Flexible cords, cord extension sets, flexible cables and accessories

What’s not acceptable

• Coiled or reeled leads
• Extension lead on a level different to the switchboard it is plugged into
• Multiple or extension leads longer than 25 metres for 1mm² conductor area
• No protection from damage
• No safety switch protection to the leads.

What the standards require:

• Test and tag at three monthly intervals
• Heavy-duty sheathing for flexible cords used in extension leads AS/NZS 3199 Approval and test specification for cord extension sets - Cord extension sets (non-Queensland Government link).
• Minimum rating 10amp.
• Minimum cable size 1mm² - maximum length 25m, longer for heavier cables.
• Not joined to exceed maximum length to size (as above).
• Leads on electrical equipment greater than five metres long to comply with extension lead requirements, heavy duty.
• Shrouded sockets of cord extension sets comply with AS/NZS 3120 Approval and test specification for cord extension sets - Cord extension sets (non-Queensland Government link).
• Extension leads confined to the level of the switchboard they originate from. Domestic construction confined to one storey up or down from the switchboard they originate from, except for lift and service shafts, stairwells, formwork and external staging.
• Not used while coiled or reeled.
• Protected from mechanical damage, liquid or high temperature.
• Where flexible cords are more than four metres from the electrical equipment they are connected to or not in view of the user, the cords must be protected from mechanical damage, liquid and high temperature or supported off the floor or ground on insulated stands or hangers.
• Portable power boards Class H, complying with AS/NZS 3123 Approval and test specification - Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for general industrial application[linkto:http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store/Details.aspx?DocN=AS0733764886AT] (non-Queensland Government link) or A href="http://www.saiglobal.com/shop/Script/Details.asp?DocN=IEC0016_1006S1">IEC60309 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes(non-Queensland Government link).
• Overload protection, complying with AS/NZS 3111 Approval and test specification - Miniature overcurrent circuit-breakers (non-Queensland Government link) or AS/NZS 60898.1 Electrical accessories - Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection for household and similar installations - Circuit-breakers for a.c. operation (non-Queensland Government link), where three or more power points are fitted to portable power board.