Safety warning over plug-in night-lights

A considerable number of night-lights that are plugged in directly to mains socket outlets do not conform to safety standard and could pose a serious risk to users, the Malta Standards Authority said today.

The standard applicable to these night lights states that covers or shades should be firmly secured to the base of the night-light by screws or be of the type such that the cover or shade cannot be removed unless the night-light is unplugged. Such covers and shades shall not be shaped and decorated in such a way so that they are appealing to children. The cover or shade has to prevent the consumer from touching the bulb, as the bulb is considered a live part and as such very dangerous.

The night-light had to incorporate a fuse for protection. To prevent electrocution, the night-light should be designed in such a way that the lamp holder or other internal live parts cannot be accessed with the night-light connected to the mains socket-outlet.

Night-lights with a 2 pin connection should be connected to the mains supply via an adequate adaptor.

The MSA advised shops to remove such products and to return them to their supplier. I

Unsafe nightlights or other unsafe non-food products may be reported to the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Malta Standards Authority by calling 2395 2000.