Making, modifying and repairing electrical products
There is very little scope for consumers to make or modify electrical products. If you make or modify an electrical product, you are responsible for ensuring that the product meets all the safety requirements. You also need to take care if you intend to repair an electric product.
Making or modifying electrical products
In certain situations, changing the way a product is used is considered to be the same thing as making a new product. In this case, you become responsible for the product's CE marking and other important markings and safety requirements. The requirements apply not only to the product itself but also to its packaging, technical documentation and accompanying information. That means you should never make or modify a product unless you are absolutely certain you know what you are doing.
Repairing an electrical product
You can fix a broken product if you know what you are doing. But remember that in this case, you will take over responsibility for product safety from the manufacturer. This means that you will be responsible if anything happens, for example if someone is injured by the product or if it starts a fire.
That is why it is important to have the work done properly and to check that the housing of the repaired product cannot become live or otherwise dangerous. If you are in any doubt at all, you should call in an expert. Remember that you must never use a broken electrical product. There is usually not much point in repairing it either. Simply dispose of the product at your local recycling centre instead.