Swiss inspectors find safety defects in one in four electrical products

The Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations found defects in 281 of about 1,000 electrical products it inspected in 2025, SRF reported. In 172 cases, the problems directly affected electrical safety.

The inspections were conducted on a random, risk-based basis in online shops, retail outlets, at manufacturers and at trade fairs. Other violations included missing conformity certificates, labels or technical documents.

Such defects may be invisible to consumers but can lead to electric shocks, overheating or fires. Where products posed an immediate danger, the inspectorate banned their sale. It issued 65 sales bans, mainly involving installation materials, household and office appliances, lighting and chargers. Some of the products had foreign plugs that are not permitted.

In a further 23 cases, the companies responsible withdrew defective products from the market in cooperation with the inspectorate. These included power banks, cordless vacuum cleaners, air fryers and various plug adapters.

Authority warns about cheap online purchases

The inspectorate urged caution over direct purchases from foreign online platforms. It said consumers faced greater risks with such purchases and often had no contact point in Switzerland if problems arose. Particularly low prices, especially from Asian suppliers, could be a warning sign.

The authority also warned about devices fitted with German protective-contact plugs, known as Schuko plugs. They may not be sold in Switzerland because they pose a fire risk.

The inspectorate recommended buying electrical appliances from reputable suppliers with a reachable contact address. Recognised testing marks, including the inspectorate’s voluntary safety mark, can provide additional assurance.