Electric shock??

[lilly308]

Hi, I just purchased a photography lighting set, which includes lamps and umbrellas.  I have just finished reading the neutral feedback after having paid for this item, and noticed two separate comments that spoke about the buyers receiving electric shocks from the lights.  I am now overly concerned, as this is meant for a Christmas present for my young teenage daughter who does a lot of photography. I am still waiting delivery of item.  Any advice??

Also, after having purchased this item, I received 2 emails from this company, or at least they said they were the same, but noticed the way in which they spelt their name was different to that on ebay (they emailed me privately).  They have requested my phone number, as they said that the one I have given them isn't valid, and they need the correct one in order to proceed with the delivery (by a courier).  I will not supply them with this information, but have contacted them through ebay asking them to verify if they do indeed need my number.

Thanks for all your help, this would have to be the first unpleasant experience I have had on ebay to date (lousy communication and very uncompromising), and it really places a damper on the market place here.:-(

[putney32]

it is a pity you didnt read the fb BEFORE committing to buy.

I hope you purchased electrical goods from an Australian Seller. as anything electric purchased from o/seas would have to be tested and OKed by an aussie electrician before installing.

if its coming via a courier then yes they need your phone number (is the one on your ebay details up to date?), you can just message them that number via ebay messages.

[lilly308]

Thanks Putney32,

I am assuming it is an Australian seller, as the company is located in NSW, and the product is sent from there.  

I did read the positive and negative feedback, but failed to read the neutral feedback...learnt my lesson here!

And yes, my phone number is up to date, has not changed for a very long time.  I live on an island and have requested if they could use Australia Post, as I received a similar item from another company a few days ago, through Australia post, and the product had free postage on it.  It came very promptly, and in tact.  This product I am speaking about now, packs very snugly into a carry bag, unlike the bulky package I just received, so do not see any reason they could not send it via Aus post.

Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.

[***super_nova***]

As others said courier does require your phone number.  Your seller is big company selling many large items, and they probably have a special deal with the courier, they are not interested running with one item to the PO specially for you. 

[foxette-in-sox]

We ship to mainland Australia and Tasmania

Hope you don't run into problems with living on an island but I have a feeling you may.

[kopenhagen5]

It's a hassle I know, but I would definitely have an electrician test it with a meter. If you know of one, take it to him and it will take a few minutes to test.

I also noticed another kit you had purchased which had the following feedback - light kit has been fire,really dangerous.

I am guessing that's due to improper use, and some safety instructions to your miss is a good idea.

Unfortunately so much of the cheaper items come from China and just don't have the safety regulations in place. I prefer to pay more nowadays rather than constantly persevering.

[lilly308]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies.  I'll be definitely checking the electricals out on all of these items, before she will come anywhere near them.  Thanks for the advice.  I have been in contact with them, but no doubt, like previous emails to them over the postage factor, I will not hear from them for at least two days.  I have well and truly learnt the hard way over this, and will only be buying Australian products from now on, especially when it comes to electricals...I'd much rather pay the price as well, than have my daughter harmed in any way. I'll be passing this info on to many others who are in the same industry as well.  

[***super_nova***]

 but no doubt, like previous emails to them over the postage factor, I will not hear from them for at least two days.

Your buyer is a business, I would not expect them to work 24/7.  Definitely do not expect reply until they are back at work on Monday morning, and then they probably have whole list of messages on top of all sort of other things to do.

[leader-of-the-band]

I'll be definitely checking the electricals out on all of these items, before she will come anywhere near them.  

I hope you mean you will be getting an electrician to check them out.

You can buy a powerboard from hardware stores such as Bunnings that have an RCD (residual current device) fitted.  We refer to them as "orange boxes" at work as they are invariably orange in coulour and box shaped.  This may provide some 'portable' protection* against shock.  This listing title will show the box I am refering to   BRAND NEW ARLEC 4 OUTLET POWER BLOCK WITH SAFETY SWITCH

Take a look at this site for a little more information on RCDs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device

* having the gear checked out by a qualified electrician remains my best advice

[davewil1964]

Most power boards these days have an inbuilt earth leakage circuit breaker, so if you run it through one it should minimise any issues.