13 brands Tested
4 Found Unsafe

Vol. 20 No.1 January-February 2000

We tested two samples (230V, 1000W) each of 13 brands of electric immersion water heaters representing reasonably all parts of the country. The names of the brands tested are, Spherehot, ABC, Bajaj, National Super, Powerpack, Suntrack, Soni, Kraft, Classic, Lifeline, Murphy Bonus Original, Vijay and Remson Goldline. They were tested against the specifications set by the Bureau of India Standards (BIS).

• Nine brands conformed to all the tests and four did not conform to various safety and performance parameters.

Safety

• Murphy Bonus Original, Classic and Soni did not conform to the leakage current after moisture resistance test. They recorded leakage current more than the specified 210 micro amperes - 485, 301 and 273 micro amps, respectively - which may not be fatal, but may cause a mild electric shock.
  
• Murphy Bonus Original also did not conform to the abnormal operation test, which checks the safety of the user if the heater is used with water below the minimum level, above the maximum level or even without water.
  
• The power supply cords of Classic, Murphy Bonus Original and Soni failed to comply with the standards. Their cross sectional area was smaller than that specified. Thus they would be unable to withstand any overload of current. Also, the power supply cord of Murphy Bonus Original was found to be 1.4 m as against the standard 2 m.

Components

• The components of the samples were also subjected to a quality test. The moulded plugs of Bajaj and Remson Goldline deformed during the heat resistance test. They were the only moulded plugs marked with IS 6538.

Performance

• National Super did not conform to the ‘finish’ parameter of the performance test. The metallic grip for holding the heating elements with earthing screw and washer and screws for fixing the attachment head were found rusted posing a threat of electric shock to the user.

Labelling

• Only Bajaj followed all the norms laid down for care labelling. None of the other brands detailed the instructions as per the standards. Kraft, Murphy Bonus Original and National Super did not provide any instruction sheets at all.
  
• Murphy, Bonus Original was found without the mandatory ISI mark.

Energy Cost

• The energy consumption of Spherehot was found to be the lowest (Rs 687.81 per annum), while Murphy Bonus Original recorded the highest (Rs 763.87 per annum) consumption of energy.

Price

• Vast differences were observed between the billed price and the prices printed on the carton in majority of the brands. The least expensive was Murphy Bonus Original at Rs.110 and the most expensive was Bajaj costing Rs.265.

 

Details of the test report can be had in INSIGHT

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