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Sockets: It is better not to plug in everything that is offered online
Photo: Rolf Kosecki / IMAGO
The Federal Network Agency has called for caution when buying so-called energy-saving devices online.
When checking various types of such devices, numerous formal defects such as incorrect CE markings, missing German operating instructions and a lack of contact persons were found, the authority announced on Thursday in Bonn.
Numerous so-called energy-saving devices are offered in online shops that do not meet the legal requirements.
The use of such products in Germany is not permitted.
"According to the state of the art, the energy saving effects of such devices are questionable," said the head of the authorities, Klaus Müller.
Plugging in should be enough
According to the network agency, the tested energy-saving boxes should stabilize the flow of electricity in the household and thus lead to a lower electricity bill.
According to the information provided by the providers, it would be sufficient to plug such a device into the socket.
However, it was found in the devices checked that the components were often unprofessionally connected and soldered connections were missing.
The products are therefore advertised with terms such as “energy or electricity saving box”, “electro saving box” or “energy saving device”.
The authority points out that such devices should not be equated with energy-saving lamps, energy-saving thermostats or similar products that actually enable energy savings.
Just ask
As part of its market surveillance, the network agency has already identified 353 offers of non-compliant energy-saving boxes on various online platforms this year.
At the authority's notice, more than a million products were removed from the respective platform operator.
The authorities had purchased the devices examined online from suppliers outside the EU.
The Federal Network Agency advises citizens to only place online orders with well-known and reputable sources and, if in doubt, to obtain information about the providers from consumer advice centers, for example.
Another way to check the seriousness of a seller is to ask the seller questions about the product.
According to the officials, reputable providers would respond “quickly and gladly” to such inquiries.
If you really want to save energy, according to Netzagentur boss Mülle, it is better to get information from the consumer centers or the Stiftung Warentest, which have "numerous excellent tips on how to do it".
mak/dpa
