Decorative light chains are certainly a choice for home furnishing during Christmas. A test conducted by the Consumer Council revealed that most of the light chains without any brand name or manufacturer/supplier information on them failed to comply with safety standards.
In collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Council tested 20 models of Christmas decorative light chains with prices ranging from HKD 60 to HKD 617. It was found that 6 models which carried no brand name or manufacturer/supplier information had unsatisfactory packaging and lacked labelling or some basic product information. Among those, 5 of which were designed for connection to mains supply direct.
Deficiencies in these 5 models were revealed in various aspects, which included resistance of materials to heat and flames, electrical insulation, protection against electric shock, and lack of independent over-current protection devices, etc. For one sample, the temperature on the mounting surface of the bulb was found higher than the standard's upper limit.
Another safety problem with these unbranded samples concerns inadequate wiring - the cross sectional area of the wires of 4 models was found to measure 0.04mm2 to 0.2mm2 only, grossly short of the standard requirement of 0.5mm2. The cross sectional area of one sample was 92% below standard.
When the Council conducted a similar safety test on Christmas light chains in 2007, most of the unbranded samples tested were found to fail to fulfill the standard requirements. Three years on, great room for improvement for unbranded light chains was still observed in the recent test. For branded products, areas for improvements were also found in respect of wiring and material resistance to heat and flames.
EMSD has followed up to investigate these models of light chains, arranged to conduct more frequent inspection and initiate prosecution actions against suppliers selling non-compliant light chains. Apart from legislative enforcement, EMSD has also stepped up publicity to ensure safety of Christmas lighting chains.
The December issue of CHOICE offers the following tips to consumers when they purchase or use Christmas decorative light chains:
- Select decorative light chains with proper labels;
- Check the quality of the wiring and light bulbs before purchase, e.g. check if the metal wires installed compile with the required standard and the light blubs function properly;
- Don't modify the light chain's arrangement, or connect additional light bulbs to the chain;
- Unless specified in the product's instructions, decorative light chains should not be used in an outdoor environment;
- Switch off or unplug the light chains before sleeping or going out;
- Avoid excessive bending or applying excessive tension to the wiring when hanging the light chains onto the Christmas tree.
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