Concern about the dangers of using unsafe power adaptors

International power adapters that don’t meet Australian safety standards
Date: Tuesday, 15 August 2017

EnergySafety and Consumer Protection from the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety have issued a joint public alert, raising concerns about the dangers of using power adaptors that don’t meet Australian safety standards.

International power adapters
Unsafe international power adapter

Warnings were raised after users reported receiving electric shocks when using an unsafe international adaptor.

The unsafe travel adaptor has two exposed pins designed for the United Kingdom which remain live at 240 Volts unless the user knows to, or remembers, to lock them into the recessed position.

Approved adaptors sold in Australia must be marked with an Australian approval number and bear the Regulatory Compliance Mark, indicating they comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3122.

Stay safe and get the full announcement.

Here are some tips to consider before purchasing and using power adaptors.

  •  Only buy electrical products with the Regulatory Compliance Mark and Australian safety approval number.
  • Only buy from recognised Australian stores and not from overseas suppliers.
  • Before purchasing adaptors or chargers, check that the plug pins are of an Australian configuration, have been approved for use in Australia and are insulated for at least 50% of the pin length.
  • Anyone in possession of unapproved adaptors or chargers purchased locally should contact us immediately. If you bought them overseas, destroy and dispose of them immediately. Do not use them.
  • If you notice any unapproved chargers for sale by a local supplier, please call EnergySafety: 6251 1900 or Consumer Protection: 1300 30 40 54.