Orvibo Wiwo S20 is a WiFi smart socket that can be controlled by a smartphone and some people are using it with OpenHAB open source automation software. The socket has four versions with with US, UK, EU or AU plug types, and some of my clever readers mentioned that the European plug was mot likely NOT compliant with European regulations, was likely dangerous, and should be limited to 2.5A instead of 10A. It turns out they were right, as the European commission issued a safety notice last declaring Orvibo Wiwo S20 to be dangerous with risk of electric shock.

The document further explains:

The shape of the socket is not correct: when a plug is inserted the live pins of the plug are accessible. Appliances which should be earthed can be connected to the socket but the socket itself is not earthed. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive.

and they took measures to ban the product:

Measures ordered by public authorities: Ban on the marketing of the product and any accompanying measures, Recall of the product from end users.

So while they certainly have authorities against European companies, the European plug is still being sold on DX.com, GearBest, and other online sellers. That means the product could be confiscated at customs, and obviously it’s dangerous to use, especially for high powered appliances that should be grounded.

Orvibo Wiwo S20 socket is not the first, and won’t be the last product that fail to meet safety requirements, as I explained in one article entitled “Why Do UL and CE Certifications Matter For Anything That Connects to the Mains (110V/220V) ?” Sadly, there’s not much consumers can do to make sure they buy a safe product, although purchasing electrical appliances from global brands may help avoid getting into troubles.