Turn in the lemon

Q. I bought a microwave from a leading appliance store. A week after I bought it, the timer started to malfunction but, because it was covered by a warranty, the appliance store repaired the unit. A few days after it was repaired, the timer started to malfunction again. I called the appliance store to complain and they said they would repair it again. The microwave is back with me but the timer is malfunctioning again. Can I ask for a replacement of a unit?

A. Better yet, ask for a refund and use the money to buy another brand of microwave. This time, ask your friends what microwave brand they use and if they would recommend the brand. Last March 4, DTI helped Eduardo Tugab get a replacement for his defective National refrigerator, which had been repaired twice after he bought it in October 2001.

Q. I want to buy a fire extinguisher. Any buying tips?

A. Look for the following:

* a Philippine Standard or PS mark for those that are locally made or the International Commodity Clearance or ICC mark for those that are imported. These marks are proof that a product has passed the safety standard requirements.

* Either an A, B, C or D specification, which indicates what type of fire the extinguisher can put out. A Class A is used in fires involving solid materials such as wood, plastic, cloth and paper; Class B, involving liquids or liquefiable solids such as gasoline, paint and other chemicals; Class C, involving gases such as LPG and methane gas; and Class D, involving metals.

It, therefore, follows that a Class C fire extinguisher should be stored in the kitchen while a Class A should be stored in the living room or the bedroom.

Q. I’m having my roof repaired. How can I be sure the GI sheet that I buy is of good quality?

A. Because the DTI monitors GI sheets sold in the market, they must meet the required range of thickness specified under the Philippine National Standard 67 for galvanized steel sheets and coils.

Galvanized iron sheets are flat or ridged sheets that come in various grades and thickness. These sheets are coated in zinc that protects the iron from rusting, which is caused by the moisture produced by oxygen.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City or e-mail DTI Secretary Manuel Roxas II at [email protected]. DTI’s consumer hotlines are 896-5740 or 890-4932)