Second hand electrical goods warning

Trading standards officers in Cornwall have issued safety warnings about second-hand electrical goods.

Following a recent survey of second hand goods being sold in the County, Cornwall Council has urged buyers and sellers to check that the products comply with safety legislation. Of those items tested, 13% of electrical items were seized after failing standard safety testing.

Andy Burnside from Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team, said: "Safety legislation is not in place to make life difficult for buyers and sellers, it's there to keep people safe from dangerous situations that can occur from using faulty goods.

“Of the products seized, most failed testing due to faulty wiring and plugs. This included 2-pin continental plugs attached to products that are not suitable for UK standard voltage. If used, any of the products had the potential to start a fire.

"Second-hand good sellers are responsible for ensuring they meet legal safety requirements and may also be liable to pay compensation if they sell consumers unsafe goods which cause injury or damage.”

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