Some gas water heaters failed safety test, Consumer Council says

The Consumer Council and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department have tested 20 domestic gas water heaters, saying some of the samples have failed safety tests.

A total of 20 gas water heaters from 16 brands were tested, with prices ranging from HK$3,500 to HK$10,060. All are marked with the “GU” safety mark of the department. 

In the pressure performance test of the heater’s waterway system, the pressure relief valve of a water heater sample with a maximum applicable water pressure of 1,000 kilopascals (kPa) was triggered open when the water pressure was only 750 kPa.

Another sample that is able to cut gas supply within 10 seconds amid abnormal exhaunt venting, has experienced slight deformation on its cage.

However, the department stressed although the heaters have failed to pass the tests, it does not affect the safety and usage of the product when the heaters are used under normal operating conditions.

The Council’s test also found out that the prices of the samples vary greatly, and has no direct correlation to their performances.

Among the heaters of the same gas type having the same heat input, “Crown CGS CW-1201RF” with a price of HK$4,380 when compared with another sample “TGC NJW12RM”, which costs HK$9,110, received a better overall rating of 4.5 points.

The Consumer Council reminds consumers that when purchasing and using gas water heaters, they should ensure that the product bears the “GU” mark and operates in accordance with the instructions in the manual.