BE IN THE KNOW AS YOU BUY THOSE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES THIS HOLIDAY

Nov 29, 2020 News, Standards in Focus

Kaieteur News – With just about a month away from Christmas, and as peak purchasing period of the season approaches, many consumers are considering upgrading or buying a new piece of household electrical appliance. It is necessary for buyers of electrical appliances to choose carefully the best brands and types of appliances needed for their homes, taking into consideration the usage of the appliance and after-sale services provided by sellers.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) monitors the quality of household electrical appliances imported and offered for sale in Guyana to ensure that they comply with labelling requirements and quality requirements. These appliances include refrigerators, electric stoves and cookers, televisions, mini music systems, blenders and food processors, toasters, microwaves and fans.
To avoid making purchasing mistakes, there are some guidelines consumers should follow to ensure they get the best products and deals:
Analyze your needs – Who will be using the appliance? How often will it be used? What exactly will it be used for etc., and choose accordingly.
Price – Expect to pay more for the more popular brand name appliances, added features and performance and possible workmanship, if not adequately covered by a warranty. Some additional gadgets may give the appliance a better look but may be unnecessary for your needs.
Electrical requirements – Ensure that the appliance has the correct voltage (110 or 220 volts). If you purchase any high voltage appliance, you must have a higher voltage electrical line installed. You may require the services of an electrician.
Ensure the appliance has the right cycle (50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz) which may vary depending on the area you live).
Remember to check to ensure that the watts can be accommodated in your home. (Note that higher watts may result in better performance but will require more energy).
Certification Mark: Look for the certification mark at the back of the appliance. Certification mark indicates that the products were tested independently in the country of manufacture and have met safety and quality requirements. Some certification marks include UL, CE, CSA, NOM, and CCC.
General tips for a great deal:
In the case of appliances, consider the size of the item and its capacity. Make sure the item can fit into the space available at your home.
Take into consideration the frequent changes in technology, which may render an appliance obsolete or outdated.
Buy from stores that offer warranties, good pre-purchasing advice and adequate after-sale services. Make sure you know who is responsible for services and repairs – the dealer or manufacturer.
Look beyond sales and bargain prices and think quality. A quality appliance may cost just a bit more but will last a lot longer.
If you are buying your appliances on hire purchase, make sure you understand the details of your hire purchase agreement. Read the fine print or have each section of the document explained to you.
When buying a new appliance, it makes good sense to choose the model that uses the least energy while meeting your needs. It helps the environment and it can save you money too.
Ensure that the appliance purchased is working at the store before taking it home.
Handle appliances with care; do not misuse them.
Caution: Do not try to install or do any work that should be done by a qualified electrician.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
For further information on this subject, please contact the GNBS on Telephone Numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066, WhatsApp 692-GNBS (4627) or follow us on Facebook #GNBSGY

Latest News

BE IN THE KNOW AS YOU BUY THOSE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES THIS HOLIDAY

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Thomas’ hat-trick inspires D.C Caesar Fox 10-5 victory, as Annai...

Stabroek Ballers, Sparta Boss, Bent Street...

West Indies Falter in Disheartening Series Loss...

Trophy Stall hands over trophies for Kennard...

Omari Glasgow, carrying the hopes and dreams of a...

GCF eyeing growth across other regions in 2025...

Features/Columnists

The stakes are high in Guyana’s democracy

Let the asylum seekers go: a first step for Venezuela to rebuild relations in the Americas

A leader undresses in public

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

BE IN THE KNOW AS YOU BUY THOSE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES THIS HOLIDAY

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]