In the UK, online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Wish are not bound to the same laws as traditional retailers. This means that fake and other dangerous electrical products are being sold to unknowing customers. Containing sub-standard or counterfeit parts, they present a serious risk of fire or electric shock. Sign our petition and demand action against the unlawful sale of dangerous electricals. The average success rate of an electrical product recall in the UK is below 20%, this means that there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in the UK.
We're Electrical Safety First, the UK's leading charity on electrical safety. We want to make sure that everyone in the UK can use electricity safely, and regularly work with the media, government, businesses and electrical industry to spread our messages far and wide. We campaign on issues that include product recall and registration, electrical DIY, the importance of using registered electricians and counterfeit electrical goods. As well as raising awareness with the public, we also work with politicians to ensure that the Government is doing all it can to keep people safe from electrical accidents.
Many of us consider the visible things in our homes to be the most important - we value our TVs, games consoles and comfy sofas, yet some of the most important and vital components that make up a home aren't immediately visible. The wiring behind your walls is a complex lifeline and one which should only ever be tackled by a registered and fully qualified electrician. The consequences of not doing so could very well mean that everything else goes up in smoke. A properly installed and well-maintained installation can significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury.
Modern homes have more electrical appliances in them than ever before. From white goods to the latest tech gadgets, read our advice to help you shop safe and stay safe once the electrical products are in your home. To protect yourself, your loved ones and your home from the risks associated with dangerous electrical products, only buy from a retailer that you know and trust. If you buy your electrical products from well-known High Street names or directly from the manufacturer, if something does go wrong, they will be able to help you with a refund or repair.
Having a home and its contents flood damaged is a traumatic experience. It is estimated that around 5 million properties in England and Wales are at risk of flooding every year. Sadly, floods seem to be becoming more common and so this figure is only likely to increase in the future. Although certain geographical areas are prone to flooding periodically, some people will wish to continue living in their homes in such areas regardless of future flooding being inevitable. This article provides guidance for electrical installers and consumers on practical measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of damage to the electrical installation and, where it is not possible to prevent flooding by water, measures that will minimise the time needed to return the installation to a serviceable condition and so allow the fastest possible re-occupation of the property.
Electrical Safety First offers a range of tailored consultancy services designed to support organisations involved at any point in the supply chain in the retail of electrical products and appliances. Our team of product safety experts specialise in solving individual business needs and advise clients on best practice procedures, ensuring the products they manufacture and retail meet relevant UK standards, reducing the risk of them causing injury to end users. Download our services brochure and find out how we can help support your business to deliver safer products.
One of the best received sessions at Electrical Safety First's annual Product Safety Conference this year was on the Proliferation of Online Fake Electrical Products. Supporting this was a report launched at the conference and provided to all delegates, "A shocking rip off: The true cost of counterfeit electrical products". This report detailed research undertaken by Electrical Safety First into the current market for counterfeit electrical products in the UK, including a consumer survey and the purchase and testing of a variety of counterfeits.
