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Consumer alert on electric fans

Hong Kong Consumers have to pay attentions to the safety issues of electric fans, as the city’s Consumer Council found most of the tested samples have not provided sufficient insulation or protection against electric shock.

The latest results on the safety of electric fans showed only one sample passed all test items.

The latest issue of CHOICE Magazine published by the Consumer Council reports the results of the safety test on electric fans, which were conducted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.Twelve 12-inch to 16-inch fans were sampled, which included two table fans, four table /pedestal fans, and six pedestal fans, with prices ranging from HKD189 (USD24) to HKD988 (USD126).

The tests, made reference to the international safety standard IEC60335-2-80, covered the aspects of: insulation and protection against electric shock, construction and wiring, material resistance to heat and fire, operating temperature and abnormal operation, stability and mechanical hazards, and marking and instructions.

Nine tested samples were found to have insufficient spacing between the insulated windings and the enclosure or core of the motor, which lead to unsatisfactory insulation or protection against electric shock.

Electric fans may operate continuously for long hours. The city’s watchdog said the plastic materials on the fans should have adequate resistance to heat and fire. The test results showed that two tested sample failed in the heat resistance test, and one of which was found also to have room for improvement in resistance to fire along with another sample.