DCL achieves 85 per cent of IEC requirements

Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL), has achieved around 85 percent of the international requirements for the recognition by International Electrotechnical Commission in coordination with Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. According to Hawa Abdullah Bastaki, Director of Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL): "The laboratory is aimed to check electrical devices and ensure its compliance with the terms of safety standards and then to give registration certificate in order to preserve the life of consumer and community," she said. "In the beginning, the laboratory examined only two types of electrical appliances (water heater and electrical conductors). It recently reached to 35 fields out of six specifications. In case of adding a new product in the list of mandatory products, the laboratory would send circulars to merchants and suppliers, and give them a period of three months to adjust the conditions. The laboratory also holds periodic meetings with customers to discuss new developments and take their feedbacks," she added. Eng. Abdelrahman Mohammed Al Ali, Head of Electronic Appliances Unit, said that it is not allowed to any seller to promote any electrical device in Dubai local markets unless it is examined and registered with Dubai Central Laboratory. "There are also ministerial orders issued by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology in addition to the legislation of DEWA, to identify the type of plugs attached to electrical appliances. It should be as required by the Authority and that fits with the design of electric fuses at homes," he said. "The time required for testing is different according to the product, required standard and number of tests. It often takes eight to ten days from the date of test commencement for all devices except the electrical conductors, which takes three to five days," he added. Dubai Municipality has earlier issued the local order No 10 of 2003 and established a laboratory to examine household electrical appliances in 2005, taking into account the high rate of incidences related to electrical appliances in recent years.