By Larry Gopeechand Thursday, November 26 2009

Head, Appliance & Safety Products Unit (Ag.) Implementation Division, TTBS

RECESSION or not, Christmas is a time for Trinbagonians to spend money.

Popular Christmas purchases include lights to decorate the tree(s) or the house indoors and outdoors, and other lighted decorations such as animated figurines.

When purchasing or using electrical items, safety should be the priority and not necessarily the “bargain” we feel we are getting or the notion that it was done so before and “nuttin’ enh happen”.

With respect to Christmas lights, did you know that there is a requirement for the maximum number of strings that can be connected together?

According to the compulsory standard TTS 486: 1993 Christmas Tree and Decorative-Lighting Outfits, this must be stated on a label that is attached to the cord. If this has not been stated, the maximum number of strings containing 100 lights which can be safely connected end-to-end is usually three. Any more lights on that one circuit will pose a fire hazard.

TTS 486: 1993 also states that the plug must have a fuse to prevent any “overcurrent,” which might occur from overloading. If blown, the fuse is usually replaced by sliding a compartment in the plug. However, if the fuse has blown, then an unsafe condition exists which has to be rectified before the fuse is replaced and the cord plugged back in.

Another requirement of TTS 486: 1993 is that the minimum wire size for these lights is No 18 AWG (American Wire Gauge) or 0.82mm2. However 22 AWG wires are safely used. Higher AWG values are thinner wires and can pose a threat to health and safety.

To ensure that we are able to plug in all our lights, we use extension cords. Did you know that the source of some fires can be attributed to extension cords not being used correctly? Extension cords are available in various colours and configurations, such as two-pin polarised (one blade is wider than the other) or three-pin plugs (one is the ground). The configuration at the end going into the wall should be the SAME configuration used at the other end of the cord. In other words, DO NOT plug a three-pin device into a two-pin cord.

Extension cords can be for indoor use only, outdoor use only or for both indoor and outdoor. This must be stated on a label attached to the cord. This label must also state the electrical ratings that should be observed when using the cord so that it will not catch afire. Typically, extension cords should be No 16 AWG or thicker to be able to carry loads safely.

We can safely use one string of lights (consisting of 3 sets of lights) on each available slot once the total current does not exceed the cords’ ampere (A) rating; avoid overloading the circuit since this is a potentially serious fire risk. We should also avoid the temptation of running these cords under carpets or rugs, or too close to any flammable fabric, since they do not allow for ventilation and the heat generated may allow these materials to catch afire.

Larger decorating projects might involve the installation of electric cables, circuit breakers and lighting fixtures. A licensed wire-person (no longer called wireman) should make these installations, but the customer should know what to look for when purchasing a cable or circuit breaker. The cable should specify to what standard it was manufactured with a marking on the cable itself. For domestic wiring, this is usually a British Standard BS 6004: 2000 – Electric cables - PVC insulated, non-armoured cables for voltages up to and including 450/750 V for electric power, lighting and internal wiring.

The circuit breakers should be manufactured according to UL 489 Molded-Case Circuit Breakers. Once these items are shown to have met these requirements, they should be safe to install.

While we appreciate that the gift of a toy is a must for children, adults may get other items such as televisions (flat screen baby!), home theatre systems computers/laptops, massaging products, or refrigerators (for the turkey/duck/ham/wild meat – yum!). All devices which take a supply from an electrical outlet are covered under the compulsory standard TTS 76: Part 13: 2005 – Labelling of Domestic Electrical Appliances. For these items to be deemed safe, a Certification Mark MUST be seen on the product. Examples of these are the UL, CSA, ETL and NOM, among 22 others recognised by TTBS. Unfortunately, TTBS does not recognise the CE mark. If these are absent, then ask if it was tested? Are Test Certificates available? Is it safe to use?

Another requirement of TTS 76: Part13: 2005 is that the operating frequency must be 60Hz for operation in Trinidad & Tobago.

The Implementation Division of the Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) has the responsibility to ensure public safety by inspecting electrical products against required standards. Make this Christmas season a safe one for your family. Ensure that the products you use satisfy or exceed standards. Merry Christmas from TTBS!