Wake up, don't fake up!

The first day of the wake up, don't fake up campaign from the electrical safety charity Electrical Safety First took place on Sunday. Electrical Safety First have partnered with the City of London Police to help to spread an important electrical safety message about the safe use of electrical beauty products such as hair dryers, hair straighteners and curlers.

As electricians in South East London, we know how easy it can be to fall into the trap of purchasing fake electrical products – especially when looking good is concerned! There is nothing worse than your hair straighteners packing up when you have a big night out planned! Being offered a pair of cheap hair straighteners can seem like a real life saver in times like these!

Beware of fake electrical items!

Getting your hands on those straighteners is only a short term fix if the straighteners turn out to be fake. Imagine that, plugging them in to find they catch fire when in use – or worse still actually electrocute you. That's not even worth thinking about – dying to look good? That should never happen!

The market for fake electrical beauty items whether that be a hair dryer or electric shaver or anything in-between is huge. Products that seem to match the hair dryer sold in Superdrug for twice the price can be sold in on line shops or on market stalls can seem really tempting. Unfortunately these very products have also revealed some nasty electrical injuries or serious burns to the face and hands.

Many fake electrical products lack basic safety features that you probably take for granted on genuine products.

What is so wrong with fake electrical items?

Everyone likes a good deal and if that good deal is safe and fit for use than of course no one would stop you. However fake electrical items can and do kill and failing that, can cause expensive electrical damage in your home or could even burn it down! Is it really worth the risks to safe a few quid on a hair-dryer?

Fake electrical beauty products can overheat and catch fire. Often this is because the wiring inside them is not suitable and literally just melts with the heat. This is even more scary when electrical beauty products are often used around the face.

The problem with fake electrical products is that they nearly always look the same as the genuine product at a glance. Below are the typical problems found with fake electrical items:

• Poor outer casing

Take a closer look at the plastic casing of the product and it can often appear to be badly constructed. Look out for cracks in the plastic where bare wires can be seen or badly fitted cable again where wire could be seen.

• No CE mark

No CE mark would mean the product doesn't comply with strict UK or EU law meaning you would be at risk of electrical shock or injury. Although electrical items have been known to be stamped with a fake CE mark, not having one at all would definitely mean to avoid at all costs!

• No box or instructions

When you purchase a genuine electrical product, you would get a box and instructions written in English. If you find you are presented with a product with no box and no instructions then this is bad news. All electrical products have to be supplied with instructions and suitable packaging.

• No guarantee

Fake electrical products are nearly always a waste of money as there is no way of returning them if/when a fault develops. All you can do is discard it and buy a new (genuine) item!

Damage to home electrics

Is is not just the electrical item itself that is the risk. Plugging it in can cause overheating to your socket too. In turn this can lead to overheating of internal wiring in your home and worst case fire. Imagine if you accidentally left a pair of fake hair straighteners unattended and the damage they could potentially cause.

As electrical contractors in London, we have carried out extensive electrical repair work for householders who have unfortunately fallen victim to fake electrical items.  If you feel that you have used fake electrical products and are concerned about the damage they could cause, unplug immediately and ask a qualified, registered electrician to carry out an EICR on your property.

Fake electrical products are no fun. Save your pennies and buy the real deal. It might cost you more in the beginning but longer term, you'll be pleased. Fake electrical products could cost you your life or home....there is no person in this land who would be prepared to risk so much for something so little.