The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) says its recent inspections have exposed large imports of non-compliant cellphone chargers which pose a serious hazard to all consumers.

SABS spokesperson Kenny Mathivha said many chargers had voltages, current and power incompatible with the electricity supply in South Africa. Some had built-in step-down transformers used to bring the 220-240v alternating currents down to 110v or less.

'If used here they will overheat, eventually causing a fire'
"We also constantly find cellphone chargers with plugs that do not meet South African requirements. If used here they will overheat, eventually causing a fire," he said.

The SABS is warning about four models:


Samsung model TAD 037UBE;
Motorola model SPN 4652A;
Motorola model SPN 4604A; and,
Unknown make model FW4199.

These chargers are highly unsafe and if anyone has one they should urgently return it to the point of sale or contact the SABS on (+27) (0)21 428 6477 .

The bureau also warned against rewiring plugs in cellphone chargers. Replacing them with South African 3-pin plugs will damage the phone and cause other hazards.

The SABS suggests you buy from a reputable dealer to get adequate warranties or guarantees and ensure that the plug is the standard two or three pin complying with the SABS 164 standard; that the charger complies with SABS IEC 60950; that the instruction manuals are in English; and that the charger's voltage, current and power match the cellphone's.