Legality of selling electrical item with non UK plug

parking_question_chap

Hi

I am not a business seller. Would I be breaking any regulations by selling a used item with a non UK plug?

Its comes with a 2prong plug and I have used it with a travel adapter.

I am specifically referring to this.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electrical-equipment-manufacturers-and-their-responsibilities

I know I am not the manufacturer, but there is a part on second hand goods.

Thanks

mrcol1000

Really anything electrical sold is suppose to be PAT tested first.

You'd have to make it very clear it does not have a UK plug. Even then, it's likely someone will complain.

It really depends on how much it's resale value is and how likely someone will buy it in its current state

Kaston

AFAIK if it is a used item from a private seller, then the regulations don't apply. As long as you describe it accurately and don't misrepresent the item, then you are within your rights to sell it as it is. When it comes to private transactions, it's a case of "buyer beware". Obviously if you are selling through EBay and the buyer does complain, then you risk having to accept it's return and giving a full refund including any postage cost charged and the cost of return postage. This is due to EBay's extra buyers protection policy.

Pierre_De_Grenoble

Change the plug?

ballisticbrian

I got an item with a two pin plug delievered from Germany and it was basically a German ad translated into English by eBay (can't remember what that service was called now). They basically said "return it for refund if you don't like it, but we sell loads of 2 pin plug items to the UK"

Owain_Moneysaver

The law is the The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 and AFAIK does apply to second-hand goods sold as electrical appliances. (I think if the item is clearly, and sold as, a non-working vintage/collectable you don't need to change an original plug.)

Supplying with a travel adapter is not compliant; if an adapter is used it must be one that attaches to the plug and cannot be removed without the use of a tool.

A 2-pin shaverplug is permitted for shavers, toothbrushes etc.

knightstyle

As a private seller you will be OK if you describe it accurately.
I have just bought a secondhand item on Ebay with a continental 2 pin plug which was not described in the listing but was in a photo. This was fine by me but others might complain.

Mr.Generous

Sell it for use in Europe while on holiday, note that some people use adaptors.

RFW

Pierre_De_Grenoble wrote: »

Change the plug?

Or just remove the one that's there and advertise as needing a plug.

If you're unsure of how to sell something to comply with the law, contact your local trading standards office and ask them.

molerat

RFW wrote: »

Or just remove the one that's there and advertise as needing a plug.

If you're unsure of how to sell something to comply with the law, contact your local trading standards office and ask them.

That does not comply with the regulations in the same way as selling with a non compliant plug.

RFW

molerat wrote: »

That does not comply with the regulations in the same way as selling with a non compliant plug.

Not my area of expertise. A quick check suggests you're right. I'd certainly advise checking with Trading Standards, they would alert as to how best to sell the item. If it's valuable then it would be worth getting it tested with an electrician.