A common bathroom gadget has been urgently recalled over concerns it could cause fires in users’ homes. A charger base for an electric toothbrush sold on TikTok was found to contain the wrong fuse.
A notice issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards said: “The product presents a serious risk of fire as it has loose connections, which may overheat and cause a fire. The plug is incorrectly marked 13A but is fitted with a 3A fuse.”
The white charging base, made in China has the model code HYC3757A and the barcode 911014169366.
Officials deemed that the product did not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994.
It has been pulled from the TikTok marketplace and the notice added: “Owners are advised to stop using the product immediately and contact the TikTok seller for redress.”
Electricity is linked to around 20,000 fires in UK homes each year, according to Electrical Safety First.
And nine out of 10 electrical fires are caused by electrical products. Cooking appliances, including microwaves, are the most common cause of accidental electrical fires.
Risk of fires related to electrical devices can be reduced by remembering not to overload plug sockets and regularly checking for worn on frayed wires.
Experts also suggest unplugging appliances that are not in use and keeping them clean and in good working order.
