Safety Notices, Recalls and Buyer Beware

ESA Warning Ontarians not to participate or share a “challenge” on the social media platform TikTok that could lead to electrical fires and pose a serious safety risk.

There is a new social media “challenge” making it’s way through the social media platform TikTok called the #OutletChallenge or #PennyChallenge. TikTok is a social media platform similar to snapchat where people create short little videos on their cell phones to share with their friends. The so-called #OutletChallenge or #PennyChallenge involves an individual sliding a coin between a loosely plugged in cell phone charger and an electrical outlet in an effort to create sparks to film and post on social media (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFl6UhH1Stc).

In response, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has put out the following media release reminding the public of the dangers of electricity and is encouraging all to remember there are ‘no safe shocks’. Media Release: New TikTok Challenge Posing Serious Electrical Risks.pdf

For more information please visit: https://www.esasafe.com/consumers/safety-and-security/electrical-safety/home-safety.

For more information on the #OutletChallenge or #PennyChallenge please see the following news articles: