Domestic safety (ICS code(s): 13.120); Domestic electrical appliances in general (ICS code(s): 97.030)

Ministerial Decree No. 499 /2023 (4 pages, in Arabic) mandating The Egyptian standard ES 7308 for "Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Particular requirements for whirlpool baths and whirlpool spas"; (50 page(s), in English)

The Ministerial Decree No. 499 /2023 (4 pages, in Arabic) gives producers and importers a six-month transitional period to abide by the Egyptian standard ES 7308 which deals with the safety of electric whirlpool baths for indoor use and whirlpool spas, for household and similar use, their rated voltage being not more than 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances, including direct current (DC) supplied appliances and battery-operated appliances. This standard also applies to appliances for circulating air or water in conventional baths. This standard applies to factory-built self-contained whirlpool baths or whirlpool spas in which all controls and components are integral parts of the appliance and are located within or affixed to the whirlpool bath or whirlpool spa structure. Appliances not intended for normal household use but that nevertheless can be a source of danger to the public, such as appliances intended to be used by laymen in hotels, fitness centres and similar places, are within the scope of this standard. As far as is practicable, this standard deals with the common hazards presented by appliances that are encountered by all persons in and around the home. However, in general, it does not take into account:

- Persons (including children) whose physical, sensory or mental capabilities; or lack of experience and knowledge prevents them from using the appliance safely without supervision or instruction;

- Children playing with the appliance.

Attention is drawn to the fact that

- For appliances intended to be used in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft, additional requirements can be necessary;

- In many countries additional requirements are specified by the national health authorities, the national water supply authorities, the national authorities responsible for the protection of labour and similar authorities.

Worth mentioning is that this standard adopts the technical content of IEC 60335-2-60:2023