Why was this 12V power adapter pulled from UK shelves?

The adapter in the black and green box

This AC-DC power supply adaptor is rated at 12 volts and 5 amps. It arrives in a black and green box. The brand printed on the label is LEDSone UK Ltd. The model number is CJ-1205. The country of origin listed in the report is China. This is a mains-powered device that plugs directly into a UK wall socket. It is not a battery pack. It is not a USB charger with a detachable cable. The plug is moulded onto the lead.

Why the plug fails the British standard

The hazard is fire. The report states the mains plug is not fitted with an appropriate fuse link. A compliant fuse is needed to protect against faults; without one, the plug could overheat or explode. The live and neutral pins are narrower than permitted. The ISOD pin is shorter than permitted. The plug also fails to meet the insulation requirements. These are dimensional and construction requirements set out in BS 1363. The standard governs every 13-amp plug sold in the UK. A plug that does not meet it can sit loosely in a socket. It can arc. It can heat up until the plastic chars.

No required instructions or safety information come with the unit. The report does not say how many units reached consumers. It does not say whether any fires have been reported.

Two regulations the adapter breaks

Requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 are not met. The Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994 are also failed. Both are UK law. The first covers the safety of the power supply itself. The second covers the plug that goes into the wall. A product that fails either cannot be placed on the market. The corrective action recorded is withdrawal from the market by LEDSone UK Limited, which also trades as Electricalsone. The notification number is 2610-0165. The alert was raised by a Local Authority Trading Standards team.

What withdrawal means for the owner

Withdrawal means the supplier has stopped selling it. It does not automatically mean a recall notice has been sent to every buyer. The report does not describe a consumer return scheme. It does not list a refund procedure. If you own one of these adapters, the plug is the part that creates the risk. The internal electronics may work perfectly. The plug will not. A replacement plug that meets BS 1363 would need a fuse, correct pin dimensions, and proper insulation. The adapter casing does not allow a user to swap the plug without cutting the cable. The report is silent on whether the manufacturer will offer a replacement lead.