Potentially dangerous electrical products

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Here's the boring story, scroll to the end for short version.

My girlfriend and I bought a couple of non-oem Nintendo DS chargers from a High Street retailer. They both stopped working within 6 months. No problem, we swapped them for two new chargers without hassle. We got home and my girlfriend plugged in one of the chargers which immediately blew up with a very loud bang and a bright blue flash. Now I've had electrical things go pop before but this went BANG. Loud enough for the kids to come charging downstairs. There was a strong smell of burning but most surprising to me is that the force of whatever went bang has forced the two halves of the casing apart slightly.

I emailed the company letting them know what has happened and they have asked me to send the faulty charger to them.

I'm reluctant to do this as once it's in their possession then that'll be it. I'm not after any compensation (apart from the cost of the charger) but I believe that these chargers are cheap crap that are at best not fit for purpose and at worse downright dangerous.

What should I do? Is a HSE jobby?

Short version - DS charger blew up.

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :

Most likey a short on the AC side of the power supply (those chargers are a step down transformer with AC to DC rectification), i,ve had cheap chinese ones do this before its mainly due to poor insulation on the transformer.

I would just take it back for a refund or replacment.
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Skudd · Super Spammer Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Karma :

growler · Traffic Copper Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Karma :

If you don't want any comp for it send it back ask for all the costs refunded ie postage and the price you paid for the item then go and buy a Better One!!!!

No problem if you are concerned that you will not receive a refund from the company take it back to the shop and demand a refund there job done!
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DILLIGAF

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

More scum trading in chinese trash, produced by like-minded scum. If I was you I'd make as big a stink as possible and have the company selling them prosecuted. That could have been your child blinded.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Would it be Trading Standards I would contact?

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

dgo1212 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Karma :

I remember watching a programme about fakes, possibly called fake britain, a young boy forgot to take his game boy charger on holiday so his parents bought him one while they were away, was dressed up to look like the genuine thing, until he plugged it in and died!

The presenters were testing fake fuseboards they'd bought aswell and they were bursting into flames and exploding when powered up!

https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2641861.ece

Phoenix · Twisted Firestarter Joined: 01 Aug 2002 Karma :

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 04 Jan 2004 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :