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Erroneous product safety recall
Summary: ovelorioo, an electrical engineer, discussed a product recall for an item they purchased, noting a discrepancy between the product in the box and the one described on the packaging. They found that the recall was based on a mistake, as their testing showed the product to be safe, unlike the model depicted on the packaging. *vyolla* and papso22 engaged in the discussion, emphasizing the confusion caused by mismatched packaging and product descriptions. ovelorioo expressed frustration over the flawed testing process, which might lead to unnecessary waste.
An item I bought, is the subject of product recall, due to serious safety issues(risk of electric shock). I understand what the product recall states in it's wording, and I agree that IF TRUE, there is a serious risk of electric shock.
However, upon testing the product myself(I am an electrical engineer), I have determined that the stated risk does not exist, and that the recall is based upon testing of a product represented on the packaging, NOT IN THE BOX, and is in error.
The packaging shows an item which may or may not be a risk to safety, and the packaging actually confirms this. BUT the item in the box is NOT the same as the on the packaging, and a label on the box confirms that it is a different model to the one pictured. Consequently, possibly very many of these(like I bought) will be discarded, as dangerous, when they are not. This just a result of the inability of whoever does the testing and declaration of unsafeness, to actually read fully the labelling on the box and carry out THEIR OWN TESTING, rather than rely on what others tell them.
As a result, I am completely happy to continue to use the device, in the knowledge that it IS safe, and will not be seeking recompense from the seller due to an erroneous safety recall.
*vyolla*
MentorAug 14, 2026 at 11:51 AMeBay's product safety notifications are advisory notices, they don't do any testing themselves. If the information isn't applicable then just ignore the notification.
ovelorioo
OPAug 14, 2026 at 1:14 PMYou miss the point! The complaint is aimed at "the inability of whoever does the testing and declaration of unsafeness, to actually read fully the labelling on the box and carry out THEIR OWN TESTING, rather than rely on what others tell them." This is NOT a criticism of eBay in any way.
*vyolla*
Mentor3 weeks agoI get the point that you're making in your opening post, it's just that there's nowhere to go with this. Hopefully the brand owner will pick up on this and raise it with the OPSS or Trading Standards.
ovelorioo
OP3 weeks agoYou are right! There is nowhere to go with this. The item in question is a 2kW submersible water immersion heater. The pictures on the box show this item in 4 different colours, and there are warnings on three sides of the box clearly stating "You must unplug before testing the water temperature" and "Please unplug before testing the water water temperature" "Prohibit body in contact with water during heating", along with instruction how to use it. Ah you say, so it IS inherently dangerous(this according to the testing body, is because there is alive wire inside which if it becomes loose would render the metal body LIVE, and the product is NOT earthed, and hence be an electric shock risk).
BUT, there is a label stuck to the box which states that this model incorporates "Time control Automatic" - this is not the same model, as others. So carrying out my own tests, I find that the product IS earthed and therefore quite safe.
I'm only griping because of what I see as a flawed testing and certifying process, which will cause potentially tons of unwarranted electrical waste!
Gripe over - thanks for commenting. :o)
papso22
Mentor3 weeks agoSurely the item in the box should be the same as that depicted on the box? Whatever the product is that is represented on the box has clearly failed the tests, it is unclear what you expect to happen when the item in the box is different, how is anyone meant to know that? This seems like a very unusual circumstance.
*vyolla*
Mentor3 weeks agoIt should. If it isn't then technically it doesn't match the description or photos and may be returned at the sellers expense within 30 days of receipt.
Odd that eBay are issuing a safety recall notice based on a box that isn't the correct one for the product, given that the notice would be picked up via the listing title.
papso22
Mentor3 weeks agoMaybe the products are very similar and the listing title was a bit 'loose'.
*vyolla*
Mentor3 weeks agoYes, must be something along those lines.
ovelorioo
OP3 weeks agoYes! And using the same box, but with a label that indicates that it is a different model.
red_magpie
Mentor3 weeks agoSurely the item in the box should be the same as that depicted on the box?
That is the assumption on which the recall system is based.
But this is eBay, which warns buyers that they don't guarantee that items will be truthfully described, where sellers are allowed to copy and use other sellers' photos and descriptions and where there's no guarantee that what you get will be the actual item illustrated.
eBay passes on recall notices to buyers who, according to their records, appear to have purchased items covered by it. Whether what was in the box corresponds with the description eBay has no idea.