Product recall: Britons warned of household item with 'high' risk of electric shock
A plug-in fan heater has been recalled
GETTY
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
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.
Homeowners were recently warned of another electric shock risk coming from vacuums sold on eBay.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The products pose a risk to any customers OPSSThe 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."