Power board safety

Problems with power boards can arise from:

• Overloading the power board.
• Dust build up in unused points.
• Power leads becoming dislodged over time, particularly under a desk.
• Poor placement of power cables and extension chords leading to the power board.
• Inadequate ventilation of the power board preventing dissipation of heat generation.
• Heavy plug-in transformers that can “over balance” and partially unplug can result in over-heating from poor connections.

Tips

• Only using power boards with built in safety switches or circuit breakers.
• Do not overload the power board.
• Regularly check that all plugs are firmly fixed in power boards.
• Ensure adequate ventilation is provided for power boards.
• Regularly inspect power boards and leads for signs of damage and degradation.

Some simple safety tips:-

• Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged. Before use, inspect the heater, cord, and plug for damage.
• Clean all surfaces of dust before use.
• Never leave the heater operating while unattended, or while you are sleeping.
• Keep combustible material such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at least 3 feet (0.9 m) from the front, sides, and rear of the heater.
• Never cover the heater while in use.
• Be sure the heater plug fits tightly into the wall outlet.
• During use, check frequently to determine if the heater plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is HOT! If the plug, outlet, or faceplate is hot, discontinue use of the heater, and have a qualified electrician check and/or replace the plug or faulty wall outlet(s). If the cord is hot, disconnect the heater, and have it inspected/repaired by an authorized repair person
• Never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip.
• Ensure that the heater is placed on a stable, level surface, and located where it will not be knocked over.
• Never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting. This can damage the cord, causing it and nearby objects to burn.
• To prevent electrical shocks and electrocutions, always keep electric heaters away from water, and NEVER touch an electric heater if you are wet.

With the arrival of cooler nights, the electric blankets come out of the closet. Do you know if your electric blanket is still safe to use?

Is your blanket  more than 10 years old?

If so, best to replace it as over time the electrical components and wires will wear even if the cover looks good.

Is it a washable electric blanket?

If so please read the instructions carefully and make sure the blanket is fully dry before placing it on your bed and turning it on.

Before placing the blanket on your bed.

Turn the blanket on to ensure that it is in good working order. Check the wires for kinking and wear.

Do not sleep with the blanket on.

Children especially are prone to overheating if the blanket is left on overnight.

Are you using your electric blanket underneath an underlay/underblanket or mattress protector?

If so, check that the instructions allow this. Unless otherwise stated, all electric blankets should sit on top of underlays/mattress protectors. The undersurface of underlays/mattress protectors are not designed to take intense heat especially if they have a waterproof coating.

Check the Recalls website to see if there have been any recalls of electric blankets.

AS/NZS 60335.2.11:2017 – Particular requirements for tumble dryers.

AS/NZS 60335.2.90:2017 – Particular requirements for commercial microwave ovens.

For further information go to: http://www.saiglobal.com/online/

On 29 January 2016, Amendment 2 of AS/NZS 4417.2 was published with a 12 month implementation date from the date of publication. Amendment 2 changed the risk classification and certification requirements of specific types of equipment. On 16 February 2017 Amendment 3 to AS/NZS 4417.2 delayed Level 2 equipment implementation to 1 June 2018.

A summary of the changes, include:

• Air Conditioners Incorporating Flammable Refrigerant have been increased to level 3.
• Air Conditioners Incorporating Non-Flammable or Low Flammable Refrigerant remain level 1 until 1 June 2018, after which date they become level 2.
• Building Wiring Cables have been increased to level 3.
• Double Capped Light Emitting Semiconductor Lamps (LED Tubes) have been increased to level 3.
• Luminaire – Portable Type definition remains unchanged until 1 June 2018. Any portable luminaire within this definition will remains Level 3 until that date.
• Simple Portable Luminaire is a new definition and on 1 June 2018 equipment within that definition will be classified as Level 2. Until 1 June 2018 the previous definition of Luminaire portable type applies to any simple portable luminaire that fits within that existing definition.

New Acoustic Safety requirements in Australia starting from 01 March 2017

The Australian standard AS/CA S042.1: 2015 requires telecommunication devices to comply with acoustic safety requirement as specified in clause 5.5.1. The Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measured at the Ear Reference Point (ERP) shall be less or equal to 120 dBA.

It is a mandatory requirement and the test procedure for this test is described in clause 6.3 of AS/CA S042.1: 2015 (standard attached).

This test method is very similar to the test method of SPL measurement described in the standard AS/CA S004: 2013 for devices connected to the PSTN/ISDN Network.

Under older version of the Telecommunication Labelling Notice TLN 2001 (Schedule 1 Note 27), a compliance level 1 applies to the maximum sound pressure level requirement of S042.1. This means that a manufacturer’s declaration that the device is in compliance with acoustic safety requirement of AS/CA S042.1: 2015 and has SPL level less than 120 dBA was acceptable.

However, in the new TLN 2015, the note 27 was removed and AS/CA S042.1: 2015 was defined as a high risk standard, which means that only accredited test labs or Australian ACMA certification bodies can issue a AS/CA S042.1: 2015 test report.

The existing version of TLN 2001 will expire at the end of February 2017 (2 years grandfathering period). From 01 March 2017, for demonstrating compliance with SPL requirement we will require a report and test data prepared under test procedure as describe in AS/CA S042.1: 2015. Previously provided reports to EN 50332-1 & 2 will not be sufficient for approval of mobile phones.

Currently, as there is no accredited lab to AS/CA S042.1: 2015 we will not require acoustic safety reports from accredited lab and will accept any test reports provided under test procedure described in clause 6.3 of AS/CA S042.1: 2015 supplied together with a manufacturer’s declaration statement.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices with liquid-filled cartridges that, when heated, create an inhalable mist. The liquid is flavoured to taste like tobacco, menthol or other more exotic flavours – such as various fruits, mint or chocolate – and may or may not contain nicotine.

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In accordance with AS/NZS 4417.2 Amendment 2 some new products will require certification from 29 January 2017.  For a complete list of these products refer to ERAC.

Air-conditioners incorporating flammable refrigerant are now Level 3.

Air-conditioners incorporating non-flammable or low flammable are Level 2.

Risk Levels for Electrical Products, refer the table below:-

Xylem Water Solutions Australia – training in compliance for Industrial Pumps.  Xylem Water Solutions Australia

DNA Connect – training in compliance for RF and Telecom devices. DNA Connect

More than 20,000 shoppers complained to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about consumer guarantees in 2016, with more than a quarter reporting problems returning electronics and whitegoods to retailers.

As the Christmas period ends and Boxing Day sales wind down, the ACCC is reminding shoppers they have automatic guarantee rights that a product will work for a reasonable period of time under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

“We are concerned that businesses continue to misrepresent the rights of consumers when they try to return a faulty product,” ACCC Acting Chair Dr Michael Schaper said.

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