The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has today destroyed non-compliant electrical products comprising electrical plugs and extension cables in Lusaka valued at K47, 408.50.
ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba said the non-compliant products had the potential to cause personal injury, electric shock and damage to property through fire.
Speaking to One Love Radio news, Mr. Maamba stated that this is due to the low standard of materials used in their manufacture and absence of Earthing.
He said the items were seized between November 11-14, 2024 from Fidelity Store, Naeela Investment, Penz Zhang Investment, Tanzim, Golden Oaklet and Bhadi Investment in Lusaka during the recently conducted National Open Market Surveillance (OMS) inspection for contravening relevant Compulsory Standards and the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
“An assessment of the seized products conducted by the Agency revealed significant deviations from the required safety standards, thereby posing serious risks to consumers. Key issues identified included the use of non-compliant materials for the plug pins and current carrying parts, improper dimensions, missing fuses, sleeved Earthing and incorrect wiring practices,” Mr. Maamba said.
Mr. Maamba noted that risks associated with non-complaint materials include increased resistance leading to overheating, energy loss, and potential fire hazards during prolonged use, reduced electrical contact, arcing (sparks), voltage drops and unsafe connections.
“Of particular concern is the use of non-compliant material such as steel or alloys of steel instead of brass for plug pins and current carrying parts which poses significant risks due to the material’s properties, thereby compromising the safety, performance, and durability of the plugs and extension cables,” he added.
He further noted that poor insulation quality and the absence of proper Earthing further underscore the critical safety failures in these products.
Mr. Maamba however warned of stern action against entities and traders illegally supplying non-compliant products on the Zambian market, saying such products pose a risk to public health and safety.
He said the Agency will continue conducting enforcement and public education activities in a bid to ensure that only safe products are allowed on the market.
He urged consumers to be vigilant and report suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office at major border entry points, in provincial centers or the Head Office in Lusaka so that enforcement actions are undertaken.