Product recall: Britons warned of household item with 'high' risk of electric shock

A plug-in fan heater has been recalled

GETTY
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 28/08/2024

- 15:51

Users could get an electric shock from the product

Britons are urged to check if they have bought a fan heater as this could pose a safety risk.

The affected gadgets were sold online but the UK Government has warned against their use.


Alpha Plug-In Fan Heater

Type: Electrical appliances and equipment - fan heater

Model: 500W

Country of Origin: China

Risk level: High

Product description: Unbranded black and white fan heater designed to plug directly into the wall socket

Plug-in fan heater

Britons risk getting an electric shock

OPSS

The Government body, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) shared a warning for customers and advised them how to return the product.

It said: "The product presents a high risk of electric shock as the distance between the live pin and the edge of the plug face is too short.

"Owners are recommended to stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress."

The household gadget has been sold by various retailers online but has failed to meet safety requirements.

The OPSS added: "The product presents a high risk of electric shock because the plug face does not meet the dimensional requirements of the relevant standard, BS 1363.

"The distance between the live pin and the edge of the plug face was too short, meaning users could touch live pins while plugging in, or unplugging, the plug from the socket.

"The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 or the Plugs & Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994."

Product recalls are issued when items are known to be faulty, and the warnings should not be ignored by customers.

VacuumsThe products pose a risk to any customers OPSS

The OPSS said: "The vacuums present a serious risk of electric shock as they were supplied with 3-pin ‘clover’ style plugs which do not meet the requirements of the relevant standard, BS 1363.

"Clover-style plugs are unfused, and due to the dimensions of the plug pins, it is possible for users to touch the live pin when plugging in or unplugging the plug from the socket.

"The instructions supplied were deemed inadequate and there were no warnings marked on the product or packaging.

"The vacuums do not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 or the Plugs & Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994."

You may like