Defects in one in six electrical appliances
According to the Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations, one in six electrical appliances had to be rejected in 2020. This resulted in 130 sales bans and 13 recalls and safety warnings.
Schuko plugs basically pose a risk to Swiss consumers, according to ESTI. (Image: Pixabay)
16 percent of the electrical products inspected by the Swiss Federal Inspectorate for Heavy Current Installations ESTI in 2020 showed defects. A total of 130 sales bans had to be issued. Furthermore, thirteen recalls and safety warnings of electrical equipment were published.
A total of 236 products had formal or technical defects that could lead to electric shock, scalding, smoke formation or fire. The products most affected by sales bans were devices for air and surface disinfection, chargers, rechargeable batteries, lamp sockets, travel adapters and devices from the camping equipment sector.
If there is a potential risk to persons or if there is no proof of conformity, the ESTI can prohibit the provision of a product on the market. The sale of electrical appliances with an unauthorized foreign plug (e.g. Schuko plug) is prohibited in Switzerland, as live parts can be touched when attempting to plug the appliance into the socket. ESTI warns that great caution is also advised when purchasing conspicuously cheap appliances on dubious online platforms.
Market surveillance 2020 - low-voltage products according to NEV
When purchasing electrical equipment, consumers should look for a correct Swiss plug, accessible and competent customer service, comprehensible operating instructions and test marks affixed to the equipment. A recognized Swiss test mark is the voluntary safety mark of ESTI.
Source: ESTI
