The average comparative humidity in Taiwan is as high as 80 percent. Thus, there is a great domestic demand for dehumidifiers. The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) recently conducted a random inspection on dehumidifiers to ensure user safety.
The BSMI inspected 12 dehumidifiers and found that all were in conformity with national standards. To further ensure safety, the bureau urges the public to read carefully the instructions and warnings when using dehumidifiers.
The inspection follows CNS 3765 "Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 1: General requirements," CNS 12492 "Dehumidifiers" and IEC 60335-2-40 "Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air conditioners and dehumidifiers."
The seven items of inspection include Marking, Power input and current, Heating, Leakage current and electric strength, Abnormal operation, Construction, and Components.
Dehumidifiers are common household appliances that must undergo mandatory inspection before being marketed. Consumers are urged to look for clear labeling of names and address of the manufacturer, electrical specification (such as voltage and power consumption) and model number before making a purchase.
Products that adhere to national standards have a commodity inspection mark (please see attachment) on them. Consumers should follow the safety guidelines to avoid preventable accidents. When in doubt about whether a product has passed inspection or not, please call the bureau's toll free number at 0800-007-123.
Recalls of dehumidifiers have been made in recent years. Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact the corresponding manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturers Tatung, Sanyo, TECO, Sampo, Westinghouse, Gibson (Relon), Frigidaire (Relon), Kolin, Whirlpool, Widetech, B&Q (Airforce) and Fujimaru have together recalled 52 models of dehumidifiers.
For more information on the recall, please visit the bureau's Information of Product Safety website at http://safety.bsmi.gov.tw.
The BSMI urges consumers to pay special attention to the following guidelines when using dehumidifiers:
1.Read carefully the instruction booklet and follow the guidelines, paying special attention to warnings and other safety information.
2.Do not leave the dehumidifier running unattended. Switch off the dehumidifier and unplug the unit when it is not used for an extended period of time.
3.Do not leave the dehumidifier in a confined closet space or dressing room. Do not place clothes on the ventilation opening. Do not leave the dehumidifier in the bathroom or the laundry room because water can seep into the electrical appliance and cause danger.
4.Please follow the care guideline when cleaning the outer case and changing the filter. Unplug the unit before cleaning. Make sure that water does not seep into the unit when cleaning and that the filter is completely dried before reinstallation.
5.Cleaning and changing the filter regularly is very important. When dust on the filter blocks air flow, the dehumidifying capability decreases and the unit operates at a higher temperature, increasing the risk of danger.
6.Do not place anything on the water float.
7.Do not place heavy things on the unit and do not allow children to sit on or play with the appliance.
8.When the dehumidifier malfunctions or when the electric line/plug is damaged, do not disassemble the unit. Bring the unit to a service center designated by the manufacturer.
Agency in charge: Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Inspections Administrative Division (3rd Division)
Contact person: Ms. Tzu-Jung, WU
Telephone: (02)2343-1763