At least four models of steam irons for household use available in the market were found to be less than fully satisfactory in safety.
This was found in a test conducted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), in collaboration with the Consumer Council, as part of its market surveillance of safety in electrical appliances.
Results of the test on a total of 13 models, complete with full brand name information, were released in this November issue of CHOICE.
The results showed that nine of the models tested were in full compliance with the safety requirements of the international safety standard IEC 60335-2-3.
The four remainder models exhibited minor non-compliance in the safety requirements.
Three of the models were found to fail in the safety requirements for creepage distances and clearances designed to ensure sufficient separation between the live parts, or separation between the live part and the accessible part. This failure may pose potential hazards of short circuit, flashover or electric shock.
The standard also requires that the iron be placed on a plane with 10 degrees inclination to horizontal, and (one of the samples overturned) measured the temperature at floor of the test corner with the overturned position, the temperature rise shall not be too high. The temperature rise of the sample was found to exceed the specified limit of 65 degrees C by 35.1 degrees C, posing potential risk of overheating.
On the request of the EMSD, the manufacturers concerned have undertaken to carry out the necessary improvement in future production.
Consumers, on the other hand, are urged to take into account the deficiencies identified in this test, and exercise due care in the use of these steam irons.
Manufacturers of steam irons are advised also to provide on the instruction sheets information in respect of rating (voltage, input power and frequency), and a Chinese version of the instruction for the easy reference of consumers.
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