The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) has withdrawn from the market non-conforming transformers because of possible risk to the health and safety of consumers.

An assessment of the product brand Trisonic Step Up and Down Transformers, models TS-401-3P, TS-402-3P & TS-405-3P and Seven Star Step Up and Down Transformers, models ST-200U/D, indicate that the transformers are unsafe due to the ease with which voltage settings can change which can cause damage to the appliance and injury to the user.  

The withdrawal was initiated against the requirements of SLNS/BS EN 61558 – 1:2005 Safety of power transformers, power supply units and similar – Part 1: General requirements which requires “Transformers with more than one rated supply voltage shall be so constructed that the voltage setting cannot be changed without the aid of a tool.”

The SLBS has issued a notice of the breach to the retailer and has subsequently removed the items from the market.  The SLBS urges those who have purchased the item to return it to the seller for a refund.

For more information on the specifications of the transformers withdrawn from use call us at 453-0049.

We hereby give notice:

(i)         That the undermentioned goods have been found not to comply with the requirements of the compulsory standard SLNS/ BS EN 60335-1:2005 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances-Safety-Part 1: General Requirements ,SLNS/BS EN 61558 – 1:2005 Safety of Power Transformers, Power Supply Units and Similar – Part 1: General Requirements and SLNS BS EN 61558 – 2-13:2009 Safety of Power Transformers, Power Supply Units and Similar Devices – Part 2-13: Particular Requirements for Auto-Transformers for General Use as follows:

(ii)        That breach of the compulsory standard constitutes a summary offence under Section 32 of the Standard Act No. 14 of 1990, punishable by a fine of $10,000 and an additional penalty of $1,000 for every day on which the offence continues or to imprisonment for 6 months and such goods are liable to be forfeited to the State.

(iii)       That the SLBS intends to lay complaint on the grounds set out above unless you show cause satisfactory to the SLBS in writing that the aforementioned goods do  in fact comply, within two( 2 ) weeks of the date hereof.

(iv)       That you may at any time before the expiry of two (2) weeks from the date hereof consent to the goods being forfeited to the State by giving notice in the prescribed form to that effort to the Director, SLBS.