Hairdryers are in general electrically safe - but only as long as they are steered clear of water and stay dry.
The Consumer Council has put 14 hairdryers to a safety test and, not unexpectedly, found no failure result in any of the samples.
Notwithstanding the finding, consumers should use hairdryers with due care as danger lurks because hairdryers tend to be used often in a bathroom which may at times be awash with water.
Just imagine that you may accidentally slip over with the dryer still connected to the mains into a bathtub filled with water. The consequence could be potentially lethal.
So always keep the hairdryer dry, steer clear of water or moisture. Don't use it near bathtub, sink, or on a slippery bathroom floor. If your hands are wet, dry them first.
In addition, avoid operating hairdryer near inflammable materials such as alcohol, essential oil products, paper or over a blanket. Obstruction over the air inlet should be removed.
Avoid plugging hairdryer in the power outlet for a long time; use an independent switch of the socket outlet to cut off the power supply. Never share the same socket outlet with other high-power consumption appliances on an extension socket outlet or socket outlet adaptor.
Besides safety, the test also assessed and compared the hairdryers for their performance, endurance and convenience.
Of particular interest is the claim made by three of the samples that they provide negative ions to help keep moisture and so give lustre to the hair. However, according to the panelists in the test, it is difficult to judge the effectiveness of negative ions on hair care.
The samples were also measured for their drying speed and operating distance. It was found that only a few dryers could achieve a convenient operating distance at an appropriate temperature of 75°C at the maximum heat setting due to variations in the air blown out which was either too hot or not hot enough.
The samples tested were priced over a wide range from $98 to $900, with a whole array of accessories (concentrator, diffuser, comb, clips, pouch, stand, etc.) and design features (detachable filter, anti-slip rubber coating, easy-to-trigger switch, ergonomic and foldable handles) to choose from for consumers.
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