Just as car manufacturers often have to recall certain models because of faulty parts that pose a danger to drivers and need to be replaced, have you ever wondered if the same could apply to the household appliances that we all purchase from time to time for our homes? In the UK recently, appliance brand Beko, which isn’t available locally, announced that several of its 6 and 7 kg condenser tumble dryers may be affected by a faulty third-party capacitor that could fail, overheat and pose a potential fire risk.
According to the manufacturer, the warning applies to around 51 000 appliances, of which 30 000 are in consumers’ homes. This type of occurrence highlights the need for testing electrical equipment thoroughly to prevent injuries, save lives and avoid fires in the workplace or home, the results of which can be catastrophic for households and businesses.
Portable appliance test instrumentation specialist, Seaward, represented in South Africa by Instrotech Test & Measurement, manufactures a comprehensive range of portable appliance testers and accessories, which are used widely in electrical equipment preventative maintenance programmes and enable users to verify the electrical safety of all types of appliances quickly and effectively.
Beko has put a voluntary corrective action programme into place, including national and regional press advertising, to make consumers aware of the problem and to get them to check their tumble dryers to see if they own any of the models affected. Are South African manufacturers and/or users doing enough to ensure that the same problem doesn’t occur here?
Navigating solar energy adoption
Electrical Power & Protection
Although South Africa’s enhanced solar tax rebate has ended, solar and energy storage solutions remain accessible and achievable. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, businesses can successfully lower their operational costs, mitigate power outages, and secure long-term energy independence.
Read more...Portable appliance tester Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The new appliance tester from Vepac is the ideal tool for testing the safety of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV. It enables the precise measurement of protective conductor or touch current using the equivalent leakage current method.
Read more...Is sustainability enough any more?
Electrical Power & Protection
With the planet’s resources stretched to the brink and no signs of improvement, it is time we look beyond sustainability and explore regenerative thinking and design.
Read more...A simple guide to understanding the importance of IP ratings
Electrical Power & Protection
When selecting electrical products for industrial, commercial or even domestic use, it is crucial to consider how well they can withstand environmental factors like dust and water. This is where ingress protection (IP) ratings come into play.
Read more...A milestone in electrical safety ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.
Read more...The power of water
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The Alpenglow Hy4 is the world’s first water-based hydrogen combustion engine, offering a convincing alternative to traditional battery-electric vehicles and established hydrogen fuel cell designs.
Read more...Optimising purification for green hydrogen production Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Parker Hannifin delivers advanced purification and thermal management components that enhance green hydrogen production.
Read more...A new chapter in geothermal engineering
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The town of Geretsried in southern Germany has become a focal point in the global shift toward renewable energy. While the world’s attention often turns to wind turbines and solar panels, a quieter but no less powerful force is at work deep beneath the surface, geothermal energy.
Read more...Harnessing the ocean with wave energy
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Wave energy is emerging as one of the most promising yet underutilised renewable sources. Tapping into the rhythmic, predictable power of ocean waves, this technology offers a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels and a valuable complement to wind and solar energy.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version