Good ventilation indoor is important to a healthy living environment.
Exhaust fans are commonly in use in the household - in bathrooms, washrooms or kitchens.
While they are useful aids to improve indoor air quality, these appliances may present their own safety problem.
A recent joint test between the Consumer Council and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has revealed that the safety of some exhaust fans was less than entirely satisfactory.
Among the 10 models, the test found room for improvement in the safety of 3 models.
2 of them were detected with slightly higher temperature rise of internal parts during the abnormal operations test.
Furthermore, one of these 2 models was found to have insufficient insulation distance while the other, after removal of the external enclosure, exposed a gap wide enough to allow the test probe to touch the basically insulated internal parts. However, these models should not pose safety hazard under normal use.
The plastic enclosure of another model was found not fully fulfilling the heat and flames resistance requirement. But there is no immediate danger.
In conclusion, all tested models of exhaust fans are considered safe to use under normal operation.
EMSD has followed up with the suppliers of the exhaust fans concerned, who have subsequently undertaken to effect corresponding improvements on the quality of their products.
The test models included 4 of blade diameter 20cm (about 8 inches) and 6 of 25cm (about 10 inches) priced from $110 to $398.
The fans were rated on a 5-point scale based on: construction (25%), temperature and abnormal operation (25%), material resistance to heat and flames (25%), protection against electric shock (20%), markings and instruction (5%).
3 of the 10 models passed all test items while 4 others had only slight deficiency in markings and instruction. 7 models were awarded the top 5-point score in overall safety rating.
More safety tips for consumers:
- Do not install exhaust fans in places which are too hot or too wet, such as over the stoves or bathtubs.
- Switch off exhaust fans after use.
- Clean exhaust fans regularly according to the instruction.
- Stop using exhaust fans that show signs of abnormality, and have the appliances checked by qualified technicians.
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