Sales of electric blankets have increased as they are a relatively economical way of keeping warm during the winter
(Picture: Getty Images)Unsafe and illegal electric blankets that could cause electric shocks are being sold online, according to a consumer report.
The products include blankets with hazardous plugs and loose wires that pose the risk of serious harm, Which? found.
Electric blankets have shot up in popularity as Brits seek economical ways to keep warm as energy bills rise during the cost of living crisis. However, consumers are being warned to be more vigilant about the build and quality of these products, some of which cost as little as £13.
Nine out of the 11 electric blankets, throws and shawls Which? bought from third-party sellers on AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish should not be sold legally in the UK, the consumer group said.
They included three blankets from AliExpress with “cheap” and “nasty” plugs and adapters that could lead to users getting an electric shock. Others had issues with their build quality, packaging and instructions.
All nine problem products did not carry a UKCA or CE mark, which indicates compliance with environmental, health and safety standards. In addition, some of the blankets provided very little heating or did not work properly, the tests showed.
The two blankets that passed all the tests, and were deemed fit for use, included the 1Above double size heated blanket available on Amazon for £27, and the Electric heated throw, bought through eBay for £16.
After reporting the products to the online marketplaces, AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish removed the items that failed the tests and assessments, said Which?
The findings come as MPs and charities are calling for new regulations to protect consumers from potentially harmful goods sold on online marketplaces. Last week a Private Member’s Bill was tabled by Labour MP for Gateshead Ian Mearns to close “a gap in the law” in this area, the BBC reports.
Charity Electrical Safety First is backing the bill after previously identifying lethal electrical goods available to purchase on online marketplaces with third-party sellers.
The consumer group’s head, Lesley Rudd, said: “Households are perpetually being left at risk from products, such as dangerous electric blankets, as people seek to keep heating costs down. Without changes to the law, people will continue to be left exposed and vulnerable."
AliExpress, Amazon, eBay and Wish all told Which? that they take safety and compliance very seriously, and acted fast to take down the products identified as unsafe.
