Unsafe electricals flooding UK market, charity warns

One electric vehicle (EV) charging cable bought from eBay presented a risk of electric shock and overheating when it was tested by a specialist laboratory, Electrical Safety First (ESF) said. Two other EV charging cables bought from Amazon Marketplace also failed electric shock tests. The charity warned that high energy costs were also leading to consumers to unwittingly choose cheaper but “potentially lethal” heaters.

A portable heater bought through eBay proved to be one of the most dangerous products uncovered by the charity, with 240 volts running through a heating element easily exposed or accessible through an insecure cover.

It also found bargain beauty buys for under GBP30 including hair dryers and straighteners fitted with illegal mains plugs lacking a fuse, presenting both fire and electric shock risks. One kitchen blender fitted with a defective motor began to overheat and produce smoke less than a minute after being switched on.

The blender found by Electrical Safety First to emit smoke shortly after it was switched on (Electrical Safety First/PA)

Cyclists were also found to be at risk from unsafe e-bike chargers available on Amazon Marketplace, despite a previous investigation by ESF highlighting their fire risk. ESF chief executive Lesley Rudd said: “With so many people feeling the squeeze, we’re concerned that more shoppers than ever could be exposing themselves to risk from supposed bargains found on online marketplaces.

“These products can come at a dangerous cost. People are buying everyday products like hair dryers and phone chargers online without knowing the hazards they present. “Third-party sellers are well aware of consumers’ desire to save money right now, so they are flooding the UK with cheap, poor-quality electricals through online marketplaces.

We’re even seeing them invest in advertising to drive sales, despite their products putting consumers at serious risk. “That’s why the Government must act urgently to protect people by introducing legislation that forces online marketplaces to take reasonable steps to ensure the products they sell on their platforms are safe.”

An Amazon spokesman said: “Safety is a top priority at Amazon and we require all products in our store to comply with applicable laws and regulations. “We have removed these products while we investigate.

“If customers have concerns about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact us directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.” An eBay spokeswoman said: “Keeping our users safe is our top priority. When Electrical Safety First flagged these items to us, we immediately removed them, and alerted buyers who had purchased one of the items within the last 90 days.

“We use block filter algorithms which aim to prevent unsafe products from being listed. These filters blocked 4.8 million listings in 2022. If an unsafe product does make it on to site, we swiftly remove it and provide product safety education to the sellers to prevent relisting.

“We also work closely with stakeholders and regulators to keep our platform safe.

Our Regulatory Portal enables authorities from around the world to report listings of unsafe products, such as those flagged by ESF, for swift removal.”

Tags:

matalan listed on couponmatrix.ukboux-avenue listed on couponmatrix.ukglasses-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-dungeons listed on couponmatrix.uknevisport listed on couponmatrix.ukrunderwear listed on couponmatrix.uk
matalan listed on couponmatrix.ukValue for money is Matalan’s middle name. For those holiday basics, family essentials and garden must-haves, it’s all in one place at Matalan – where your money is guaranteed to go further. We’re suckers for a great deal, so the next time you need to stock up on Matalan dresses or home decor, head straight to our page for Matalan discount codes to cut the cost of your order. At Groupon, we track every Matalan sale and hand-pick the best Matalan deals available on the website now, so it’s easier than ever to manage a family budget.
boux-avenue listed on couponmatrix.ukA bra that looks good, feels great and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Count us in! Boux Avenue caters from A to G cup, without charging a premium for larger cup sizes. Snap up a Boux Avenue discount code from us to give your wardrobe a new lease of life: think flattering lingerie, sleepwear and sports clothing that actually gives the support you need. For a more affordable underwear collection, go with Boux Avenue.
glasses-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukChoose Glasses Direct for your next pair of frames and you’ll enjoy massive savings on great quality glasses, with over 500 styles to choose from. Shopping with the UK's leading online prescription glasses retailer has never been a better idea! Make the most of your money by using a Glasses Direct discount code during checkout to get you a great discount on your order subtotal. At Glasses Direct you can rest assured that qualified opticians are working to find the best solution for your prescription.
the-dungeons listed on couponmatrix.ukA fabulously frightening experience is available for all the family, with money to be saved upon entry with London Dungeons vouchers from us. Stages, sets, actors and special effects are brought together for fun-filled experiences in horrifying locations across the UK and Europe. Groupon wants to help bring history to life in all its gruesome detail, and is teaming up with the company to offer you a trip to The Dungeons without any excessive expense.
nevisport listed on couponmatrix.ukIf hiking and climbing is your pastime of choice, you need to know Nevisport. Setup by two mountain climbing experts, this Scottish-based outdoor equipment company has all the gear and clothing needed to tackle anything from a hillside stroll to a vertical ice wall. Bring along a Nevisport discount code and kit yourself out in your ideal trekking outfit of choice for a fraction of the price.
runderwear listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Runderwear, the home of high performance underwear for runners. We believe that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and supported while they're out on the road or trail, so we've got a range of options to suit every need. And, to help you save on your purchase, we've gathered all the best Runderwear discount codes in one place. Whether you're looking for a new pair of briefs or a sports bra that will keep you feeling supported throughout your run, we've got you covered. At Groupon, we believe that everyone deserves to save on their purchase - no matter what they're buying. That's why we've gathered all the best Runderwear offers in one place, so you can easily find a code that will help you save on some snug new undies. Plus, our team is always on the lookout for new Runderwear sales and seasonal promotions, so you can be sure that you're getting the best possible price. Ladies, if you're looking for great chest support when exercising, we've got just the thing. The Runderwear running bras is designed to offer maximum stability, so you can focus on your run - not on your discomfort. Plus, with a Runderwear voucher code, you can enjoy savings on your newest running must-have. Be you the occasional jogger or a regular runner, trust Runderwear to keep comfort at the forefront so you can focus on going the distance.