CE labels regarding mains-operated goods apply to goods that are new or
still under manuf's warranty.
Any second-hand relic is usually offered/sold "as seen" or "recently
tested", or "not sure if it works at all or properly" or "come and see it
working".
Even brand-new stuff occasionally can be nothing but a paperweight.

After purchase....
First check if something loose rattles inside (open and ascertain/refix
loose item), then determine if the metalwork is bonded (good continuity) to
the Earth pin of the 3-pin plug (it it's only a 2-pin plug, it's normally
double insulated). Check fuse fitted in 13A plug is not excessive for
appliance rating and that screws grip cables tightly, without stray strands.
So many idiots fit 13A fuses instead of 2A for a 100Watt load!
Also ensure any panel cartridge fuses are the same rating/type as labelled.
Check AC voltage tapping and Hz are appropriate to your mains AC. Usually a
plate affixed is stamped with variables, Model, Ser No, etc,
If you get the gear at a bargain price you can spend some of the savings to
take it to a *competent* electrician and have it PAT tested with a
customised report.
Then you may switch it on.
But if it is ancient, you may have to start with a low mains input voltage
and bring it up very gradually with a Variac.

"alan ralph" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

Does anyone know what the situation is with regards to non-CE approved
hifi items being used in the UK. I believe if you are a manufacturer ? or
dealer ? you should only sell CE approved equipment in the UK, but with so
much equipment being sold on ebay and the internet worldwide it must be
difficult to enforce.

Regards

Alan