Electrothermal bags are one product innovation that consumers are better without and should cease to use them.
For the potential hazards they pose to the users far outweigh the innovative design of these electric warmers as a convenient and affordable alternative to the traditional hot-water bottles and preheat warm pads.
The Consumer Council, in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) that conducted the investigation, have examined the safety of 30 brands of these electrothermal bags comprising three designs with prices ranging from a mere $10 to $188.
Of particular concern is the type which is also the most commonly available, that operates by heating up the warmer with two electrodes in a conducting liquid (through which an electric current passes). The investigation has identified these main hazards in this electrode type:
- As the conducting liquid is in contact with the live parts, any leakage of the liquid during the heat up, will therefore pose risk of electric shock, and scalding to the users.
- The normal heat up process is regulated, in most cases, up to 70-80 degrees Celsius. But should the thermostat fail and the appliance is not provided with an appropriate thermal cutoff, the bag will eventually burst as the temperature continues rising.
- Cases of people seriously scalded by the heated liquid that splashed out from a burst electrothermal bag, have been reported in newspapers.
- The plastic material used in parts of electrothermal bags were found to be inadequate for resistance to heat or fire.
The two other designs were also found to be non-compliant with declared safety standards, due mainly to the substandard plastic material inadequate for heat or fire resistance. Instead of electrodes, one type uses insulated heating wires immersed in water whereas the other type has heating wires inside a stone container wrapped with cotton-like material within a plastic bag.
Consumers are strongly urged to stop using the electrode type electrothermal bags. However, consumers may have difficulties to identify such design simply by exterior appearance of the electrothermal bags. For safety, consumers are advised to consider using the traditional hot-water bottles and preheat warm pads, and always inspect them for leakage before use. For further enquiries they may call the EMSD hotline at 1823.
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