A recent ESC investigation revealed some interesting findings from the testing of a sample of kitchen electrical appliances.
The investigation was carried out as part of the analysis into the EU injury database and research into electrical risk categorisation.
The testing consisted of purchasing one product from a range of electrical kitchen appliances available from the high street and online. Some of the products chosen were due to their features and some because they appeal to children.
Products taking part in the test include the following:
- Three toasters
- One Halogen Oven
- One Mini Oven
- One Microwave
- One Popcorn Maker
- One Rice Cooker
- One Deep Fat Fryer
- One Induction Cooker
- One Portable Washing Machine
What is interesting and shocking is that the tests revealed that just one of the eleven passed the test with no observations. All the rest had notes and observations regarding safety and more than half did not reach the product standards.
Some of the issues found with these products included:
- Unsafe temperature of surface areas
- Unsatisfactory protection against contact with insulation in Class II
- Missing warnings and caution labels
- unintentional operation with the possibility of contacting hot surfaces
- Bad construction and wiring being able to touch rotating parts
- Vulnerable user information missing
- Missing markings and incorrect CE mark
- The use of a 13A fuse when a 3A would be ok.
It is very surprising that products with this amount of problems and faults can still manage to find their way onto the British high street and highlights the importance of electrical safety on all appliances.
Written by Sara Thomson
