Consumers are warned to cease using two models of electric herbal pots that may pose risk of electric shock to users.
They were among 10 different samples included in a Consumer Council test to evaluate their electrical safety, leaching of heavy metals, volume description and marking, and convenience of use.
The major fault of the 2 pots in question, based on the latest International Safety Standard (IEC 60335-2-15), was found to be a fixing screw of an inappropriate length used to secure the base cover.
It failed the electric strength test in that the fixing screw was detected to be in contact with a live electrical component, posing electric shock hazard to the users unaware of the electrical safety deficiency.
The Consumer Council has notified the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of the test findings on these 2 electric herbal pot samples. On receipt of the test reports, EMSD had immediately followed up with the relevant suppliers, and requested a recall of the products.
Non-compliance was found also in all samples in respect of product marking, notably the need for special caution for people-in-need (such as the elderly, young and disabled) when using home electric appliances, a requirement under the latest amendment of the safety standard.
Other non-compliances detected included: insufficient insulation distance, plastic materials not sufficiently flame-retardant to resist small flames, excessive overflow of liquid upon toppling, cracking of enclosure upon impacts, and insufficient resistance against water ingress.
The samples were given a clean bill of health in terms of leaching of heavy metals - the quantities of lead and cadmium leached were found to be much less than the safety limits of the GB National Standard.
In addition, the volumes of the pots were measured up to the maximum water level mark, if any, with the result that 7 of the samples were found to be less than the claimed values.
For those (3 samples) without the maximum water level mark, their volumes measured to the very top were similar to the claimed values. But the drawback was, in the absence of a maximum level mark, users might fill in an excessive amount of water.
On the whole, most of the integral herbal pots (with built-in heater) performed with accuracy in brewing 1 bowl of medicinal fluid out of 3 bowls of water.
Electric herbal pots are no doubt a preferred option than the traditional herbal pots, for the reason that users do not need to keep a close eye on the brewing as the electric pots will automatically cut off the power and warm the fluid until it is ready to serve.
They are, however, heavy to handle. Particularly when they are being cleaned since there are electrical parts in the bottom, otherwise they are easy to use. Other tips for the users:
- Inspect the pot body for cracks before use.
- Make sure it is dry around the base or on the appliance inlet before plugging in the power supply cord.
- Unplug the cord before pouring out the content when brewing is completed.
- Never clean the pot by submerging the whole appliance into water. Clean thoroughly after use as herb and medicinal concentrate residue on the heater and inner base will lead to proliferation of bacteria.
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