopping through online marketplaces in the UK is currently far too dangerous. The Government's response to its consultation on product safety legislation is a crucial opportunity to finally hold online marketplaces to account." He added: "We need bold and robust, legally enforceable measures that make platforms responsible for the safety of products sold on their sites. Without urgent action, dangerous products will continue to put consumers' lives at risk."
