According to the campaigning charity Electrical Safety First (ESF), consumers are unknowingly putting themselves at risk by buying potentially dangerous electric goods from online marketplaces.
It has released the result of an investigation which found more than 50 products being sold as safe on sites such as Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Wish, Facebook Marketplace & AliExpress that failed to meet safety standards.
Investigators found potentially lethal heaters, electric vehicle chargers that overheated and kitchen blenders that poured with smoke when switched on. Other everyday items such as hair stylers, energy-saving devices and e-bike chargers were all found to be potentially dangerous as seriously unsafe household products are being sold via online marketplaces.
One portable heater was so dangerous it posed a ‘risk to life’, an EV car charging cable presented a risk of electric shock and overheating, with others failing shock tests. One kitchen blender began to overheat and smoke within 30 seconds of being turned on, whilst beauty buys selling for under £30 have been found to pose both fire and electric shock risks.
The charity is concerned that shoppers will be looking to bag a bargain more than ever before during a cost-of-living crisis, putting more at risk from buying dangerous electricals from online marketplaces.
To keep shoppers safe, ESF is launching its “Don’t Be Electricked” campaign, taking to the streets today, Wednesday 29th March, setting up a ‘Shock Stall’ at Berwick Street Market.
Members of the public will be able to talk to ESF experts and see the hazards in the top 10 most dangerous products found via online marketplaces*:
1. An energy-saving device
2. A portable heater
3. A ‘waterproof’ extension lead
4. An EV charging cable
5. A universal extension lead
6. A 5-in-1 hair styler
7. A plug-in light
8. A fast charger 20W
9. Travel adaptor (universal)
10. A 3200W food blender
For those who can’t visit the ‘Shock Stall’ event, ESF has uploaded demonstration videos featuring its technical experts explaining the hazards associated with these products on its social media channels.
ESF has also released their top tips to making safer electrical purchases online:
1. Don’t buy on price alone – not all bargains are worth it!
2. Don’t just take the seller’s word for it – or the reviewers!
3. Know where you’re buying from.
4. Beware of words qualifying an item’s authenticity.
5. Stick to reputable retailers you know and trust.
It has released the result of an investigation which found more than 50 products being sold as safe on sites such as Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Wish, Facebook Marketplace & AliExpress that failed to meet safety standards.
Investigators found potentially lethal heaters, electric vehicle chargers that overheated and kitchen blenders that poured with smoke when switched on. Other everyday items such as hair stylers, energy-saving devices and e-bike chargers were all found to be potentially dangerous as seriously unsafe household products are being sold via online marketplaces.
One portable heater was so dangerous it posed a ‘risk to life’, an EV car charging cable presented a risk of electric shock and overheating, with others failing shock tests. One kitchen blender began to overheat and smoke within 30 seconds of being turned on, whilst beauty buys selling for under £30 have been found to pose both fire and electric shock risks.
The charity is concerned that shoppers will be looking to bag a bargain more than ever before during a cost-of-living crisis, putting more at risk from buying dangerous electricals from online marketplaces.
To keep shoppers safe, ESF is launching its “Don’t Be Electricked” campaign, taking to the streets today, Wednesday 29th March, setting up a ‘Shock Stall’ at Berwick Street Market.
Members of the public will be able to talk to ESF experts and see the hazards in the top 10 most dangerous products found via online marketplaces*:
1. An energy-saving device
2. A portable heater
3. A ‘waterproof’ extension lead
4. An EV charging cable
5. A universal extension lead
6. A 5-in-1 hair styler
7. A plug-in light
8. A fast charger 20W
9. Travel adaptor (universal)
10. A 3200W food blender
For those who can’t visit the ‘Shock Stall’ event, ESF has uploaded demonstration videos featuring its technical experts explaining the hazards associated with these products on its social media channels.
ESF has also released their top tips to making safer electrical purchases online:
1. Don’t buy on price alone – not all bargains are worth it!
2. Don’t just take the seller’s word for it – or the reviewers!
3. Know where you’re buying from.
4. Beware of words qualifying an item’s authenticity.
5. Stick to reputable retailers you know and trust.
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