Warning over unsafe cheap appliances flooding the market

While consumers are constantly searching for bargains, the illicit trade in electrical appliances is posing a serious threat to household safety.

Connie Jonkers, technical lead at Safehouse, said there has been a rise in demand for cheaper appliances, resulting in a flood of ultra-low-cost imports entering the market.

He explained that all electrical appliances are required to meet compulsory safety specifications that illicit products often fail to comply with, placing consumers at risk.

"If the price is low in comparison with some of the other brands, then you must be alerted that this could be a non-compliant product.

 "The risk is quite high if you buy a product that sets your house alight,” he said.

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Jonkers stressed the importance of being vigilant when purchasing electrical goods, particularly online, where products may not always be physically inspected. 

He also suggested checking the weight of products, as many non-compliant products use aluminum conductors instead of copper.

 "If the price is low, it's a red flag… If you pick up a product, you can feel that one is very light and flimsy, while the other is more robust.”

To listen to Burke in conversation with CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford, click the audio player below: