HOUSEHOLDS looking to cut their energy bills are being warned not to buy “dangerous heaters” that could cause fires.
The products claim to save energy, but some were found to pose a “serious risk of electric shock” to the user and others.
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Electrical Safety First investigated the products after spotting adverts claiming that they could help people to save on their energy bills.
It comes as millions of households search for ways to save money after energy prices and other bills have rocketed.
The charity tested three heaters and found that non of them met the necessary UK safety standards.
They were made by brands including Keilini, HeatPal and InstaHeat.
Two of the devices featured such poorly made plugs that the pins risked breaking off when plugged into a socket, the charity said.
A strength test on the plug pins of HeatPal land InstaHeat by the charity found that they both failed.
A keilini branded heater bought by the charity featured no UK plug, instead being fitted with an EU mains plug and a travel adaptor.
Electrical Safety First said this could create a “fire risk”.
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Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, said “It is callous that these sellers are pushing dangerous products they know are going to be sought after by hard up households during an energy crisis.
“Consumers are handing over their hard-earned cash and in exchange receiving a product that puts their safety at risk.
“Claims made about safety found on adverts for these heaters are highly misleading.”
The charity has also shared its findings with the Advertising Standards Authority over concerns about the products’ energy saving claims and with the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
In response Keilini said that its heaters had “relevant certificates of conformity”.
Electrical Safety First said it contacted Instaheat and Heatpal, but they did not reply to the request to comment.
How to keep yourself safe when using a portable heater
The London Fire Brigade recommend households follow the following advice when using portable heaters:
- Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
- Check that your heater is not on a recall list; many fires in the past year were sparked by heaters that have been recalled.
- Never install, repair or service appliances yourself.
- Never install, repair or service appliances yourself.
- Always have your chimney swept by a specialist; at least once a year for coal, twice if burning logs.
- Supervise children and pets and use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.
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