Safety warning for portable generators

Electrical safety authorities have warned that small portable generators imported into Australia may have unsuitable battery charging outlets, the Electrical Safety Outlook has reported. Electrical contractors are being urged to ensure their portable generators have the correct outlet and leads.

The generators in question have an unsuitable 12 V direct current (DC) socket outlet for battery charging. These outlets have an almost identical pin configuration as a standard 240 V alternating current (AC) socket outlet.

A typically unsafe 12 V plug and socket outlet.

The danger is that the supplied pin plug on the battery charging lead could be forced into a standard household 240 VAC socket outlet, which is dangerous if the alligator clips at the other end of the lead are placed onto battery terminals not intended for 240 V charging.

Contractors who discover their generator has an unsuitable outlet should have both the plug and socket replaced. When purchasing new, only select portable generators with the correct 12 V socket outlet and lead set.

A suitable 12 V plug and socket outlet.

For more electrical equipment safety, call the Electrical Safety Infoline on 1300 650 662.