Sussex firefighters warn to think twice before buying Black Friday electronics

The service says some items being sold pose a serious safety risk

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 26th Nov 2021

Don't put a Black Friday bargain before your own safety - that's the message from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS).

The service is reminding people that counterfeit electrical items sold online don't conform to the safety standards items sold from a reputable retailer do.

Simon Woodland, from WSFRS said: "Counterfeit electrical products are likely to contain substandard parts that not only present a serious risk of not only fire but electrical shock as well. It can be impossible for the consumers to tell just by looking at the product that it doesn't meet the required standards.

"A third of people that have bought electrical products have purchased these from online marketplaces. We recommend that people purchase these products from reputable retailers".

The service also suggests looking for the British Kite Mark as a sign of a safe product.

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