NSW businesses raided over USB chargers after woman dies

oldtrack123 · Guru

Death from Non approved Fauity USB charging deivice

hotqld · Veteran Member

Even if approved it is much safer, to dump the 240v USB charger and use 12V usb charger when camping / caravans.

oldtrack123 · Guru

hotqld wrote:
Even if approved it is much safer, to dump the 240v USB charger and use 12V usb charger when camping / caravans.

YES biggrin

Keep to 12V as much as possible

Do not fall for the push that everyone NEEDS 240V AND an inverter smile

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 28th of June 2014 04:55:08 PM

Phil C · Guru

I agree with the 12V option. Not sure even the apple 240V charger is approved.

Great point PeterQ. 12V does everything for me in our van except the washing machine and the microwave. We have the inverter to keep warm and use our induction cooktop.

Cheers

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi

An update on action being taken by NSW Fair Trading

From "Smart Company"

NSW businesses raided over USB chargers after woman dies

Monday, 30 June 2014 2:26

Eloise Keating

NSW businesses raided over USB chargers after woman dies

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A number of businesses operating in New South Wales have been raided by the NSW Office of Fair Trading in relation to unsafe USB chargers, travel adaptors and power boards.

The raids follow the death of a woman in North Gosford on the states central coast in April. According to the ABC, the woman was electrocuted after plugging in a faulty USB charger to her computer.

The Office of Fair Trading said in a statement it has raided a Campsie mobile phone accessory shop in relation to the incident, removing from sale a number of chargers, travel adaptors and power boards which did not meet Australian safety standards.

The trader of the unnamed business is now being questioned by authorities and could face prosecution.

A spokesperson for the Office of Fair Trading told SmartCompany this morning two stores in Wollongong have been raided in relation to the devices, along with four stalls at the Dapto Markets and two stalls at Paddy's Markets in Haymarket. Further raids are expected to be carried out in coming weeks.

The Office of Fair Trading said corporations face a maximum penalty of $875,000 for selling the unapproved products, while individuals face a maximum fine of $87,500 and two years imprisonment.

According to Fairfax, a Wollongong woman has also reported that a USB charger she purchased at Paddys Markets exploded near her sons head.

Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said in the statement the unapproved products are often made from inferior plastics and other insulation materials, and the particular devices seized by the Office of Fair Trading had no insulation pins or approved marks.

Consumers must avoid these products and retailers should not be selling them, said Stowe. These devices pose a serious risk of electrocution or fire.

Stowe is calling for anyone with knowledge about the products to contact the Office of Fair Trading, and said anyone in possession of the products should bend the pins on the charges and dispose them immediately.

The spokesperson told SmartCompany the products appear to be imported "as there are no Australian approval marks and they are not made to Australian standards".

The spokesperson says if businesses are concerned they may be selling the products they should remove the devices from sale until they can confirm the devices are approved for sale.

"People can check the Fair Trading website for approval marks required on all declared electrical articles," says the spokesperson, who also suggests contacting the Office of Fair Trading directly with any concerns. [end quote]

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 09:03:58 PM

Phil C · Guru

oldtrack123 wrote:
hotqld wrote:
Even if approved it is much safer, to dump the 240v USB charger and use 12V usb charger when camping / caravans.
YES
Keep to 12V as much as possible
Do not fall for the push that everyone NEEDS 240V AND an inverter
PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Saturday 28th of June 2014 04:55:08 PM

Peter Q raises a valid point. For a few weeks now I have been considering NOT using LV and resorting to ELV only. The only use I would have of 240V would be to charge the batteries on a dull day via the generator.

In previous posts I have extolled the benefit of an inverter and I stick to that. As a man with lots of arthritis I find the warmth of my electric blanket very beneficial.

So back on track, does a modern caravan truly need 240V?

The only reason I can see a yes answer is for the aircon and microwave, something we did without for many years as young people. We have 12V fans and electric blankets for the bed. Lets face it, there are laundromats all over the place or a hand operated washing machine to do the washing. Makes you think doesnt it?

Good point Peter Q

Safe travels