Portable generators and unsafe battery charging leads
Date issued: 2009-11-26
The Electrical Safety Office warns some generators on the market may have an unsafe 12 volt d.c. socket-outlet for battery charging.
The danger is that the 12 volt d.c. socket-outlet looks identical to a standard 240 volt socket-outlet. This means the associated plug on the battery charging lead could be easily pushed into a 240 volt power point. As the other end of the battery charging lead is fitted with alligator clips for connection to battery terminals, this creates a lethal situation.
Two people in Australia have already died.
What to do?
Battery charging leads
Return it to your supplier and request it be changed. Get your electrical contractor to replace the plug top on the battery charging leads with a switchable type or destroy lead.
Portable generator
Get your electrical contractor to replace the 12 volt socket-outlet on the generator with the switchable socket type or screw type terminals, or to disable the socket-outlet by filling the apertures with epoxy filler.
Suitable 12 volt plugs and socket-outlets such as Clipsal 402/32 socket and 492/32 plug are available from electrical wholesalers.
If your brand is not listed, please check to ensure that it is not fitted with the incorrect socket.
Some brands of generators have been recalled due to this problem. To check if your portable generator is affected, view the product recalls.
