§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she is aware that some electric metal panel radiators installed in domestic electrical heating systems reach dangerously high temperatures; what action she proposes to take to deal with the matter; and if she will make a statement.
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Mr. Alan WilliamsSome imported electric metal panel heaters designed for operation at 220 volts may reach excessive surface temperatures when connected to a supply of electricity at the standard United Kingdom voltage. These radiators, which are steel encased and up to two inches thick, can become hot enough to cause serious burns to exposed flesh. My Department has today issued a Press notice warning of this hazard and advising members of the public who may have purchased electric panel radiators of this type to ascertain that their radiators do not reach excessive temperatures, or to take precautions to ensure that there is no risk of uncovered parts of the body coming into contact with the hot radiator, particularly where there are children about.
The Electrical Appliances (Safety) Regulations which I propose to make shortly will, among other things, make it illegal to sell electric appliances which generate excessive heat.