Retailers caught selling unapproved electrical appliances

WA’s energy safety regulator Building and Energy has taken action following the discovery by its inspectors of appliances that had not been approved for sale in Australia.

Selling or offering for sale unapproved electrical appliances is a breach of the Electricity Act 1945.

Two retailers received infringements of $5000 each for stocking illegal and potentially hazardous power supplies and chargers used for e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.

One power supply and charger with the brand name ‘SANS’, labelled as a “Li-ion Battery Charger”, was sold as part of an e-bike package on three Fatboy e-bike models: The Bagus, The Scrambler and The Harlem.

Non-compliant charger and associated e-bike.

Another power supply and charger with the brand name ‘MLF AC/DC CHARGER’ was promoted for use with the e-skateboard model ‘MAXFIND FF AT’. The plug does not have insulated pins, presenting a risk of electric shock from contact with exposed live metal parts if it is not fully engaged in the socket outlet.

‘MLF AC/DC CHARGER’ sold with e-skateboard.

“The approval process is more than just a legal requirement — it saves lives,” said WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan. “Uninsulated pins are very dangerous and have led to electric shock deaths from contact with the live metal pins when a device is plugged in.”

Abdoolakhan advised people to check for the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), which appears as a tick in a triangle, on all household electrical appliances. Certification can also be confirmed by searching for the model number on the Electrical Equipment Safety System website (eess.gov.au).

“Electrical appliances that are certified for sale or hire have been independently assessed and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they have a safe design that complies with Australian electrical standards,” he said.

“It is vital that everyone plays their part to ensure that unapproved electrical items are not sold or used in Australia, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Consumers should also confirm that an appliance is certified before purchasing.”

Building and Energy has advised the retailers about processes for a possible recall and is liaising with interstate regulators about the non-compliant products.

Top image caption: Uninsulated pins on the ‘MLF AC/DC CHARGER’.