With the weather cooling, consumers are duly cautioned on the use of electric water heaters to ensure safety.
Consumers are particularly reminded of a safety concern caused by the additional installation of on/off control valve to the shower head of a shower-type electric water heater.
This could lead to potential serious consequence of explosion.
The hazard was highlighted in a case from the files of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in which the flat occupant used a shower-type electric water heater for shower. He left the bathroom without switching off the water heater after use.
After a while, the heater exploded causing damage to the door and windows. Luckily no one was hurt.
The subsequent EMSD investigation revealed that an on/off control valve was installed at the water outlet of the shower-type electric water heater.
It was believed that the heater's faulty thermostat caused excessive high water temperature and pressure to be built inside the water tank.
As the shower head was blocked by the additionally installed on/off control valve, the pressure built could not be released through the shower head - to such an extent that the heater exploded.
Consumers are strongly reminded that the water outlet of a shower-type electric water heater must remain unblocked.
Never install an on/off control valve at the water outlet of the heater or connect the outlet to a basin or tub, to prevent excessive high pressure from building up inside the tank that could result in explosion.
Other cases highlighted by the EMSD on electric water heaters concern electric shock resulting from current leakage, and improper installation causing fire.
Other useful advice for users to observe:
- Use electrical household products issued with a "certificate of safety compliance".
- The installation and alteration of any electric water heater must be carried out by a registered electrical contractor and a licensed plumber.
- Arrange an experienced technician for inspection regularly.
- If any abnormality is found, switch off the electric water heater immediately and arrange for an experienced technician to inspect it.
- Switch off electric water heaters after use.
- Ensure water supply is normal before switching on a storage type electric water heater.
| CHOICE magazine is now also available online (at https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/) and via fixed-line and mobile services of PCCW. Members from the media who are invited by this Council to the Press Conference may quote the content of this Press Statement. The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE Magazine and Online CHOICE ( https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/ ). |