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:

addison-lee listed on couponmatrix.ukdefacto listed on couponmatrix.ukfullers listed on couponmatrix.ukgraham-and-green listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-independent-pharmacy listed on couponmatrix.ukposturite listed on couponmatrix.uk
addison-lee listed on couponmatrix.ukFor over 40 years, Addison Lee has provided the UK with award-winning business-class car services. With 10 million customers each year in London alone, Addison Lee’s premier private-hire taxi service delivers excellent comfort, class and value for money. Discover the difference for less with an Addison Lee promo code and arrive at your next destination in style. With 98% of bookings arriving on time, plus a no surge charges promise, your next Addison Lee trip will be one to remember.
defacto listed on couponmatrix.ukDeFacto is where you’ll find stylish basics to brighten up your wardrobe rotation, hard-wearing school uniform and glitzy partywear – all in one place! It’s on-trend yet always affordable with a DeFacto discount code available for both new and existing customers when you check Groupon. From the depths of winter to balmy summers, DeFacto keeps your wardrobe well-stocked with great quality clothing that’ll last for years to come, and there are some fantastic discounts for students, NHS staff and with friend referrals.
fullers listed on couponmatrix.ukOperating over 300 pubs in the hearty south of England, Fuller’s has long built a reputation as the place to be on a sunny summer Saturday. The perfect way to indulge in a weekend celebration with friends, customers can freely use some Fuller’s vouchers to kick back a round or three for far less. Round up your trip to your local Fuller’s establishment with a look overt their fresh selection of seafood and meat to ensure you leave with your thirst slaked and your hunger satisfied.
graham-and-green listed on couponmatrix.ukFor over 40 years, Graham & Green has searched the earth for the most beautiful treasures, and now - online and across five nationwide boutiques - you can explore the whimsical collection for yourself. Invite a little creativity into your home for less with a Graham & Green discount code and surround yourself in one-of-a-kind beauty. Decorate your spaces with the finest furniture, furnishings and accessories, and discover the true meaning of home.
the-independent-pharmacy listed on couponmatrix.ukInstead of wasting time waiting to see a GP, the Independent Pharmacy makes ordering treatments fast and simple. You’ll find common treatments for conditions like acne, hair loss, rosacea and hayfever, and you won’t even need to see a pharmacist! While delivery is free on orders over £40, you can also speed up the process by paying for express delivery. Either way, you’ll want to use an Independent Pharmacy discount code from Groupon to soothe all your ailments for less.
posturite listed on couponmatrix.ukKeeping a strong posture is an easy thing to let slip over many years, which is why Posturite provide the means to keep you and your body in tip-top condition. Professionals in supplying ergonomic furniture for work, it’s the ideal place to improve your working environment – be it at home or in the office. With a Posturite discount code you can save hundreds on workplace equipment including chairs, desks and accessories that’ll support you for many months to come.