Filenews 18 February 2025
The Deputy Director of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services (YMI), Pavlos Giavris, told CNA yesterday that the Department performs random tests "on a wide range of products", which then, if deemed to need further investigation, are sent to accredited laboratories abroad.
He added that based on the results obtained, they are taking action – either requesting further information from the importer, withdrawing the product if it is judged to have a problem, or suspending the product circulation. These are the measures being taken in terms of product control, he noted.
It follows from the above that during the time-consuming process of random checks and sending problematic devices or equipment abroad for further inspection and deciding to withdraw a confirmed dangerous product, consumers remain unprotected and continue to use dangerous electrical equipment, large or small. This is because any controls are made after the introduction of the devices and their mass sale to consumers.
Mr. Giavris also told CNA that there is no inspection by the Department in houses, noting that these are done by EAC during the first connection of the premises to its network and in cases of extensions and modification of the existing audited installation, after submission of plans by the electrician. However, there are many -if not the majority- cases where, after extensions or additions to electrical installations, no competent authority is called for re-inspection.
Nor does anyone check whether electrical appliances installed periodically in homes - often based on the lowest possible price - meet minimum safety standards.
Mr. Giavris also referred to the process of amending the legislation – which is expected to be put to public consultation – and which provides, as he said, for the introduction of periodic inspections of facilities – public and private – based on decrees of the competent Minister. He explained that this is something new that is being introduced and that periodic audits will be carried out by inspectors licensed by the Department or by Department staff.
Asked about the use of electrical appliances with a bipolar socket, Mr. Giavris told CNA that when someone buys a device that is bipolar, he should be given by the supplier and the appropriate corresponding adapter to operate it, noting that the adaptors we supply with the device "are appropriate, And it's not right to use other adapters that we have at home."
However, the president of the Association of Electricians reiterated several times yesterday that sockets in appliances sold to consumers must necessarily be tripolar, so as not to use adapters.
