Boysstuff.co.uk - illegal item sold to me?

gr1340

I purchased a gaming chair and steering wheel from boysstuff.co.uk.

Ignoring the other issues I have had with the order (item not sent for Saturday delivery, incorrect address on 1 of the 2 parcels, ignoring my emails) I believe that the steering wheel is illegal.

When it arrived on Wednesday, I opened the box and discovered that it had a 2 pin European plug and not the standard UK 3 pin.

I was going to use it with my 2 to 3 pin adapter but checked out it is was safe first. I have found The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 guide on the internet which states:

The only time a 2 pin plug item can be sold (expect shavers and toothbrushes) is when:
(a)is correctly fitted with a non–UK plug which complies with the safety provisions of IEC 884–1; and
(b)is fitted with a conversion plug which complies with the requirements of paragraph (3) below and which encloses the fitted non–UK plug and can only be removed by the use of a tool.

Neither of the above have been done or included.

I have sent an email to the company to advise of this (whenever I phone they always email me back) earlier this morning and as of yet, I have not had a reply.

What should I do next?

My thoughts were to contact Citizens Advice who can then pass this to Trading Standards if required.

BrentMeister

1) Return the chair and get a refund
2) Fit a UK plug

bod1467

BrentMeister wrote: »

2) Fit a UK plug

I'd guess that it is a moulded plug. That would need to be cut off to fit a UK plug. Such an action may well void any warranty, and perhaps also limit consumer rights.

BrentMeister

bod1467 wrote: »

I'd guess that it is a moulded plug. That would need to be cut off to fit a UK plug. Such an action may well void any warranty, and perhaps also limit consumer rights.

Good point.

In which case I'd just return for a refund, although depends what the OP wants out of this.

visidigi

bod1467 wrote: »

I'd guess that it is a moulded plug. That would need to be cut off to fit a UK plug. Such an action may well void any warranty, and perhaps also limit consumer rights.

If it is then...

The only time a 2 pin plug item can be sold (expect shavers and toothbrushes) is when:
(a)is correctly fitted with a non–UK plug which complies with the safety provisions of IEC 884–1

Means it should be compliant

OP hasn't actually said why it doesn't meet this regulation

gr1340

visidigi wrote: »

If it is then...



Means it should be compliant

OP hasn't actually said why it doesn't meet this regulation

You forgot the 'and':

(a)is correctly fitted with a non–UK plug which complies with the safety provisions of IEC 884–1; and
(b)is fitted with a conversion plug which complies with the requirements of paragraph (3) below and which encloses the fitted non–UK plug and can only be removed by the use of a tool.

I guess I might just cut the plug off then. I really can't be bothered with returning it as they are the worst company I have ever dealt with.

gr1340

Basically then, If I buy one of the adapters off Amazon for £4 that encloses the plug, it will be fine.

I will do that instead.

wealdroam

gr1340 wrote: »

Basically then, If I buy one of the adapters off Amazon for £4 that encloses the plug, it will be fine.

I will do that instead.

Yes, perhaps one of these.

pappa_golf

first time I have seen one of those adaptor (never needed to look for one) , what worries me tho is the lack of fuse in the unit.

wealdroam

pappa_golf wrote: »

first time I have seen one of those adaptor (never needed to look for one) , what worries me tho is the lack of fuse in the unit.

You want one with a fuse - try this one.

lovinituk

Don't buy one - ask the vendor to supply an adapter!