Energy Safety provides these guidelines for buying electrical appliances online:
- Is the appliance fitted with a New Zealand plug? If not, do not buy. The plug should be moulded onto the supply cord. Don't buy electrical goods supplied with an adapter.
- Check the voltage. New Zealand domestic voltage is 230 volts and 50 hertz. The appliance must be marked with this voltage as part of the manufacturer’s labelling.
- Does the appliance come with user instructions in English? If not, do not buy. Ask for a copy before you purchase.
- Does the seller provide a Supplier Declaration of Conformity that shows that the appliance complies with an AS/NZS Standard? If the seller can't supply a written declaration, do not buy.
- Check the seller's location. Not all .co.nz sites are in New Zealand. If the seller is not in New Zealand, you're not protected by New Zealand law.
Avoid buying used/second-hand appliances online. There is no reliable way of determining the safety of a second-hand appliance purchased through the internet.
And remember to keep all records of your purchase.
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