Too hot to handle
All of these products have one thing in common: electrical power. This means that somewhere along the line, quality control isn’t catching bad ones that can pose safety risks to consumers. The severity of defects ranges from mildly annoying to downright dangerous. One reviewer described his defective power strip as a “blowtorch” that shot flames straight into the air. Other reviewers described products that caught fire without them noticing — with only their smoke alarms preventing the situation from getting worse.
USB to Lightning cablespower strips and extension cordsmicrowave ovenscar chargerspaper shredders (one of these actually burned someone and singed their hair)
As for why this is happening? Nobody is 100% sure. According to CNN, tests were performed on several damaged items like USB cords and microwaves — and in the case of at least one oven, protective shielding wasn’t properly mounted. All in all, this investigation shows just how important it is to read reviews and do careful research on any product you buy. It doesn’t matter if it’s coming from a major brand or not. As we all know from smartphones, even the biggest tech giants can suffer slipups. Tap or click here to see the tragic tale of the (highly flammable) Samsung Galaxy Note 7. These Apple-certified Lightning cables come in a pack of five with multiple lengths you can use anywhere in the house. Plus, they come with a durable nylon-braided cord to prevent breakage. This power strip surge protector is made by GE, a reputable company with years of experience making quality electronics. Toshiba’s stainless steel microwave oven is not only cheap, but performs well on multiple settings. Plus, it comes from a familiar brand name you can trust. Ainope’s USB car charger plugs seamlessly into your car’s cigarette lighter and works with all USB-compatible smartphone cables. Plus, it features LED lights so it’s easy to plug your devices in even when it’s dark. Now that you know your alternatives, make sure that you’re keeping an eye on reviews going forward. Even if there are only a few bad ones, it’s still worth knowing whether or not you should take your chances. By clicking our links, you’re supporting our research, as we may earn a very small commission. Recommendations are not part of any business incentives.
