Dodgy USB chargers in the news

[king9017]

If you've read the news today, you will have heard about the NSW women who died from electrocution due to a dodgy USB charger. The person who sold her the charger face 2 years jail and $800K fine. I've noticed that the chargers pictured in the news today are currently available on eBay and many have been sold. Fair Trading has advised everyone not to buy or use these, and to dispose of them if you have them in your possession. I wonder what eBay will do about this?

Story:

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Media_releases/2014_media_releases/20...

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/faulty-usb-phone-charger-blamed-for-sheryl-aldeguers-death-20140627-zsoc8....

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/woman-found-dead-holding-laptop-in-apparent-electrocution-...

[davewil1964]

I don't have an ELCB in my meter box.

But all my powerboards,that all my electronics are plugged into, do.

[harley_babes_hoard]

How is one going to enforce that. We have a gazillion suspect items coming into australia that kill every day. Look at kids toys for one example with lead paint etc. How do you suggest customs enforce this when at present they only check one container in about 100.

[phorum_junkie*]

Of course it is impossible for customs to irradicate these items, it is also unrealistic to expect ebay to police them either. People have to wake up and realise that saving a few bucks is risking more than it is worth. There is a reason these counterfeit and 'generic' products are so cheap, it is because they are rubbish and often dangerous rubbish to boot.

[cq_tech]

It's completely counter-productive to let these products into the country when the sale of same by retailers is illegal and punishable by very large fines. It's akin to closing the stable door after the horse has already bolted, and if they're illegal imports then it's up to Customs to be more proactive in stopping them at their points of entry. It's nowhere near as difficult as you seem to imagine.

As Customs has unfettered access to consignment information and bills of lading they should know exactly what each container is carrying so it's not at all difficult for them to target those containers which specifically carry suspect or illegal imports and confiscate and destroy their contents before they can be distributed.

If Customs is experiencing a manpower shortage (and I'm not even convinced they are) then it's up to the Australian government to employ more inspectors and make the effort to do something constructive about the problem, not just bury their heads in the sand and say "she'll be right", because quite clearly, it's not.

[cq_tech]

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@davewil1964 wrote:

I don't have an ELCB in my meter box.

But all my powerboards,that all my electronics are plugged into, do.

---

That's a good start Dave, but do you also use any powertools? Or a toaster? These items are responsible for more electrocutions in Australia than any other cause. And what about a bedside clock radio (which happen to be one of the biggest causes of house fires in the country)? An ELCB in your meter box would prevent the possibility of electrocution or fire for not just you, but every member of your household, and costs no more than a couple of ELCB powerboards.

I'm aware that I probably come across as being somewhat overzealous, but having seen a good friend electrocuted right in front of me about 40 years ago, while using an electric drill which was plugged into an incorrectly-wired extension cord, electrical safety is an issue about which I tend to be extremely passionate.

[j*oono]

I think that all importers of electrical items should meet some guidelines before they are allowed to list them on ebay. Come on ebay!  Any rubbish can be sold here and it's a disgrace.  

This is why the online shopping business bubble is about to burst.

[peppers-tree]

Hello cq. Can I ask please what the  (ELCB) looks like... I have a clipsal but don't know if it is the same thing...

Thanks in advance ...Pepper

[cq_tech]

Hi pepper, this is a Clipsal brand 4-pole ELCB. The 2-pole version is about half the width.

[j*oono]

Those circuit breaker gadgets are compulsary in new homes and also for rental properties, at least here in WA.  If you are renting and you don't have one then let your landlord know.  There are severe fines for renting a house without one now. Perhaps they don't know that.

[peppers-tree]

Thanks qc..I am almost certain that the one I have is the same, just anolder version... It has both the "blue" switches in red, just not all the "holes" running around it...

It has worked for me very well in the past so I feel quite secure....I just wasn't sure if they were the same gadget..

Thanks again...pepper