Non-compliant night-lamps and insect killers have been identified during inspections by officials of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

Mains socket-outlet mounted night-light, similar to those in the picture, are non-compliant because they lack overload protection.

Such night-lamps are also non-compliant because they are child appealing.

These devices do not have a mechanical lock on the shade preventing access to the bulb or other live parts even by children.

This leads to exposure of the bulb when the lamp is still connected to the mains supply posing an electrocution hazard.

Another potentially hazardous product found on the market in Malta is the electric insect killer.

Electric insect killers are dangerous because these operate by building up electric charges of several hundreds of volts and release it when something hits their electrified grid.

This is the same principle used in producing stun guns for personal protection.

Even more dangerous are such products whose shape could be appealing to children.

The authority urged consumers to watch out for defective products and to always keep in mind that any electrical appliance should be provided with the correct terminals.

The appliance in the picture is displayed with a two-pin plug. Such a product should be sold with a suitable three-pin adaptor plug, in conformity with electrical installations used in Malta.

The authority warned economic operators against placing these products on the market.

It said htat should such non-compliant products be found on the market, the retailer and/or importer may be liable to legal action.