The Dangers of Second-Hand Electrical Appliances: Risks and Safety Tips
The second-hand electrical appliance market is experiencing a surge in growth due to the reduced cost and environmental benefits of purchasing pre-owned goods. From antique lamps in a charity shop to washing machines on Facebook marketplace, more and more people are choosing to buy second-hand. However, as sales of these items increase, so does the need to be mindful of the associated risks.
Fire Risks of Second-Hand Appliances
Faulty or misused appliances are a leading cause of accidental fires in the UK, according to Electrical Safety First. Second-hand appliances bought through a third party, such as online or in charity shops, may have unknown wear, missing safety features, or may not be compliant with updated safety regulations. Some pre-owned devices also lack user manuals or details about past maintenance, making them harder to operate safely.
London Fire Brigade reports that domestic appliances cause over 2,100 house fires each year, with products like washing machines and dryers being primary sources. Faulty electrical products cause 89% of electrical house fires in the UK according to insuranceclaims.co.uk, and research by Electrical Safety First shows that white goods alone account for roughly five house fires each day in England.
A significant issue with second-hand electrical appliances is their age and unknown maintenance history. Appliances without updated safety checks or repair records are at higher risk for electrical faults, which can lead to overheating or even a fire. Here are some tips for reducing fire risks when purchasing or using second-hand appliances.
Tips for Purchasing and Using Second-Hand Electrical Appliances Safely:
Inspect for Damage: Check cords, plugs, and visible components for signs of wear and damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. If possible, test the appliance before buying.
Get an Electrical Test: Have an electrician inspect the appliance, especially if it is older, to verify that it meets current safety standards.
Use Correct Sockets: Avoid overloading sockets by plugging in too many appliances in the same outlet. Where possible, plug appliances directly into the wall rather than extension leads, especially high-power devices.
Set Clear Guidelines: Avoid leaving appliances like washing machines and dryers running unattended, especially overnight, as these products are more likely to overheat.
Regularly Service High-Risk Appliances: Arrange routine checks for appliances like washing machines and dryers, which are commonly associated with fires due to electrical faults and overheating.
The Infoo App – Get Notified About Recalls: Infoo allows users to scan a device’s label or barcode and receive instant access to any associated recall warnings, safety alerts, or compliance notices with UK regulations. By consolidating recall data from manufacturers’ websites, government databases, and other locations into the UK’s largest recall dataset, Infoo streamlines the process of verifying your appliances and greatly reduces the risk of a safety event occurring.
By carefully inspecting and maintaining second-hand electrical appliances, you can enjoy the benefits of saving money whilst keeping your home safe from potential fire hazards. Always stay informed of current fire safety practices, and invest in smoke detectors and fire alarms as an additional safety measure.
