This week's questions and answers are:
- There are EU requirements for the energy consumption labelling of household electrical appliances. New rules, implemented this year, concern the information that must be given in marketing, advertising and technical promotions of particular products. When the promotional material relates to a particular model, the energy efficiency class must be shown (in certain circumstances). On what date did the requirements come in for household refrigeration appliances and televisions?
- What is the date for washing machines and dishwashers?
- To be able to state spin drying category A on the label, what is the maximum amount of water that should remain after spinning?
- The meet the definition of a 'food freezer' the appliance must be able to keep food at what temperature?
- The product brochure, or other literature provided with the product, must show the climate class for a freezer. The two relevant categories for the UK climate are 'temperate' and 'extended temperate' (N and SN). Which would a consumer need to look for if he/she intends to keep the appliance in garage where the temperature drops as low as 10 degrees centigrade?
- In the EU regulations, the definition of a television is 'a television set or a television monitor'. A 'television monitor' means a product designed to display a video signal from a variety of sources on an integrated screen using SCART or HDMI cables etc. By itself, it cannot receive TV signals. An appliance will be called a 'television set' if it includes a display and what else?
The requirements for household refrigeration appliances and televisions apply from 30 March 2012.
The date for washing machines and dishwashers is 20 April 2012.
The maximum remaining moisture content for category A spin drying is 45%.
A food freezer must be able to cool food to minus 18 degrees centigrade.
As appliances in the category 'temperate' (N) will only work correctly at 16 degrees centigrade or above, the consumer needs to look for one in the category 'Extended temperate' (SN).
A television set includes a display and one or more tuners or receivers. It may include functions for data storage and play, such as a DVD drive, hard disk drive or VCR.
We hope you will check your skills again next week.