Product safety reportOPSS
50ft Lighting Chain sold on AliExpress safety warning over an electric shock risk
Product Safety Report for 50ft lighting chain sold via AliExpress presenting a high risk of electric shock.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
1 identifier listed for this notice.
50ft Lighting Chain sold on AliExpress
- ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
- GY-E12-50L
What to do now
50ft Lighting Chain sold on AliExpress could give an electric shock. Live parts may be reachable, or the insulation or earthing may not be good enough.
- Unplug it now and put it away where nobody will plug it back in.
- Do not open it up or try to repair it yourself.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Mains electricity in the UK is 230 volts, enough to cause serious injury or death. Cheap chargers, adaptors and appliances sold online are among the products most often found with this fault.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- burns where the current entered or left the body
- tingling, numbness or muscle pain
Get help urgently
- anyone who has had a mains shock and is confused, has chest pain, an irregular heartbeat or burns — call 999. Do not touch them until the power is off
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2208-0378). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for 50ft lighting chain sold via AliExpress presenting a high risk of electric shock.
The risk
The product presents a high risk of electric shock due to inadequate creepage and clearance distances and a non-compliant outlet connector. The minimum creepage and clearance distances for reinforced insulation between the lamp cap live contact terminal and accessible surface was 2.1mm, below the required minimum of 3.0mm clearance and 5.0mm creepage. The outlet connector contact depth measured 2.3mm, below the required 3.0mm. The product is marketed for outdoor use but does not have an IP44 rating. Some of the required documentation and markings were not present.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
Action taken
The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (AliExpress).
Advice to consumers
The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (AliExpress).
We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2208-0378
Notified by: Office for Product Safety and Standards
Product description
A 50ft black lighting chain with 50 incandescent bulbs and black plug.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has 50ft Lighting Chain sold on AliExpress been reported?
50ft Lighting Chain sold on AliExpress could give an electric shock. Live parts may be reachable, or the insulation or earthing may not be good enough. Mains electricity in the UK is 230 volts, enough to cause serious injury or death. Cheap chargers, adaptors and appliances sold online are among the products most often found with this fault.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the model on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Unplug it now and put it away where nobody will plug it back in. Do not open it up or try to repair it yourself.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
Where was 50ft Lighting Chain sold on AliExpress sold?
The notice names AliExpress. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
