A China-made Kodi device, named OTT TV Box 4K, has been called back because of fire and electric shock risks, according to an EU recall notice.

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The set-top-box usually used for Kodi reportedly has poor design that could risk consumers from being electrocuted. "The creepage and clearance distances are too small and the insulation of the power supply unit is inadequate," the notice said, adding that consumers could "touch live parts."

It further revealed that the device does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive requirements and the European standard EN 60065.  

The recall affects Kodi boxes with a power supply code ANU-050250A. Consumers who purchased the said device are advised to immediately return for a refund. However, it is not clear if the power supply would be replaced to address the danger.

Meanwhile, Gizmodo noted that the problem on the recall arise as the devices could have come from individuals or firms sold on eBay. Consumers could contact the seller or raise their concerns to EBay or PayPal.

Copyright officials have previously suggested that consumers buying and using hardware from unproven manufacturers are at risk as these products may well not abide with the EU safety standards. Gizmodo also recommended reputable Kodi boxes such as Amazon Fire TV or Nvidia's Shield TV.

Although Kodi is not illegal, it has been exploited and used as third-party add-ons to access illegal streams for sports events, films, and TV shows. These devices promise pirate content at no cost, and many of these boxes are "fully loaded," meaning they contain pre-installed plugins ready for social media use.

For instance, the Roku streaming device in Mexico initially faced sales and import ban but was later on lifted temporarily. Roku also does not offer infringed materials; in fact, it has a huge selection of legal streaming options like HBO Go, Hulu, and Netflix. But a market for third-party pirate channels outside Roku Channel Store turns these boxes into pirate tools.