Fuse-less socket converters banned

Fuse-less socket converters that allow the easy insertion of a two-pin plug into a three-way socket have been banned from the market because they are dangerous.

The Malta Standards Authority explained yesterday that the socket converters prevented the safety gates in a socket outlet from closing, therefore exposing the live contacts with the risk of electrocution.

The adaptors allow a two-pin plug to be inserted directly into the socket without the use of a fuse to protect the appliance being connected to the mains supply.

The MSA informed importers, distributors and retailers that such socket converters were therefore banned.

The authority reminded consumers that, according to the Electrical Accessories Regulations, any electrical appliances they bought had to be fitted with a plug or similar fused device of a suitable three-pin configuration.

After buying an appliance, therefore, a customer is meant to walk out of the shop with a three-pin fused plugging device attached to the new gadget. The plugging device should not be able to be pulled off.

Retailers were asked to withdraw their stock of the dangerous converters from the market and ensure that such products were not sold or given to consumers. Any such products found on the market will be removed by the authority.

Consumers who bought such converters are to return them to the shop from where they were purchased or destroy them.