Cheap USB warning: Woman found dead after apparent electrocution
A young woman from the NSW Central Coast has died in an apparent electrocution after using a cheap USB-style charger.
It is understood the woman, named by Fairfax as mother-of-two Sheryl Anne Aldeguer from North Gosford, was holding a laptop, and wearing headphones.
It was reported the woman was found dead while wearing headphones, with burns on her ears in April but a mobile phone business now faces prosecution over the incident.
Speaking to Fairfax, Fair Trading Director Lynelle Collins said: "The voltage seems to travel up through the faulty charger into her phone and she was wearing earplugs and also operating a laptop which was also plugged into a power point.
"So the [electricity] travelled back down through the earphones to the laptop and into the power point."
Fair Trading authorities say chargers that do not meet Australian standards have been removed from sale from a stall in Sydney's south-west.
They say they have only just become aware of the large number of chargers, made from low-quality plastic that can melt.
"Certainly since I’ve been Commissioner I’ve never seen previous reports of this sort," Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe told News Limited.
"These devices pose a serious risk of electrocution or fire."
Anyone who has bought one is advised to throw it away.
For more information contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
A young woman from the NSW Central Coast has died in an apparent electrocution after using a cheap USB-style charger. Photo: Fair Trading
