Tuesday, 10th November 2009
Fuse-less socket converters banned
This type of fuse-less socket converter has been banned from the market by the Malta Standards Authority because it is dangerous.
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.
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Comments
correct plug fitted, or without a suitable adapter for the local supply standard. Supplying a plug that you have to fit yourself is not permissible. Any appliance that carries the CE certification must also have a user manual in the local language, which for Malta would be Maltese and English.
The crucial difference between my reasons and those of the MSA is that the MSA is saying that the adaptors are dangerous because they prevent the saftey gates from closing. They should have added that they are dangerous only when they are not being used. The reason i give to my clients is that they could allow someone to be electrocuted, as when the round 2 pin plugs that come with applianes , tools and others are forced into this type of adaptor it dose not provide earthing protection. These adaptors should never have made it past customs let alone in to shops.
Is this going to be enforced?
Because most of the appliances sold in Malta come with a two pin plug including appliances sold at large discount stores.
Let's see what will change ... probably it will be the consumer who will have to fork out the money, buy the 3 pin plug and change it himself. And obviously not everyone is an electrician so there is more danger if the new plug is not fitted well.
Usually it's the consumer that is affected by such maneuvers.
“Consumers who bought such converters are to return them to the shop from where they were purchased or destroy them”
Will the consumers get there money back ? These converters were always dangerous and yet they were imported and sold at a profit.