Safety warning for e-cigarette chargers

7th January 2015

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Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager said: " Our advice for e-cigarettes is the same as for many smaller electrical appliances such as mobile phones and laptops - don’t be tempted to buy cheap unbranded chargers, don’t leave them to charge whilst you are out of the house or asleep and keep them well away from flammable materials.”

Advice has been issued nationally to e-cigarette users after reports of several devices exploding while charging, causing minor fires:

When buying e-cigarettes:

Check that the output voltage and current ratings marked on the charger and the electrical device (battery) are the same
Look for a manufacturer’s brand name or logo, model and batch number
The name and address of the producer must also be included with the product which must be an address in the European Union
Check for a CE mark, but do not rely on this alone to guarantee a product’s safety. A CE mark is a declaration from the manufacturer that the product is safe, but like all markings it can be forged
Check that instructions on how to use the product safely, conditions and limitations of use and how to safely dispose of the product are included.
Avoid buying counterfeit or substandard goods

When charging e-cigarettes:

Use the charger supplied with the E-cigarette or recommended by the manufacturer
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe charging, use and disposal
Remember that charging requirements vary from one device to the other
Always keep the device away from flammable or combustible materials such as a bed or soft furnishings
Don’t exceed the recommended charging time or leave unattended for any significant length of time (e.g. overnight whilst you’re asleep or go out)
Do not overload plug sockets
Check that your electrical products have not been recalled
Switch off appliances at the socket when not in use

The Electrical Safety Council has produced an ‘Electrical Chargers – A Buyer’s Guide’ that can be downloaded for free from their website at www.esc.org.uk

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