What & Why Safety Mark?
Many of us are aware that common household appliances like kettles, fans, ceiling fans require the SPRING Safety Mark before retailers are able to put them up for sale.
Products that require such certifications in Singapore are considered CONTROLLED GOODS. And the main reason for such a control is to ensure product safety and to protect consumers from harm in the process of using or when coming into contact with them.
Appliances that are connected directly to our 220-240v mains come under this mandatory certification. This includes certain lighting fixtures, but not all. Battery operated devices may come under another category of CONTROLLED GOODS (e.g rechargable batteries for PMD).
Why buy products with Safety Mark?
With the advent of of online shopping, it is apparent that it would be near impossible for the authorities to ensure and enforce all products sold especially through overseas merchant or parallel importers (who usually claims to be "factory direct") complies with this certification. Hence, it would be worthwhile to arm yourself with some basic knowledge to help identify which type of devices require this a stamp of approval when you make your purchase. Besides helping you to decide on which brand and make, it also offers you a piece of mind. Well, how so?
a) Insurance Dispute - In the event of an insurance claim due to any mishap arising from the failure of the product, the insurance companies would have less of a case to point to the fact that you have knowingly chosen to use a product of dubious origins, and thereby limiting their liabilities.
b) Product quality - While having a Safety Mark does not necessary means that the product is not flawed, it certainly means that the manufacturer is serious about their reputation and its products as there are associated cost to having each product certified.
Which Type of Lightings Require Safety Mark?
Lightings have evolved from the days of fire and candle, to an electrical device and to the electronic device we have today.
So, which type of lightings (be it downlights, chandeliers, pendant lights, track lights, ceiling lights) require the Safety Mark? Since we are already in the era of LED, we shall not extend our discussion to other traditional form of lighting types. Upon seeking clarifications from SPRING SINGAPORE directly, this is their official reply:
For the lights that are with the Integrated Driver, they fall under the purview of the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations (CGSR). Under the CGSR regulations there is no requirement for pre-market approval from SPRING Singapore as the Safety Authority.
As for the ones that are with External Drivers, they are classified as Controlled Goods under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme or CPS Scheme in short. Controlled Goods require registration with us and affixed with the Safety Mark before they can be supplied in Singapore. For more information regarding the CPS Scheme, you might wish to read up on the Information Booklet available on www.spring.gov.sg/safety.
Summary:
In short,
Integrated Driver - No need for Safety Mark
External Driver - Mandatory to have Safety Mark
All LED requires a driver, for the purpose for "stepping down" from a direct higher voltage (like our mains 220v) to a lower voltage (12v) that is sufficient enough to power up LEDs.
The question is when is a driver "Integrated" and when is it "External"? Based on our experience, when the driver is built inherently within the product chassis where without the use of any tools or efforts beyond reasonable means, can the driver be accessed, it can be considered as integrated.
If the driver is separated from the chassis or attached to the chassis in a manner that is accessible easily (although not by design intended for consumer to do so), it can be considered as external.
We hope the above serves to help you as a consumer to understand our SAFETY MARK better when purchasing lightings for your home!
We know how tempting it is for new home owners to opt for the most affordable option, but with wide spread local news of electronic devices (PMD battery caused fire) and electrical appliances (Water Heater electrocution, ceiling fan failing off) related injury (and in some cases death), maybe its time to reconsider your options.
Visit us online at www.threecubes.com.sg or at our studio to find out the many lighting options that we offer.
READ ALSO: Where to Shop & Buy LED Lights in Singapore
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2 comments
hi, good question. Next question is how is this driver attached to your LED board? Does it involve an intermediate connector that allows you to detach it by simply pulling off, or is it wired to it permanently where the only means of detaching it requires you to cut it away. If it is the latter, it is likely to be an integrated driver.
If i can remove the light cover, use a screw driver to unscrew the screws at 4 corners of the driver and remove it, does this means integrated as i need to remove the cover, unscrew the driver with a tool.