How Can Consumers Purchase Common Small Household Appliances Safely? Safety Reminders for Purchasing and Using Electric Fans, Hair Dryers, Electric Kettles, and Ovens

Common small household appliances such as electric fans, hair dryers, electric kettles, and ovens may be compact and frequently used, but most involve electrical power, heating elements, motors, or high-temperature operating conditions. Products from unknown sources, failure to confirm the Commodity Inspection Mark, or overlooking deteriorated wiring, loose plugs, or abnormal equipment overheating during use may increase the risks of electric shock, short circuits, overheating, or fire.

Xiao An Xin of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, reminds consumers to focus on three key points when purchasing and using small household appliances: compliance marking, proper use, and regular inspection. Action Technology has further compiled practical precautions as a product safety reference for consumers, retailers, and brand owners.

Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark When Purchasing Small Household Appliances

When purchasing electric fans, hair dryers, electric kettles, ovens, or other small household appliances, consumers should first confirm whether the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed on the product itself, packaging, or label. They should also check for clear Chinese-language labeling, model numbers, specifications, and manufacturer or importer information.

The Commodity Inspection Mark is an important basis for consumers to determine whether a product has undergone the statutory inspection procedures. Consumers should exercise additional caution before purchasing products with unusually low prices, unknown sources, or incomplete labeling, or products that claim to have safety certification only in images on an online marketplace without providing a clear inspection mark and model information.

Common Safety Risks of Small Household Appliances

Different small household appliances have different operating methods and risks. In addition to confirming the Commodity Inspection Mark, consumers should use each product correctly according to its characteristics.

• Electric Fans: Check whether the power cord is damaged, the plug is loose, or the motor exhibits abnormal heat or noise. Maintain adequate ventilation and prevent dust accumulation during extended use.
• Hair Dryers: Avoid operating the product in a humid environment or with wet or slippery hands, and do not obstruct the air inlet or outlet. If a burning smell, abnormal noise, or excessive temperature occurs, stop using the product immediately.
• Electric Kettles: Add water in accordance with the instructions. Do not operate the kettle without water or fill it above the maximum water level. After use, prevent the base, plug, and power cord from coming into contact with moisture.
• Ovens: Place the product on a stable, heat-resistant, and well-ventilated surface during use and keep it away from flammable materials. Because the equipment reaches high temperatures during and after heating, children should not be allowed to touch it.

Avoid Humid Environments and Overloading

Most small household appliances require an electrical connection. Using them in bathrooms, beside kitchen sinks, or in other humid environments may increase the risks of electrical leakage or electric shock. Particular care should be taken to prevent the plugs, power cords, or bodies of hair dryers, electric kettles, electric ovens, and similar products from coming into contact with moisture.

Small appliances should also not share the same extension cord with high-power products, and multiple appliances should not be operated from the same outlet for extended periods. If an extension cord or outlet exhibits abnormal heat, discoloration, looseness, a burning smell, or circuit breaker trips, stop using it immediately and identify the cause.

Read the Instructions Carefully and Do Not Modify, Disassemble, or Repair Products Yourself

Small appliances are generally designed according to their rated voltage, power, operating environment, and safety conditions. Consumers should read the instructions carefully before use and confirm the applicable voltage, operating methods, prohibited actions, cleaning methods, and maintenance precautions.

If a product malfunctions, consumers are advised not to disassemble or modify it, replace components with non-original parts, or attempt repairs using unidentified accessories. Unauthorized modification of products containing heating elements, lithium batteries, motors, or power cords may compromise the original safety design and increase the risks of overheating, short circuits, or electric shock.

Regularly Inspect Power Cords, Plugs, and Equipment Condition

Even if a small household appliance complied with inspection requirements when purchased, it may gradually deteriorate because of prolonged use, humid environments, dust accumulation, repeated bending of the power cord, or wear caused by plugging and unplugging. Regular product inspections are therefore an important practice for reducing the risk of accidents.

If damaged wire insulation, a loose plug, a cracked enclosure, malfunctioning controls, louder operating noise, an abnormal increase in temperature, a burning smell, or smoke is discovered, stop using the product immediately and follow the product instructions or contact a manufacturer-authorized service provider.

Product Safety Recommendations

Action Technology recommends that consumers establish safe practices for purchasing and using small household appliances based on three principles: purchase compliant products, use them correctly, and inspect them regularly.

• Confirm the Commodity Inspection Mark before Purchasing: When purchasing electric fans, hair dryers, electric kettles, ovens, and other small appliances, confirm that the mark is clearly displayed on the product itself or its packaging.
• Avoid Products from Unknown Sources: When purchasing through online stores, group-buying arrangements, or cross-border platforms, do not consider price alone. Confirm the product source, Chinese-language labeling, model number, and inspection information.
• Use the Product Correctly in Accordance with the Instructions: Before use, review the operating methods, warnings, cleaning and maintenance procedures, and prohibited actions to avoid hazards caused by improper use.
• Avoid Moisture and Overloading: Keep electrical products away from water and avoid connecting multiple high-power products to the same extension cord or outlet.
• Inspect the Product Regularly: If damaged wiring, an overheated plug, equipment abnormalities, a burning smell, or smoke is discovered, stop using the product immediately.
• Brand Owners Should Prioritize Pre-Market Testing: Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners should confirm safety, EMC, labeling, and related inspection requirements before placing products on the market to reduce subsequent consumer safety risks.

Small Appliance Safety Is Not Only a Consumer-Side Issue

Small appliance safety is related not only to consumer operating habits but also to product design, component selection, structural safety, electrical protection, complete labeling, and pre-market testing. Brand owners and importers that confirm inspection standards, technical documentation, product labeling, and supplier quality management during product development and procurement can more effectively reduce market risks and after-sales disputes.

Action Technology Co., Ltd. will continue to monitor product safety information published by BSMI and Xiao An Xin, assisting businesses with household appliance and electrical product testing, EMC testing, SAFETY compliance testing, BSMI certification assessment, and pre-market product compliance testing to help consumers and businesses establish a safer product-use environment.

Source: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs｜How to Safely Purchase and Use Common Small Household Appliances