Electric Dining Table Safety Risks Explored
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Hot pot is a year-round favorite among Hong Kong people. In recent years, a new type of 'electric dining table' with a built-in induction cooker has gained popularity on mainland e-commerce platforms. Features like tabletop heating, automatic rotation, and wireless phone charging have made it a hit. However, such household products carry significant safety risks. Recently, an electric dining table in a home in Tangshan, Hebei, suddenly exploded and caught fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but this is not the first time such an incident has occurred with these tables. As Hong Kong residents are keen on shopping across the border, this incident has sparked discussions about the safety standards of household appliances purchased from the mainland.
Worth up to 30,000 yuan, suspected internal battery malfunction causes incident
On March 15, Mr. Fang from Tangshan, Hebei, shared a CCTV footage of his home on social media. At the time of the incident, the electric dining table suddenly caught fire spontaneously, with smoke emanating from the bottom and sparks rapidly shooting up to the ceiling, accompanied by explosions. Fortunately, Mr. Fang's family was not dining at the table at the time. In panic, the family brought a fire extinguisher but couldn't operate it due to unfamiliarity. Eventually, they used a household fire blanket multiple times to put out the remaining flames.
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In a subsequent media interview, Mr. Fang revealed that the electric dining table was purchased six or seven years ago for as much as 30,000 yuan, making it a high-end product. He speculated that the accident might have been caused by the aging of the table's battery or an internal wiring fault, leading to the fire. He admitted that such smart home products indeed pose significant safety risks.
Electric Dining Tables Are Convenient But May Pose Hidden Household Hazards
These electric dining tables feature hidden induction cooktops, allowing users to keep food warm for extended periods, making them particularly suitable for group gatherings or hot pot meals. However, this very "convenience" hides safety risks that cannot be ignored. Experts point out that built-in batteries in such devices, if used over a long period, can age or experience circuit failures, easily becoming fire hazards. Additionally, the hidden high-temperature heating panels and automatic rotating functions may also lead to burns or accidental contact.
Mainland fire departments have issued warnings regarding such incidents: if an electrical appliance catches fire, the power supply should be cut off immediately to prevent electric shock. In critical situations where the power cannot be cut off in time, maintain a safe distance from the live equipment and use non-conductive carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguishers. Never use water or foam extinguishers, as this may cause electric shock or exacerbate the fire.
Consumer Council Reminder: 5 Key Considerations When Buying Appliances in Mainland China
With the growing trend of shopping in mainland China, many Hong Kong residents opt to purchase household appliances either in mainland China or through mainland online shopping platforms. However, are mainland appliances suitable for use in Hong Kong? The Consumer Council recently outlined five key considerations for consumers to keep in mind.
Voltage and Plug Types
Both Hong Kong and mainland China use a 220V voltage, so mainland appliances are generally compatible in Hong Kong. However, mainland China commonly uses two-flat-pin or figure-eight plugs, which differ from Hong Kong's British-style three-pin plugs. Self-replacing plugs or long-term use of adapters may pose safety risks, especially for high-power appliances.
Appliance Origin
Appliances without a brand or of unknown origin may lack quality assurance and may not have undergone rigorous safety testing, making them inadvisable purchases.
Terms and Warranty
When purchasing any appliance, pay attention to the terms of the purchase guarantee and whether a warranty is provided. For example, check if the product can be replaced or refunded if it fails to operate properly after purchase.
Store Reputation
Online stores offer a wide variety of appliances, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products. When shopping, carefully evaluate the store's ratings, user reviews, and sales volume. Also, consider the shipping method and costs before making a purchase.
Product Certification
The CCC (China Compulsory Certification) is a mandatory product certification in China. Most household appliances are included in the compulsory certification catalog, meaning they must be certified by nationally designated agencies to meet statutory quality standards. Appliances can only be manufactured, imported, or sold after obtaining the relevant certification and displaying the CCC mark. Before purchasing an appliance, check if it bears the CCC mark or ask the seller for the CCC certification number to confirm it has passed safety testing.
Additionally, if Hong Kong travelers feel their consumer rights have been violated when purchasing goods, using services, or accepting services in Shenzhen, they can call (0755-12345) to file a complaint with the relevant administrative department; or call the consumer complaint consultation hotline "Cantonese Hotline" (0755-966315) established by the Shenzhen Consumer Council for consultation or complaints. If travelers have already returned to Hong Kong, they can also seek assistance through our organization, as the consumer councils of both regions will handle complaint cases according to the established mechanism.
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