Electric fairy lights sold online found to be fire risk

plugs

The Which? consumer group has warned to exercise caution when buying Christmas lights from marketplaces online.

The organisation discovered 6 out of the 13 sets bought and safety tested failed to meet requirements. Two sets of lights overheated to the extent that they melted and others had the potential to cause users electric shocks.

The consumer watchdog recommended buyers only purchase from established retailers. It conducted a survey of lights bought on the High Street, and all passed electrical safety tests.

Head of home products and services for Which?, Natalie Hitchins, said:

“Many of the cheap and seemingly cheerful Christmas lights we’ve tested from online marketplaces simply aren’t safe.”

Which? Is encouraging the government to ensure safety is a priority and put legal responsibility onto marketplaces to stop unsafe products being sold via their sites.

National Trading Standards has also advised shoppers to exercise caution regarding where electrical items are purchased, commenting:

“It is better to spend a bit more and get them from a reputable trader, than to buy something which could be unsafe and potentially cause a fire or electrocution.”

Presently, those importing an electrical item with the aim of supplying it to a UK customer are legally responsible for making sure it complies fully with safety regulations. Failure to supply safe goods could result in prosecution according to National Trading Standards.

To prevent accidents and injuries from electrical goods, all products should be tested by a qualified expert and be officially stamped with the appropriate Safety Standard.

How We Work

plugs
BEST Electrical Contractors

Planning

Identifying at the onset any key issues/limitations

Communication

Holding conversations with key people throughout to discuss requirements

Delivery

Efficient management and excellent workmanship for the duration of the project

Handover

Finalising a complete, regulated job to the client’s specification with documentation

Planning a project?
Need advice?

Accreditations

Request A Quote Today

...

BEST Electrical Contractors

Unit 39, Pioneer Business Centre, North Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 1AE

03333 051576

Bundy’s Electrical & Safety Testing
Registered in England And Wales. Company Number 04738998

    Privacy Policy

    Accreditations

    Request A Quote Today

    ...

    BEST Electrical Contractors

    Unit 39, Pioneer Business Centre, North Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 1AE

    03333 051576

    Bundy’s Electrical & Safety Testing
    Registered in England And Wales. Company Number 04738998

      Privacy Policy

      Scroll to Top
      Call Now!