A US-bought heating pad overheated and failed.
Earlier this month we highlighted the dangers of purchasing electrical products – mainly mobile phone chargers – from Kiwi internet-auction sites and discount retailers. These were products that required an adapter to plug into local electrical outlets.
We’ve come across another case where an electric heating pad was bought from a US-based internet shopping site. The pad was designed for the 120-volt electrical system in the US and came with a standard American plug.
The unit was plugged into the local 230-volt supply via a plug adapter. Not surprisingly, the heating pad overheated and failed. Fortunately the smoking heat pad was noticed before it caused a fire, but it could have been potentially lethal.
The heating pad was probably not at fault because it was designed for the lower voltage US system and marked as such. It should never have been plugged into our electricity supply.
Our advice
- Don't buy electrical products from overseas.
- Any electrical product you buy should plug directly into a wall socket and not need an adapter. If you have bought an appliance that needs an adapter, don't use it – and make sure you get a full refund from the supplier as well.
More information
- Energy Safety: www.energysafety.govt.nz
More from consumer.org.nz
- Unsafe electrical products - our earlier news item
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I have two items that I believe fit in this category. They are:
Golf GPS (purchased in Australia)
Heated vest (rechargeable) - purchased locally
How do I know whether these items are safe?