Always use the charger that was provided with the device and if you need a spare or replacement, buy one from the same manufacturer
Answered by Dave, Electrical Safety Expert
Always use the charger that was provided with the device and if you need a spare or replacement, buy one from the same manufacturer. There are a lot of cheap chargers for sale online at bargain prices, these usually contain counterfeit or sub-standard parts and present a serious risk of electrical fire or shock. If you want to check that your charger is safe, look out for: Pins:
Check that there is at least 9.5 mm between the edge of the pins and the edge of the plug/charger. If the distance between the edge of the pins and the edge of the plug is less than 9.5 mm, there is a risk of electric shock when inserting and withdrawing the charger from a socket.
Insert the plug or charger into a socket but don’t switch it on or connect it to your appliance.
Does it plug in fully and easily? If the charger does not easily plug into a socket, the pins may be the wrong size or length, or the distance between the pins may be wrong.
Markings:
Look for a manufacturer’s brand name or logo, model and batch number.
On a charger, check for a CE mark
Check that the output voltage and current ratings marked on a charger and your electrical device are the same.
Do not rely on a CE mark alone as a guarantee of safety – it’s simply a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all the safety requirements of European law, but they can be easily forged.
Warnings & Instructions:
Adequate warnings and instructions must be provided. As a minimum, user instructions should provide information on conditions and limitations of use, how to operate the charger safely, basic electrical safety guidance and details of how to safely dispose of the charger when it is no longer required.