Watch Out for Safety Risks in Black Friday Sales
NAPIT is warning consumers not to rush into picking up Black Friday bargains without considering whether the products they buy will bring danger into their home.
Sales on Black Friday have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, with bargain hunters set to spend over £5bn over the ‘Black Friday Weekend’ this year according to the auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. But it’s not just Christmas gifts that are being offered for sale at this time of year: smart lighting and heating systems, boilers and even solar panels are being discounted by certain retailers. These products, however, could be dangerous if consumers ignore the need for their installation work to be carried out competently.
Frank Bertie, NAPIT’s Chief Technical Officer, said "Whether shopping on Black Friday or on any other day of the year, it’s best to remember that if something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Fake and counterfeit electrical goods could be lurking on the websites of even the most reputable online sellers. These are unlikely to conform to safety standards, leaving a very real risk of overheating, exploding or fire. The fact that electrical, heating and power generating systems are now being included in Black Friday sales is concerning. When considering whether to take advantage of these deals, consumers must remember that these products must be installed by tradespeople who are competent to carry out the work. Not only will this ensure that the installation meets Building Regulations, it will also mean that your home stays safe so this does not turn into a Christmas to remember for the wrong reasons."
Using a NAPIT-registered installer who is competent to install electrical work, heating or renewable energy systems ensures that the work will meet the latest technical safety standards and Government Regulations, and will be covered by insurance. To search a database of over 10,000 NAPIT-registered installers, visit www.napit.org.uk
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Article Published:
22 November 2018
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