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For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
July 2014
energysafe issue 36
Unapproved electrical
products removed from
shelves in stores
By Sharon Rainsbury, Executive Manager
Media and Communications
ESV is warning Victorians not to purchase
or use unapproved or non-compliant
electrical equipment following the death
of a woman in NSW due to a faulty
USB charger.
The woman was electrocuted when the
USB charger she was using for her mobile phone
failed while she was holding the phone.
Victoria’s Director of Energy Safety, Paul
Fearon, said all Victorians should look for the
regulatory compliance mark or unique approval
number to ensure the products they are buying
have been approved and are safe for use.
“The regulatory compliance mark is a tick
within a circle in a triangle while approval markings
can vary between states but typically are an
alphanumeric code, comprising the first letter
of the state that issued the approval followed by
between one and six digits,” Mr Fearon said.
“If a product seems too cheap—be alert. If it
doesn’t have an approval number or regulatory
compliance mark—be alarmed. And if it doesn’t
have insulated pins or if it has holes in the pins—
definitely don’t buy it. Report the seller to ESV and
we will investigate and take action.”
Warning to sellers
ESV has also issued a warning to online
sellers and retail outlets that it is illegal to sell
unapproved electrical products, appliances
or USB chargers.
Cheap and nasty: This unapproved travel adaptor and USB charger were removed from shelves.
Under the Electrical Safety Act (1998)
outlets selling them may be fined up to $5634
for individuals and $28,168 for companies.
“Anyone who is importing or supplying
electrical equipment into Australia needs to
ensure that the equipment complies with the
relevant electrical safety requirements,”
Mr Fearon said.
All prescribed electrical appliances and
equipment must be approved prior to being
made available for public use or sale. Electrical
equipment that is not classified as prescribed
may be supplied to the public without first being
approved. However, it is the responsibility of
the supplier to ensure that non-prescribed
electrical equipment meets relevant minimum