CAP: Uncertified electrical items are dangerous
Deadly live wires: Mohamed Idris showing electrical cables, a smartphone power adapter, a portable charger and an electrical socket splitter that do not carry Sirim labels.
GEORGE TOWN: Consumers are at risk of home fires or being electrocuted because an alarming number of electrical products not certified by Sirim Bhd are being sold openly, claims the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP).
CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said items like current converters, power adapters, chargers for computers and rechargeable batteries should be regulated as they handle electricity supplies at 240 volts and are potential explosives or could be fire hazards.
He expressed shock that the List of Regulated Electrical Equipment drafted by the Energy Commission (EC) does not include many common products.
“Even most electric cables do not have either EC or Sirim approval,” he said in a press conference at CAP’s office in Jalan Masjid Negeri yesterday.
He said the Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) recently warned that many everyday electric cables in the market are made from poor quality materials.
“These substandard electric cables are prone to overheating and catching fire,” he said.
Mohamed Idris said despite stringent regulations, they find it surprising that electrical goods without EC or Sirim approval are being imported.
He urged EC and Sirim to review and expand their list of regulated products.
“Authorities should also raid the market for electrical products that carry fake EC or Sirim certification,” he added.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/02/17/cap-uncertified-electrical-items-are-dangerous/#tjZQboPtseI7DYFC.99
