Choosing Electrical Appliances isn't Just about Price - Safety Comes First!

Choosing Home Appliances Isn’t Just About Price-Safety Comes First!

Online shopping for electrical appliances is becoming increasingly common, but attractive prices don’t always mean peace of mind. As a smart consumer, besides comparing features and prices before you buy, it’s important to understand the product’s safety information as well. This helps you avoid potential risks, letting you shop smart and use your appliances with confidence. 

1. Buy only electrical appliances which meet the local statutory safety requirements for use in Hong Kong. Electrical appliances which are brought outside Hong Kong may not be suitable for use under the local power supply conditions (e.g. rated voltage and frequency) and environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and humidity).

2. Electrical appliances must bear the proper markings as shown in the diagram or be accompanied with a notice indicating the same.

3. Apart from fixed electrical appliances (e.g. ceiling luminaires and electric water heaters) which do not receive power supply from socket outlets, an electrical appliance must be fitted with a 3-pin plug which complies with the safety requirements.

4. Do not buy or use any electrical appliance which is fitted with a 2-pin plug unless the appliance is fitted with a 2-round-pin plug which complies with safety standard BS4573 or EN50075 and is designed to receive power supply from a shaver supply unit inside a bathroom (e.g. electric shaver, toothbrush or epilator).

5. For all fixed electrical appliances which do not receive power supply from socket outlets, the connection of power supply must be carried out by a registered electrical contractor.
 

6. To prevent electric shock, electrical appliances must be effectively earthed, i.e. the metallic casing of an electrical appliance is connected to the "earth" pin of its plug. Electrical appliances without earth connection must be of double insulation or reinforced insulation design, and such appliances usually bear a symbol "回".
 

7. Electrical appliances must be accompanied by proper operation manuals depicting the installation, assembly and operation procedures and safety precautions. Adhere to the instructions given in its manual when using an electrical appliance.

8. Any electrical appliance of rated voltage less than 200V a.c. (e.g. audio-video (AV) appliances rated at 110V a.c.) must not be connected directly to the 220V a.c. household power supply system in Hong Kong. Any such appliance must bear a proper warning label.

9. Set the voltage selector, if any, on an electrical appliance to 220V a.c. (the household voltage in Hong Kong). Otherwise, it may damage the appliance and cause fire. 

(Source: Electrical and Mechanical Services Department)

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