Warnings over charger danger

People are being warned not to use a USB charger adaptor sold from a Bunbury mobile phone shop for fears it could be faulty and could cause death by electrocution.

WA Consumer Protection today said the adaptor had been sold at the Mobile Tech store at Bunbury Forum.

The black adaptor, which is used to charge electrical products through a USB port, has been examined and found not to comply with Australian standards.

The product has the potential to deliver a deadly 240V shock.

It was sold for $25 and each adaptor was wrapped in plastic. It is branded with a Samsung tag on the back of the adaptor underneath the USB port.

Consumer Protection South West regional coordinator Debbie Butler says the store owner has cooperated to remove the products from sale.

However, she said the owner was unaware of how many of the adaptors had been sold.

Mrs Butler said anyone who has bought the product should return it to the store for a refund.

She said people should be cautious if they use any electrical product that does not have insulation on the metal plug pins.

WA Consumer Protection checked more than 140 stores across the State after the death of a NSW woman.

She was electrocuted while talking on her mobile phone when it was being charged using an unapproved 240V charger.

Anyone with concerns about a product can contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or Energy Safety on 6251 1900.