Online shopping has expanded your options when it comes to buying appliances online. And while it’s great to make sure you get the best deal, you should never compromise price for quality. 

If you choose a cheap product from overseas that hasn’t been manufactured according to New Zealand safety standards, you could be exposing yourself and your loved ones to life threatening electrical faults. 

Take a look at our safety guide to buying appliances online to minimise the risk of an accident. 

At Jim’s Test & Tag, we specialise in electrical testing and tagging services for businesses all around New Zealand. Once you have your appliances selected, call us and have them tested and tagged. 

Safety Tips for Buying Appliances Online 

If you end up with a dodgy appliance, it could end up costing you a lot more than the cost of a new toaster. You need to make sure your items are safe to use and compliant with local standards. 

 Follow these tips to help eliminate the purchase of harmful appliances: 

  • Make sure the voltage and outlets match New Zealand requirements.  
  • Look for compliance marks. A regulatory compliance mark (RCM) is used to indicate compliance for electrical products.  It is used in compliance with the AS/NZS 4417.
  • Shop with a reputable, New Zealand based seller. This is important for both compatibility with New Zealand outlets, and safety testing standards. The item may have a compliance marking from the country of origin that does not meet local product safety standards. 
  • If you are buying appliances online, please be aware that you will most likely not be covered by consumer law if something goes wrong (unless it has been purchased from a local manufacturer). 
  • Be aware of high risk categories: USB chargers, travel adaptors and power supplies are repeat offenders. These items can cause electrical shock, fire, and burns. 
  • Buying second hand items: If you are purchasing used equipment, we urge you to have it tested and tagged prior to use. That way, we can identify a fault before any harm is done. 
  • Check the product safety recall website. This is a government run website that sends out updates when a faulty item is identified. It should be noted that you cannot expect every international seller to be monitored by the website – you’ll need to do your own research to make sure your appliance is safe. 
  • Communicate with the seller and ask for proof of the RCM and certificate of approval.

Professional Testing and Tagging 

If you’ve been buying appliances online, we highly recommend that you have them tested and tagged. A professional appliance tester will be able to identify an electrical fault with a series of tests, or give your new equipment the stamp of approval. 

We cannot stress highly enough the importance of getting your items tested when they are purchased second hand. You can’t be sure of amateur sellers – so while it’s great to get a good deal, follow up with a test before you use it. 

At Jim’s Test & Tag, we have professional technicians based all around New Zealand. Get in touch now to make sure your bargain appliances are safe to use and meet product safety standards. Many of our technicians can perform repairs, so don’t fret if your equipment isn’t working just yet. 

For a free quote, call us now or fill in the online form.