Do not use fake electrical products, only approved products: Bahrain official

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Examination and Metrology Department at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has warned against using poorly manufactured electrical products that do not fall in conformity with the technical regulations approved in Bahrain.

Sheikh Hamad bin Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade, said the plugs, sockets, adapters and electrical connections are dangerous to use if poorly manufactured or used in the wrong way.

He also warned against overloading these products for the resulting high heat may spark fires.

Sheikh Hamad said the department had adopted many standards in this field, including GSO IEC 60884-2-1:2007 for Plugs And Socket-Outlets for household and similar uses, and British Standard BS 1363.

The ministry, he said, has also approved the Gulf Technical Regulations for Low Voltage Electrical Devices and Equipment approved by Resolution No. (71) of 2015.

According to the Gulf Technical Regulations, electrical devices must withstand up to 230 volts and 50 Hz.

Plugs and sockets should be of type G with three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and equipped with protection shutters to close the openings when not in use.

There should be grounding of all non-current-carrying metal parts that may become electrified during a breakdown of the insulation.

The regulation also stipulates electromagnetic compatibility requirements for low-voltage electrical devices, according to which low-voltage electrical equipment should have immunity against interference.

The devices should have indications, stickers or marking saying their purpose.

Sheikh Hamad called on all to adhere to the requirements of the Gulf technical regulation for low-voltage electrical devices and install the Gulf tracking code on the devices to ensure that the products comply with the approved Gulf technical regulations.

He also called on citizens, residents and users to check the safety of electrical appliances before the purchase to prevent electrical shorts and fires.