Second-hand electrical items

Application

The Plugs and Socket Regulations apply to all goods. The Electrical Equipment regulations apply generally to all goods with the exception of those goods which were supplied prior to 1st January 1997 and which were manufactured in compliance with the Low Voltage Electrical Equipment Regulations when those Regulations will still apply.

What types of equipment are covered by these regulations?

With very few exceptions the Regulations apply to ANY ELECTRICAL equipment or device designed or adapted for use with a voltage of between 50 volts and 1000 volts alternating current or a voltage of between 75 volts and 1500 volts direct current.

What do the regulations require?

(a) The aim of the Regulations is to ensure that electrical equipment is safe so as to present no risk of personal injury to people or domestic animals from electrical contact either directly or indirectly. Also persons, domestic animals and property must be adequately protected against non-electrical dangers caused by the equipment.

(b) Electrical equipment should be constructed in accordance with principles accepted as good engineering practice in relation to safety matters.

(c) Electrical equipment must meet the essential safety requirements which include adequate insulation and instructions for use.

(d) It is accepted that if electrical equipment satisfies the requirement of the relevant Harmonised Standards, International Standards or British Safety Standards etc. the equipment will be deemed to be safe.

What types of defect will contravene the regulations?

It would not be practical to list all the detailed requirements of all the Safety standards, however some of the most important and obvious features are listed below.

(1) Mains supply cables must be in good condition and free from defects. Repairing or rejoining cables using insulation tape is UNACCEPTABLE. It should not be possible to touch basic insulation of a mains cord supply.

(2) Any equipment having a flexible cable or cord must be fitted with a standard plug which is fitted with an appropriate fuse link.

(3) Appliances should be so constructed and enclosed so that there is adequate protection against accidental contact with live parts.

(4) It should not be possible for a child or adult to touch the heating element of an electric fire through the fireguard.

(5) Instructions that are necessary for the safe operation of the appliance must either be marked on the equipment itself or be contained in accompanying notes.

(6) All appliances should be marked with the following information:

   a) The rated voltage(s) or the rated voltage(s) range(s)
   b) The rated frequency of the supply in Hertz
   c) The symbol for the nature of the supply
   d) The rated input in watts or Kilowatts
   e) The rated current

(7) Unless it would affect the proper functioning of any equipment it should not be possible to touch any moving parts which could cause injury or damage, e.g. the blades on fans.

Please note that this information is for guidance only and is not a full interpretation of the law which only a court of law can give.

This fact sheet is not comprehensive.

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009