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-...

[padi*0409]

Unfortunately Harley, what eBay will not do is put a banner on electrical items at the top of the listing saying "Buyer Beware".

How many times have we seen members buying from the USA wondering why their device melts or worse, let alone the dodgy Chinese sellers with non-compatible electrical listings.

I know where you're coming from on this and I can also see CQ's reasoning on the subject. 

[cq_tech]

That's precisely why we have C-ticks and other approval processes. Any electrical product that is not legally approved for use in Australia is potentially dangerous and should not be permitted entry. However, while they are, and because I am qualified to do so, I will continue to exercise my own judgment on what may or may not be safe to use and act accordingly.

[chezzy]

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@cq_tech wrote:

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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.

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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.

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Hi CQ

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. For peace of mind we have been thinking about getting a "safety switch" for our main switchboard (house is 1960s/70s). I see you keep mentioning ELCB. And then I read about "residual current devices". I will be looking to get some quotes this week, what is it exactly that I should be asking for: ELCB, residual current device or "safety switch" or are they all one and the same?

PS I am very sorry about your friend

[padi*0409]

Chezzy, here's a link for you, basically one will tip out on "earth leakage" the other will trip out on "current leakage".

The best scenario is to have both.................I think...............

Working Principle of Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB ...

[chezzy]

My little brain doesn't cope with that amount of info, other half would understand more but is otherwise occupied at the moment.

So which is the more common (recommended/standard) device and which one is the "safety switch"?

[cq_tech]

They're exactly the same thing, chezzy, just different terminology. They are more commonly called RCDs these days, but being old school I still call them ELCBs (which stands for Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers). If you look in your local suburban newspaper or the Yellow Pages, you should find a number of electricians who advertise that they'll supply and fit an RCD for around $150 - $200, which appears to be the going rate these days.

Thank you for your kind comment re my friend. I was barely 24 at the time and it was a horrible thing to experience and terribly sad because it could so easily have been avoided had an RCB been fitted to his parents' meter box.

[padi*0409]

Thanks CQ, shall we now get into surge arrestors.................................

[cq_tech]

Let's not, Padi. I'm hungry and my fingers are getting tired.

[cq_tech]

You're best guided by your electrician but in general terms I'd suggest the fitting of an RCD (current rather than voltage activated).

[ambridgebuckskins]

Yeah, so l've been told many many times. But alas, l just can't relax around electricity. Many years ago we lost a house due to a roof fire / wiring and l vididly remember not being able to get my son out of his room. He didn't understand how to 'drop to the ground' to avoid the smoke, he just hit the panic button. l aged 10 years and will never forget it.

Ever since then, l've hated the stuff. My electrician is really good, he puts up with my antics when l call him to say l think something is wrong.