Every year around 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries in UK homes are caused by faulty electrics and electrical equipment. Nearly 9/10 electrical fires are caused by products, either through misuse or faults.

Here are 10 top tips to keep you safe when shopping online:

1. Check the voltage of products is 230V, 50Hz (the UK’s usual domestic voltage) and that they are fitted with a three-pin UK plug or charger.
2. Look for the seller’s contact details ensuring there is a full address and not just a PO Box number. Not all websites with a. co.uk address are based in the UK.
3. Avoid buying second-hand products, especially if the guarantee or warranty has run out, you don’t know what condition it’s in.
4. Look for websites that allow you to pay safely – these have a padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in your payment details.
5. Do a price check and, if you have time, visit the high street too. If a bargain looks too good to be true, the chances are it probably is!
6. Use online review websites to find out what people are saying about products and sellers.
7. Read the product guarantees, sellers’ terms and conditions, returns policies and private statements.
8. Check that the site is a member of an online retail accrediting body such as Internet Shopping Is Safe (ISIS), which means they have signed up to certain service standards.
9. If you use your credit card to spend £100 or more on an item, you can hold both the trader and the credit card company liable if something goes wrong with the sale.
10. Keep records of anything you order.

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.