The Malta Standards Authority has carried out a number of inspections on ‘mains socket-outlet mounted nightlights’ which are found on the market in Malta. From this exercise, it was evident that a considerable number were not conforming to the applicable safety standard and could pose a serious risk to consumers, especially children who often come in contact with such products.

The standard applicable to these ‘mains socket-outlet mounted nightlight’ clearly states several safety precautions such a product should incorporate in its design so that the nightlight is considered safe. Covers or shades should be firmly secured to the base of the nightlight by screws or be of the type such that the cover or shade cannot be removed unless the nightlight is unplugged. Such covers and shades shall not be shaped and decorated in such a way so that they are appealing to children. The cover or shade has to prevent the consumer from touching the bulb, as the bulb is considered a live part and as such very dangerous.

A very important feature of the nightlight is that it has to incorporate a fuse for over current protection. To prevent electrocution, the nightlight should be designed in such a way that the lamp holder or other internal live parts cannot be accessed with the nightlight connected to the mains socket-outlet.

Moreover, the construction of the plug portion of the nightlight is very important. The national standard plug is the 3 pin BS 1363 plug. Nightlights with a 2 pin connection should be connected to the mains supply via an adequate adaptor. An adequate adaptor is such that a mechanical lock is present between the adaptor and the nightlight plug connection. Such adaptor has to automatically disconnect itself with the nightlight when the nightlight is disconnected from the mains so that no live connections are exposed.

‘Mains socket-outlet mounted nightlights’ which are placed on the market are required to bear the marking. This marking shows that a product conforms to and satisfies the essential health and safety requirements of the applicable European directives.

The Malta Standards Authority advises economic operators to remove such products which are unsafe and to return them to their supplier. It also reminds the economic operators that if any such products are found on the market, action will be taken on the importers and economic operators to ensure that unsafe products are removed from the market. Legal action as prescribed by law may also be taken against operators who place these products on the market.

Unsafe nightlights or other unsafe non-food products may be reported to the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Malta Standards Authority by calling 2395 2000.

Permalink: Unsafe mains socket-outlet mounted nightlights – MSA