When the end customer cannot distinguish between original goods and cheap goods.
"In Germany, everything is subject to high quality standards – nothing can be dangerous," many people probably think, even about chargers and power adapters used for smartphones and other devices. These chargers and power adapters usually transform the voltage from the wall socket down to 5V DC, so they are often carelessly left plugged in, even in households with babies and toddlers – within the children's reach. Or, although the charger is carefully unplugged after charging, it's still accessible to little ones while it's charging.
But this is not as harmless as one might assume. Let's start with the harmless scenarios that can occur when babies and toddlers come into contact with the electronic contacts of such chargers and, for example, put them in their mouths (which is particularly likely during the oral phase):
- It's annoying when the charging cable is damaged by saliva.
- Even more annoying is when, for example, the smartphone detects moisture in the charging contact and therefore doesn't charge. It usually takes a few hours until the moisture is no longer detected.
- If the device does not detect moisture, a reaction will occur when electricity flows in a humid environment. This can also damage the device.
A noticeable electric shock, which can frighten children, is also likely. But if the system is working properly, this should generally cause no more than a fright for the child.
…IF THE SYSTEM IS WORKING!
BUT : This is precisely why the danger of "charging cables" is far too often underestimated! Tests show that the majority of chargers and power supplies advertised as genuine products fail the tests. The reason for this is excessively high voltages and the risk of dangerous electric shocks. And even worse: End customers are usually unable to recognize when they are purchasing a potentially dangerous product, as test seals, markings, and type plates are often counterfeited.
The increasing number of accidents involving small children and charging cables worldwide, some of which can even be fatal, demonstrates that this danger is real.
And even original manufacturers are warning:
"Avoid body contact with the connector when the charging cable is connected to a power source, as this can result in skin irritation and burns!"
Here are a few more exemplary sources for further reading: