Substandard, defective Christmas lights could cause electrical accidents, fire hazards
Substandard, defective Christmas lights could cause electrical accidents, fire hazards
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00:00 Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry inspects Christmas lights, appliances and
00:04 other Christmas gifts ahead of the holiday season.
00:07 The agency is targeting to impede the substandard and defective products to avoid unfortunate
00:12 mishaps.
00:13 Klaizel Pardilia has the full detail.
00:19 Bright and colorful Christmas lights without a doubt bring a glimmering warmth and festive
00:24 mood during the holiday season.
00:26 While the Department of Trade and Industry warns, substandard and defective Christmas
00:30 lights are fire hazards that could cause electrical accidents.
00:36 That is why the DTI is working double time to inspect Christmas lights, home appliances
00:41 and other products for gift-giving during the holiday season.
00:45 At the Bureau of Philippine Standards in Cavite, Christmas lights undergo various testing.
00:50 They are illuminated for up to four days to ensure they won't overheat, explode or cause
00:56 fire.
00:57 Dimension and flexibility tests are also performed.
01:01 The thickness and length of the wires are checked to ensure they won't break or cause
01:06 electric shock.
01:07 The durability of rice cookers, electric fans, washing machines, blenders and other products
01:12 are also evaluated.
01:13 "We look at two things.
01:20 The quality, the design function and the safety that it won't cause harm to the consumers
01:29 who use that product.
01:30 We know that there are many fires happening here in the Philippines because of electrical
01:37 faults."
01:38 From January to September this year, close to 39 million pesos worth of various products
01:44 failed a DTI inspection and small tests did not make it to the shelf or store.
01:49 But some unscrupulous businessmen still managed to sell their uncertified products.
01:54 "We are more cautious because we know that there are some suppliers, sellers, who are
02:06 following the requirements of taxes, registration and certification.
02:12 If they don't follow the process, we are in danger."
02:15 The DTI advised to ensure products pass through safe and quality tests and inspections and
02:22 check for the Philippine Standard or import commodity clearance.
02:26 Some manufacturers, on the other hand, pledged to support the government and report fake
02:31 or substandard products that are also a cause for unwanted stress.
02:36 "The impact of this is the reputation of the brand.
02:42 It affects our sales.
02:43 It's not only affecting us, it also affects our clients, like for example, the developers
02:49 and the retail markets."
02:50 The DTI reminded that retailers and consumers reserve the right to have defective products
02:56 repaired, replaced or refunded.
02:59 Khaleesa Pardilia for the Nation.