Extension Sockets Could Cause Shocks: Watchdog

The Consumer Council has issued a warning about the safety of extension sockets with USB charging ports, saying just two of 15 products it recently tested fully complied with safety requirements and one model was so bad that people need to stop using it immediately.

The council noted on Wednesday that these types of extension sockets are becoming more widespread, as people look for convenient ways to charge their mobile devices.

But after finding that 13 out of 15 models tested failed to fully comply with safety requirements, the council said it was urging manufacturers to take urgent action to make sure their products are safe before they are launched.

Nora Tam, who chairs the council's research and testing committee, said one model from the Chinese brand LDNIO failed to comply with legal safety requirements, prompting the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to step in.

The council said it found that several models weren't made well enough to guard against electric shocks, or to endure long or heavy use.

But it noted that its tests weren't reflective of daily use, being designed to see where the risks are.

Tam said if people use the sockets with care – for example, by ensuring they aren't overloaded, near water or in humid areas – they should still be safe.