trade comment Working with the industry to keep consumers safe


Electrical Safety First head of electrotechnical division Martyn Allen discusses the charity’s upcoming industry event, which focuses on the popular lithium-ion battery


O


ne area of our attention recently has been on the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery. As retailers know, lithium-


ion batteries pack a lot of energy into a little package. These small, rechargeable batteries provide excellent reliability and longer life than other batteries. Because of these features, they’re the


battery of choice for many manufacturers and consumers of portable electronics and found in many everyday items - including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-cigarettes, drones and smart watches. They are also used in larger applications such as electric vehicles and home battery storage systems. Due to their popularity, they have become


the focus of our next industry seminar, Risk Mitigation of Lithium Batteries and Drones. This will take place on Thursday April 27, from 3–5pm, at The Convocation Hall, Church House, Westminster. The event will begin with our panel of


experts discussing the safety issues of lithium- type batteries and how to reduce hazards to ensure compliance with safety standards. Drones, which generally run on lithium batteries,


have been introduced into a range of professional activities from photography and surveying to


scientific research and, increasingly, considered a ‘fun gadget’ for the general consumer. However, as drone popularity grows so has the amount of negative publicity, with reports of drones falling out of the sky, flying in controlled airspace, together with issues associated with battery safety, communication failure and mechanical hazards. Our panel will examine the current


regulatory landscape covering drones and the associated safety risks, primarily focusing on electrical safety and mechanical issues. The demand for all rechargeable gadgets has


clearly grown and the pressure to get products on the market has risen rapidly. Though such batteries have a good safety record, there have been a number of high-profile incidents reported in the press, including fires and explosions. Lithium batteries naturally get warm due


to high currents flowing during charge and discharge cycles, but can sometimes overheat. When this occurs they can become a real


safety issue – especially when items are left to charge unattended, or when left on or near flammable materials, even if the device is manufactured to the correct safety standards. Problems can also occur when lithium-ion batteries are charged with adaptors that are


British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) home enhancement director Will Jones shares his findings from the International Home and Housewares Show


I


’ve just returned from the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago and among many revelatory areas of


new product development was a whole hall devoted to smart home technology. For those of us already at least a little familiar with the smart home concept in the UK, it is more than likely that we associate the trend with remotely controlled, intelligent systems which we can use to operate home heating, home air quality and home security including locks, alarms and lighting. Some of the innovations on view in Chicago, however, took the use of smart phones and apps to a whole new level, especially in small domestic kitchen appliances. Not all the products on view were available


in retail as yet – this was very much about demonstrating concept products and gauging reaction. Nevertheless, as the exhibition literature said, these kinds of products are here to stay, “so you’d better get up close and personal with them and make them your friend.”


April 2017


So, here are a few of the smart technology small domestic appliances that might be launching themselves shortly. • The pan that will – via the consumer’s smart phone – manage its own temperature in order to produce the steak – or fish – or scallops – that meet the exact outcome specified by the cook. Perfect for any dish that requires perfect timing to achieve the perfect culinary result. • The fermenter that will turn fruit into the perfect beverage as specified via an app by the consumer. Ahead of a social gathering, the resulting drink will be just as sweet, medium or dry, alcoholic or non-alcoholic as the host decides is suitable. • The smart microgarden that produces herbs and a range of vegetables – to specification – in the kitchen and just ready for the host to cook to perfection, while simultaneously impressing the guests. It’s true that none of these appliances are as yet ready for the UK market, but some of


them – or something very like them – soon will be. So, here’s a thought for the future. Just as with any completely new concept the retailers’ secret is to focus on the ‘story’ as opposed to the technology. Technology appeals to early adopters, but most consumers want to know how its features will benefit their lives. The story therefore is ‘become a better cook’, or perhaps ‘become a better host’; and both of these without actually having to become a better chef! It’s worth researching the opportunities now so as to be prepared. I’ll leave the last word – for now – to Chicago. “As a retailer, you need to embrace this new wave of technology or risk falling behind your competitors.” What should you do? “Educate yourself slowly, but diligently”, and listen for the moment when your customers are ready to engage. • For more information, contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130, or email wj@bheta.co.uk, or visit the website at www.bheta.co.uk


www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk | 17


substandard. These chargers are often made with poor quality components that fail to meet UK safety regulations and so can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires. The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) makes clear


that product safety is the responsibility of all actors in the supply chain – from manufacturers to retailers. As retailers are often the first point of contact for consumers when there is a problem with their electrical product, they must be clear regarding their obligations and it’s important for retailers to follow up on any recalls or defects in products that use lithium-ion batteries. For consumers, price and quantity may win


over quality – many want multiple chargers for one item, such as mobile phones, so that they can keep a charger at work, in their car and at home. As well, the number of counterfeit products coming into and being sold in the UK is increasingly alarming. This further highlights the need for reputable retailers, as unsuspecting consumers may not understand the difference. As a charity, our key function is to protect the public by working with the industry and those responsible retailers to keep the public safe. • For further information about the lithium


battery event, please contact neelam.sheemar@ electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.


Smart home trends coming straight from Chicago


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44