Lighting Set: Christmas Tree Lights
Pursuant to Regulation 102 of the Electricity Regulations 1997, and acting under delegated authority of the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Economic Development, pursuant to section 41 of the State Sector Act 1988,
I, Graham Boxall, being the person for the time being holding the position of Manager, Operations, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, hereby notify that the following appliance, being a decorative lighting set as described below, is prohibited from manufacture, importation, sale or use in New Zealand.
This prohibition is to take effect on and from Monday,
16 December 2002.
Description
The appliance covered by this prohibition is a:
Decorative lighting set (Christmas tree lights)
comprising 50 small coloured incandescent lights wired in
a series configuration and connected to a two pin parallel, "tap on" plug arrangement.
The plug and wire insulation being of a dark green colour, with the plug bearing the markings 125V3A or 220V3A.
The decorative lighting sets are sold contained in unmarked plastic bags with a retail price of less than $5.00.
Details of Hazard
The decorative lighting set constitutes or may constitute an electrical hazard in that it:
? uses a plug which is not suitable for use in New Zealand and could give rise to an electric shock hazard when used in a standard New Zealand socket outlet due to inadequate clearance distances around the pins of the plug;
? has insulation on the conductors (wires) which is not suitable for use at 230V, and therefore this presents an electric shock (electrocution) hazard;
? is marked with an operating voltage which is not compatible with the New Zealand electricity supply voltage. This is recognised by the Regulations as "unsafe";
? is not supplied with instructions for the safe use of the set, including warnings against the use of the set outdoors. The lack of instructions could give rise to an electric shock or fire hazard.
Reasons for Prohibition
The decorative lighting set is unsafe as determined in Regulation 76 (2) (a), (b) and (c) and Regulation 76 (3) (a)
and (f) of the Electricity Regulations 1997.
Accordingly, I issue this prohibition.
Signed this 9th day of December 2002.
GRAHAM BOXALL, Manager, Operations.