What is it that most homes today cannot even think of doing without?
What is it which has made housewives completely dependent on them?
What is it that not only adds comfort and luxury but also style to your home?
The answer to all of these questions is one- Home Appliances. Be it a washing machine, a refrigerator, a television or a microwave, we have invariably become extremely reliant upon them. There is not a single day in a common household when these appliances are not frequently made use of. However, in spite of being so dependent on these appliances, how much do we know them? Apart from their usage, damage and repair, what is it that we miss out on? What we remain ignorant of is indeed the organizations and associations dealing with home appliances.
Though each country has several associations and each appliance has local organizations to deal with the grievances and standards of home appliances, there is just one national body which has carved a niche for itself. It is renowned, it is popular and its standard maintaining procedures are respected throughout the world. This organization is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, commonly abbreviated as AHAM.
- What is it?
- What does it do?
- How is it done?
Based in the United States, AHAM is an association consisting of all manufacturers, who produce home appliances, as its members. Accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) this association primarily deals with development of standards and institutionalization of specific products.
It develops standards for different products such that they provide uniform and consistent services. These standards are approved by ANSI and are adhered to customarily by all manufacturers of home appliances.
Tests are conducted through independent laboratories in order to verify the claims which the appliance manufacturer makes. Once these claims are verified and it is established that no excessive harm to the environment is being caused, certification is done by means of issuing a seal.
Based on this, a list of safe home appliances is prepared which are then permitted to be sold in the markets. The function of this organization is not merely to act as an association mentioned above, but it is also to safeguard the way home appliances are used. With such organizations and associations at work, it is not just about grievance redressal but it is also about safety and purity.
