Hazardous lamps under the spotlight
The Consumer Council issues a warning about halogen bulbs that can overheat
Tungsten halogen light bulbs, commonly found in domestic floor lamps, are a fire hazard if they are not used carefully, the Consumer Council warned yesterday.
In a report which was compiled after a home was set ablaze by one of the bulbs, the council found that the halogen lights could reach more than 700 degrees Celsius, hot enough to burn plastic and many kinds of fabric which come into contact with them.
'Floor lamps with tungsten halogen bulbs were designed to stand quite high,' said Ching Pak-chung, vice-chairman of the council's publicity and community relations panel. '[But] if they are placed close to curtains, they can easily set them on fire.'
Mr Ching advises consumers to choose lamps that use ordinary light bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs or energy-saving bulbs, all of which emit a comparable amount of light at temperatures 40 degrees lower than halogens.
In the study, the council tested 11 floor lamps, of which five used tungsten halogen bulbs. The surface of the bulbs could reach a top temperature of 770 degrees, while the surface of the protective glass shield around the bulbs could reach 330 degrees.
The lampshades become potentially dangerous when they reach more than 100 degrees.
The council also found that eight of the 11 lamps tested could topple over when adjusted to an angle of 15 degrees.
Its report has been submitted to the Electric and Mechanical Services Department, which regulates home appliances.
The council had received a complaint after a floor lamp allegedly set a home on fire when it fell onto a sofa.
The council urged consumers not to place floor lamps close to curtains or hanging objects, while children should be warned not to play near the lamps to avoid toppling them over.
Consumers should also avoid using halogen bulbs which require more power than that provided by the lamp.
Separately, the council also warned the public yesterday to ensure televisions are put on secure and sturdy furniture after a five-year-old child was killed by a falling set.
The coroner has suggested that importers, distributors and retailers put labels on heavy televisions warning that sturdy stands are needed to support large sets.
Stands provided by television manufacturers were the best, or those specially designed for supporting a television.
Heavy sets should not be placed on a stand with drawers that could be pulled out, unless the cabinet was securely attached to the wall with screws.
