Recall notice issued for Multi-functional Portable Vehicle Power sold via eBay

A recall notice was issued in May 2023 for a Multi-functional Portable Vehicle Power unit sold via eBay, model HN-538, SKU G1122-CR5876UK. The notice was published by Electrical Safety First, which lists the product as presenting a risk of electric shock and fire¹.

The unit is described as an emergency power supply for powering a car, with USB sockets for charging other devices¹. The notice states that the appliance is a socket mounted device intended for direct mounting onto a BS 1363 socket, and that the pins on the device were not compatible with that socket, creating a risk of overheating from the inadequate plug pins¹. The instructions were also found to be inadequate, as they did not contain sufficient information to ensure the correct and safe use of the equipment, which may present a risk of electric shock to users¹. The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016¹.

Electrical Safety First also states that it strongly recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electrical item that has been recalled should stop using it until it has been checked by the manufacturer¹.

Why it matters for households

The product is a socket mounted device intended to plug directly into a standard UK BS 1363 socket, so the risk arises in ordinary domestic use rather than in a specialist setting. The notice identifies overheating from inadequate plug pins and insufficient instructions as the concerns, with electric shock and fire given as the risks¹. Households that bought the unit through eBay are affected. The notice does not give a number of units sold, a date range for sales, or a list of affected batches beyond the model and SKU above; these have not been reported¹. Electrical Safety First advises anyone who believes they have an affected product to stop using it immediately and contact the retailer for further advice, and recommends that recalled electrical items are not used until checked by the manufacturer¹. The site's guide on how to check if an electrical product has been recalled sets out how recall information is published, and its guide on whether batteries and chargers from online marketplaces are safe covers the checks that apply to marketplace purchases. For households assembling backup power for a power cut, the backup power hub and the power cut backup power checklist set out the wider options.

What happens next

The notice gives no further dated steps, such as a repair, replacement or refund process, and none has been reported¹. The action stated is that owners who believe they have an affected product should stop using it and contact the retailer for further advice¹.