Fire service warns over unsafe electrical buys

Fire crews are warning residents about the dangers of unsafe electrical products bought online. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service shared an image from a recent fire involving a cordless vacuum cleaner. The service says some electrical items sold through cheap online marketplaces may not meet UK safety standards. Faulty components can increase the risk of electric shocks, injuries or fires. Residents are being urged to buy from trusted retailers and check products have recognised safety markings.

Fire crews are warning residents to be cautious when buying electrical items from online marketplaces.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service shared an image from a recent incident involving a cordless vacuum cleaner to highlight potential safety risks linked to electrical products that may not meet recognised UK or European standards.

The service said some items sold through cheaper online platforms can be made with poor quality components that do not meet safety regulations, which increases the risk of electric shocks, injuries or fires within homes.

Fire safety officers are advising residents to purchase electrical items from trusted retailers and to check that products display recognised British or European safety markings before using them.

They also recommend using only the charger supplied with the product or one approved by the manufacturer to reduce the risk of overheating or damage to the device.

More advice on electrical safety in the home is available through Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.