Product safety reportOPSS
Insect Killer safety warning over an electric shock risk
Product Safety Report for Insect Killer presenting a serious risk of electric shock.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
The hazard with Insect Killer is electric shock: it does not meet the safety requirements that keep live parts away from fingers.
- Switch it off at the wall and unplug it. Do not use it again, even briefly.
- Do not attempt a home repair or a different plug.
- This is a safety report rather than a manufacturer recall: the listing has been taken down, but the seller may not contact you. Get in touch with the seller through the marketplace.
- If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.
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
Contact the seller through your order history and say that the product is the subject of an OPSS safety report. Keep screenshots of the listing and your order.
If the seller does not respond, the marketplace’s own dispute process or your card provider is the next step.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2508-0014). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Insect Killer presenting a serious risk of electric shock.
The risk
The product presents a serious risk of electric shock as it is not marked with an IP rating. Insect killers for outdoor use should be IPX4 rated. If the product is used outside, it may be possible for water to ingress and cause the product to become live, presenting a risk of electric shock.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
Action taken
The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.
Advice to consumers
The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2508-0014
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
An insect killing light box with wall plug.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Insect Killer been reported?
The hazard with Insect Killer is electric shock: it does not meet the safety requirements that keep live parts away from fingers. 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?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Switch it off at the wall and unplug it. Do not use it again, even briefly. Do not attempt a home repair or a different plug.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
Contact the seller through your order history and say that the product is the subject of an OPSS safety report. Keep screenshots of the listing and your order. If the seller does not respond, the marketplace’s own dispute process or your card provider is the next step.
