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Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device — fire & electric shock risk

UK OPSSSerious riskFireElectric shockMay 4, 2022
Photo from the official notice: Motex SD008 Plug-In Energy Saving Device — fire & electric shock risk

Photos from the official notice: UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (GOV.UK) · image rights

Hazard

The product presents a serious risk of electric shock and fire due to multiple test failures which included the following. The product does not bear a plug compliant with BS 1363. The earth pin and live and neutral pins are not straight and are too short. The product has weak plug pins that are liable to break off in the socket-outlet. The product was fitted with a large, unmarked capacitor which was only connected to the neutral side of the circuit, despite the manufacturer’s energy saving claims. The device was fitted with a fuse on the PCB, presumably to protect the other components on the PCB however, the fuse was of the low breaking capacity type and is likely to explode in the event of a short circuit. The product also claimed to have lightning or spike protection. Testing revealed it did have a Varistor (MOV) fitted, however the varistors were incorrectly specified and were not fitted with adequate protection for this device. Varistors are also known to degrade after prolonged use. When varistors are specified incorrectly and not provided with proper protection (as is the case here) the result is in an increased fire risk. The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.

Remedy

OPSS are requiring the recall of the product from end users. We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.

Product recall

Measures taken

  • Recall of product from end users
  • Warning consumers of risks

Product description

White energy saving UK plug in device with a bright green strip light at the bottom

What should I do?

If you own this product, stop using it and follow the corrective action above: contact the retailer or supplier for a repair, replacement or refund. This notice was published by the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards.

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