The police warn about cheap electrical goods from the Far East, especially from the online platform Temu: Numerous international product tests cause a lot of excitement, 99 percent of the goods are defective. The fire risk is increasing enormously, local fire brigades explain.
Last year there were a striking number of fires in Switzerland attributed to the use of electrical goods from low-cost platforms such as Temu. The Aargau Cantonal Police has now published a video online warning against purchasing these products and recommending purchasing electrical appliances from local dealers. Not only is this considered safer, but it usually has insurance benefits as well. The online advice has already been clicked thousands of times!
The number of fires and accidents involving lithium batteries and charging cables has increased significantly worldwide. New York City alone recorded 108 such fires last year, resulting in 66 injuries and 13 deaths. In 2022 there were 98 fires, 40 injuries and 2 deaths. In China, a 23-year-old died while answering a call while her smartphone was charging. It is suspected that the charging cable was to blame.
And in the central Vietnamese province of Ha Tinh, a 14-year-old girl suffered a fatal electric shock while charging her mobile phone because the insulation on a cheap charging cable was broken. Tests by the British consumer protection organization Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) have shown how dangerous counterfeit chargers are: of 400 chargers from the Far East, 397 failed basic safety tests.
Low prices online also attract Austrians
Cheap platforms on the Internet are also very popular among Austrians. At Temu it is said that strict quality controls are carried out. The low prices were not at the expense of quality or consumer safety, but were explained by the elimination of middlemen and the reduction of logistics costs.
In any case, the domestic representation of the European Consumer Center has not yet registered any questions in this regard. Despite everything, the matter is clearly settled: If damage occurs due to defective goods, so-called product liability applies. “Temu is located in the Irish capital Dublin. If the manufacturer is not established in the European Economic Area, the importer is ultimately liable. This could therefore be the relevant internet platform through which these products are purchased,” top lawyer Jakob Zarari explains in an interview with “Krone”.
In general, local experts also warn against cheap trinkets from the Far East. “It is better to pay a little more, stay on the safe side and, above all, buy certified devices locally,” is the motto. This not only protects against unpleasant surprises, but also saves lives in an emergency. The local fire brigade can also sing a song about it. A large number of operations could have been avoided in this way.
The next generation battery should no longer cause fires
If damaged, lithium-ion batteries can cause dangerous fires that are difficult to extinguish. The American company Nanotech Energy has now developed a new type of lithium-ion battery that has a significantly reduced risk of fire. This battery is made of graphene and a specially developed, patented electrolyte that does not catch fire or explode. It is not only suitable for electric vehicles, but also for other electronic devices such as laptops or power banks.
Nanotech Energy’s battery cells are manufactured in both cylindrical and flat shapes, improving energy density and performance. Made in the USA, the batteries can also withstand extreme temperatures and have been tested to continue functioning even after being shot by a gun or pierced with a nail.
Fire brigade warns against carelessness when handling batteries, etc
Battery fires will probably never be completely prevented. But there are ways to minimize the risk. The risk of fire is reduced, especially if the device is properly stored, maintained and protected from mechanical influences. In short, if the device falls to the ground, the battery may be damaged. When charging, it is recommended to use high-quality chargers and charging cables. And make sure they are undamaged.
Extreme caution should be exercised if the battery begins to crackle and swell. If it gets distorted, that’s a definite warning sign. In case of emergency, first disconnect the device from the power supply and isolate the source of danger. You can use a metal bucket or cooking pot for this. For safety reasons, it is also advisable to immediately alert the fire brigade.
In the past, several houses and apartments have burned down in this country due to defective batteries in the household, local Florianis warn.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
