DXB2OZ Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Pack some multiplugs, then when you arrive just change one plug. You can get to the others later.Anyone else got some useful short cuts or tips? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossedover Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Great idea.... Or pack a few SA/AUS converters ( available at Dischem) with the multi plugs.... Keen to hear more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFreshStart Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 The problem with all this us that AUS does not recognize either CE or GS standards, only their own, which regulated on a state by state basis as well as national. So using a plug strip to convertor that isn't certified by the state or Aus is technically illegal, in fact if you are selling such goods you can be fined over $800,000, so where does that leave expats like us? Anyone know an Aus based electrician who can chime in on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RYLC Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 Many of us use Saffa multi plugs with no issues. Been here 14 years and some things still have the RSA plugs. Private use is exactly that so nothing to worry about in your own home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DXB2OZ Posted July 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 I'm all for the "don't ask don't tell" policy, but would my bright idea have any impact on insurance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFreshStart Posted July 5, 2014 Report Share Posted July 5, 2014 DXB2OZ, yes, for sure, if your house burnt down due to an electrical fault caused by using non compliant electrical devices! You are not even allowed to change your own plugs, you can buy them in Bunnings and the like, but must be fitted by a certified sparky. They are then supposed to place a seal on the plug to show it was professionally done. As Crisplet shared, don't ask, don't tell, but if can bite you in the a$$! If a certified Aus electrician could chime in it would hopefully bring further clarity, but this is what my research has provided.CheersMatt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RYLC Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 A mixed response on this forum:http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1888462The take away seems to be that Bunnings and the like wouldn't be allowed to sell them retail if an electrician was needed to install. Let's see what an experienced Aussie based electrician thinks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chzaau Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 I think if your house burnt down there would not be a seal to read because it would be cooked with everything else mate. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFreshStart Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Chzaau,Ha Ha, ok, so you're in a rental, a faulty convertor or power strip burns out, damages the DB board and you're without power, you need to get the landlord to fix it and they discover you've either done the electrical work yourself, or used non-Australian standard plugs/convertors? What then? You can buy cheap Chinese SA to Aus adapters on eBay for $1 each, the tested Aus ones sold by Aus companies cost $10 plus. So that part of it seems ok, issue now then would to see if our SA powers trips are TAFE compliant, then you could just buy an SA to Aus adaptor and use an SA powers trip, provided it's certified.CheersMatt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn&Co Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 (edited) I'll take my chances changing my own plugs rather than paying an electrician. As a gambler I'm sure everything will be burnt anyway and so insurance will pay I think Australians are more likely to call the electrician. Maybe those of you that actually know some Australians can ask what they would do. It would be interesting to hear. Edited July 6, 2014 by Bronwyn&Co Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 This is a grey area,strictly speaking, changing a plug on an appliance is classed as electrical work for which one would require a license.Electrical work is defined in the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and means work on electrical machines or instruments, on an electrical installation or on electrical appliances or equipment to which electricity is supplied or intended to be supplied, at a nominal pressure exceeding 50 volts alternating current or 120 volts direct current, whether or not the thing on which the work is being performed is part of, or is connected to or to be connected to, any distribution works or private generating plant and, where work is performed on any appliance, whether or not electricity is supplied or may be supplied thereto through an electric plug socket or socket outlet.The states differ slightly but in Queensland ...........Under Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act 2002, forbidden tasks include:installing a new power point.replacing a light switch.replacing a batten holder with a new light fitting.repairing an appliance such as a heater.altering the location of an existing power point.replacing a light fitting with a ceiling fan.constructing an extension lead.replacing a plug on the end of a lead.http://news.domain.com.au/domain/diy/what-not-to-diy-with-plumbing-and-electrical-20120619-20ld9.htmlSome info from South Australia https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/water-energy-and-environment/electrical-gas-and-plumbing-safety-and-technical-regulation/electricity-and-gas-safety-for-consumers/electricity-safety/buying-electrical-and-gas-appliances/electrical-appliancesBasically if your electrical appliances do not carry a recognised safety approval mark.....see link above.............your insurance may not pay out.I don't know what the legalities are in terms of using adapters/converters...............but know there can be issues running 15 amp appliances.Hubby is an industrial electrician, you really need to ask a commercial/residential electrician.There is big business here with test and tagging of electrical appliances for OH&S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RYLC Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 So far private homes do not require testing and tagging of appliances but I guess it's just a matter of time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn&Co Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Feel sorry for this poor girl (foreign charger)"AUTHORITIES have issued a warning about cheap, noncompliant USB-style chargers after a woman died from apparent electrocution while using a laptop and possibly a smart phone"http://m.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/usb-charger-warning-after-nsw-death/story-e6frg6nf-1226969068748?nk=c188d2e22e152b508d7ccb2c2d48c3bb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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