Unsafe and dangerous electrical appliances

As stipulated in AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules clause 2.6.2.2.2, Type AC RCDs must not be installed in Australia from 1 May 2023. This change is due to the increased use of electronics, solar energy generation and other similar products with a high direct current (DC) waveform component.

Only Type A, Type B or Type F RCDs may be installed from 1 May 2023. Type A RCDs are the most suitable replacement designed to operate on both residual sinusoidal alternating current and residual pulsating direct currents. This requirement also applies to builders’ power pole supplies as they’re regarded as an installation, and electronic components used by the building industry are plugged into these poles.

Different symbols can be found on an RCD to indicate the RCD type.

From 1 May 2023, Type AC RCDs must not be installed in any of the following circumstances:

• New electrical installations.
• New final sub-circuits.
• Alterations to an existing final sub-circuit that requires an RCD to now be installed.
• Existing equipment containing RCDs that is connected to fixed wiring and energised for the first time at a new location, including:
  • building and construction sites;
  • demolition sites;
  • shows, carnivals and similar events; and
  • fixed or “hard” wired transportable structures.

This means a Preliminary/Notice of Completion submitted for any of the above circumstances from 1 May 2023 will require the fitting of the Type A RCD to help with the protection of circuits containing both AC and DC operated equipment with electronic components.

It is not mandatory to replace existing Type AC RCDs that have been installed in a permanent location, tested and certified prior to 1 May 2023, even if they are not yet energised.

When replacing electrical equipment with an equivalent item in a permanent location, such as socket outlets; luminaires; heating; cooling and the like, you are not required to replace the existing RCD provided the correct operation is ensured.

RCDs must be marked with the regulatory compliance mark (RCM). This is in addition to any other marks which indicate the RCD type.

The RCM looks like this:
 

Marking with these approval marks is evidence that the RCD complies with the applicable Australian Standards for RCDs. Only RCDs that are marked with the RCM or an approval number may be used in electrical installations in Australia.

This is important to ensure that RCDs meet minimum safety and quality standards and are appropriate for use in Australia.

Be aware that some RCDs and other electrical equipment that are sold online may not comply with Australian Standards. It is always recommended to only purchase electrical equipment, such as RCDs, from reputable retailers that offer a recall guarantee. Never purchase or install RCDs unless they are marked with either the RCM or relevant approval number.

If you are unsure whether an RCD is compliant, request a copy of the certificate of conformity from your wholesaler or supplier before purchasing or installing. You can also search the model number on the Electrical Equipment Safety Scheme register at www.eess.gov.au.

Updated 12/05/2022 – in WA, only RCM marking is accepted in accordance with EESS approval requirements.

A national recall is being coordinated by a taskforce chaired by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Building and Energy and Consumer Protection are working with the taskforce as the WA regulators.

The sub-standard cables, imported by Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd (in liquidation), were sold in WA during 2012 and 2013.  All supplies are being recalled after samples failed to meet electrical safety standards due to poor quality plastic insulation coating.  This includes all sizes and configurations of flat white cable and orange round Infinity mains power cables, as well as Olsent brand power cables.

Testing has found that the cables will degrade prematurely and, if the cables are disturbed, the insulation could break and expose live conductors, resulting in possible electric shock or fires.

Act now before it's too late – Infinity cable recall advertising campaign

Attention electricians and builders: Have you installed any recalled Infinity cables in the last six years?

You could be liable for damages or fines if you haven't taken steps to remediate the faulty cable. Further information can be found in the Infinity cables bulletin.

What should I do?

Householders and businesses that have had electrical wiring work carried out in 2012 or 2013 need to contact the responsible builder, electrical contractor or appliance installer to confirm whether Infinity cable was used.  The cable supplier will arrange for an inspection of the wiring and remediation of any Infinity cable that they supplied.

You should not attempt to inspect the cables yourself.  The inspections must be carried out by licensed electrical contractors.

Retailers

In Western Australia, the cables were sold by Masters Home Improvement and John Danks & Sons (trading as Home Timber & Hardware, Plants Plus and Thrifty-Link Hardware).  Please visit their websites for information on returns and stores that sold the Infinity cable.

More information

Further information and Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.accc.gov.au.

For general enquiries

Building and Energy on:

• 6251 1900 or (for electrical contractors) be.info@demirs.wa.gov.au
• 1300 489 099 or (for builders) be.info@demirs.wa.gov.au
• Consumer Protection on 1300 304 054 or (for consumers) consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au

Identification

• GW5000-MS-30
• GW6000-MS-30
• GW8500-MS-30
• GW10K-MS-30

Safety risk

• “INVERTER A.C. ISOLATOR” switch (if there is one installed adjacent to the inverter) and
• “MAIN SWITCH (INVERTER SUPPLY)” on the switchboard.

For further information

Identification

• SPH3000TL BL-UP
• SPH3600TL BL-UP
• SPH4000TL BL-UP
• SPH4600TL BL-UP
• SPH5000TL BL-UP
• SPH6000TL BL-UP

Safety risk

For further information

The single-phase 5 kW hybrid power inverter used in domestic rooftop solar systems and with batteries were sold nationally between 7 July 2022 and 8 December 2023

Identification

Single-phase 5 kW hybrid power inverter used in domestic rooftop solar systems and with batteries.
Brand: Jinko
Model number: JKS-5HLVS-ABI

Safety risk

The inverter has been supplied with an emergency power supply (EPS) plug that can be removed without the use of a tool and expose consumers to live terminals.  There is a risk of serious injury or death from electric shock if consumers remove the EPS plug and access live terminals.

Consumers should switch the inverter off immediately.

Consumers must not remove the EPS plug from the inverter.

For further information

Jinko Solar Australia 
Phone: 1300 326 182
Email: bess_au@jinkosolar.com 
Website: www.jinkosolarenergystorage.com.au

A recall has been issued for the Dielle Residual Current Device (RCD), model YK78, approval mark N.21905 which were sold in Queensland and South Australia. See Product Safety Australia's recall notice.

Defect

The RCD may not comply with the Electrical Safety Standard and may fail product standard test requirements. Approval mark N.21905 is not valid.

Identification

RCD product marked with 'Dielle', 'YK78' and 'N.21905'. Product sold from 2006 onwards.

Hazards

Potential risk to persons or property of electric shock or fire.

Action required

Contact Dielle Electrical Distributors to arrange for the recalled product to be replaced with an alternative RCD that has a valid Australian approval mark.

Contact details

For further information please direct any queries concerning this recall to Dielle Electrical Distributors Pty Ltd via email at dielle.electrical@bigpond.com

or by post: 

Dielle Electrical Distributors Pty Ltd
C/-78 Grange Road
Wellard SA 5007

A range of Eaton Quicklag ELQ-TW earth leakage circuit breakers have been recalled by the suppliers due to risk of electrical fire.

The affected models can be identified by a green test button as shown in the image and are listed in the table below. Models without a test button or with a white or an orange test button are not impacted by this recall.

The affected models were supplied nationally from 1 April 2004 to 15 December 2016. The RCBO has a serial number on the side from which the date of manufacture can be determined.

Affected models

Safety issue – Risk of fire 

When operating under short circuit conditions the RCBO may put out ionised gases through the exhaust port which can lead to a fire.

Action required

Property owners, managers and electrical contractors are urged to check switchboards for potentially affected RCBOs.

Electrical contractors are also urged to check their records for details of where they may have installed these RCBO.

If you have installed these RCBOs, please contact the supplier. The supplier will arrange for a replacement.

If you find a recalled RCBO model installed in a customer’s premises, you should notify them about the recall and have them contact the supplier to arrange for a replacement RCBO to be installed.

Supplier details

Eaton Industries Pty Ltd
Phone: 1800 870 851
Website: www.eatoncorp.com.au/elqtw-r
 

A national recall has been issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for a brand of TPS cable manufactured by SKL Cables Australia.

Identification

The affected cables marked with 2013, are the flat electrical cable 2 core and earth PVC Insulated and sheathed 450/750 Class 2 type range are the following models:

• WF2C1E105 (1.5mm ²)
• WF2C1E205 (2.55mm²)
• WF2C1E004 (4mm ² TPS)
• WF2C1E006 (6mm ² TPS)
• VVF2C1E010 (10mm² TPS)
• VVF2C1E016 (16mm² TPS)

The above cable types were sold from SKL Cables Australia and supplied by Shanghai Mining Cable Pty Ltd between 9 October 2014 and 19 September 2015. The majority of defective cables were sold in Queensland. However a few were also sold in Western Australia.

Safety risk

These products did not pass the required aging test of AS/NZS 5000.2, Electric cables - Polymeric insulated - For working voltages up to and including 450/750V.

As it ages, the insulation within the cables can become prematurely brittle, particularly if exposed to high temperatures. If it breaks, the ‘live’ conductors could be exposed which may result in a consumer receiving an electric shock. There is also a potential fire hazard.

As per Regulation 62 of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, electricians who find these defective cables are required to report them to the relevant network operator, or to Building and Energy, if the network operator cannot be identified.

If you have installed the defective product, please contact SKL Cables Australia who will arrange for the replacement of the product at no cost to the consumer.

On 24 November 2015, EnergySafety issued SKL Cables Australia with a Prohibition Notice pursuant to Section 33C of the Electricity Act 1945 to stop the sale, hire or use of these cables in Western Australia.

For further information

View the recall notice visit www.recalls.gov.au. Further details can be found on the ACCC website.

Identification

The affected model FK-GK240 was sold in Western Australia between 17 May 2012 and 1 October 2014 at Brooks Construction, Balcatta and Solar Harness, Belmont.

Safety risk

These products were manufactured with a terminal block on the secondary driver which could be prone to charring. Also, the accessible metal find on the luminaire cannot be earthed.

Consumers are at risk of receiving an electric shock. There is also a potential fire hazard.

For further information

Telephone: (08) 6555 1815
Email: service@zeus.com.au
Atom Lighting Pty Ltd 200VA Trailing Edge LED Dimmer

Identification

The affected model No.AT9300/A was sold nationally between 7 July and 30 November 2014.

Safety risk

These products were manufactured with an internal metal shaft instead of a plastic shaft and the internal clearances have not been increased as per AS/NZS 61347.2.11: 2003; Lamp control gear - Particular requirements for miscellaneous electronic circuits used with luminaires.

In the event that the external plastic knob is removed and the switch has been internally damaged or incorrectly installed, an individual may be at risk of receiving an electric shock

For further information

Telephone: (07) 5537 1022
Fax: (07) 5537 1055
Email: sales@atomlighting.com.au
Website: www.atomlighting.com.au

Identification

The affected models with date codes between S12014480001 and S12015252308 for 230DRAS1MI and S22014480001 and S22015100570 for 230DRAS2MI were sold between January and July 2015.

Safety risk

These products were manufactured with the 4CB163/6 meter isolator fitted with the incorrectly sized screw on the lockout plate which causes contact between the screw on the side of the meter isolator and metal bobbin assembly.

Should contact me made with the screw which is ‘live’, there is the risk of an individual receiving an electric shock.

For further information

Telephone: 1300 369 223 or 1300 202 525
Website: www.clipsal.com

Uniquip Gen3 and SPM dc solar isolator switches were sold nationally at electrical wholesalers from 1 December 2012.

Identification

The replacement program to replace all dc isolators model numbers GEN3DC-25, GEN3DC-32, SPMDCIS025 and SPMDCIS032.

Safety risk

There is a risk that the dc isolator may overheat and in some instances, cause a fire.

For further information

Contact Uniquip
Telephone: 0457 505 122
Email: prp@uniquip.net.au

NHP Electrical Engineering Product Pty Ltd DC solar isolator switches were sold nationally at electrical wholesalers between 1 July 2013 and 11 February 2014.

Identification

The recall covers the metallic and plastic model numbers NHP-KDA-432 and KDM-432 with the date codes ranging from x0113 to x3813, where x is any number between 1 and 5.

These last four digits of the date code are the key identifying mark of the affected products and can be found inside the isolator.

Safety risk

These products contain a component that has been assembled with the incorrect material, which causes the “On” switch to remain “On”, even if the handle indicates that it is “Off”.  An electrical contractor is at risk of receiving an electric shock during maintenance and installation of these products.

For further information

Contact NHP Electrical Engineering
Telephone: (03) 9368 4088
Email: nhpreturns@nhp.com.au
Website: www.nhp.com.au

DKSH Australia Pty Ltd DC solar isolator switches sold nationally at electrical wholesalers between 1 August 2012 and 30 August 2013.

Identification

The recall covers “PVPower” part number: XPDCISO1000V32A

Safety risk

There is a risk that the DC isolator may overheat and in some instances, cause a fire.

For further information

Contact DKSH Australia Pty Ltd
Telephone: 1800 006 137
Email: recall.au@dksh.com
Website: www.dksh.com.au/recall

Avanco DC isolators were imported by Advancetech Pty Ltd and sold nationally from 1 January 2012.

Identification

The recall covers model numbers AV/DC4P25A, AV/DC2P25A, AV/DC4P25AUB, AV/DC2P625AU, AV/DC2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P125AU, AV/DC4P25AU, AV/DC4P25AUS, and AV/DC4P25AUT.

Safety risk

There is a risk that the dc isolator may overheat and in some instances, cause a fire.

For further information

Building and Energy have been advised that Advancetech Pty Ltd have been placed into receivership.

Electrical Contractors who have purchased the equipment from a wholesaler should contact the wholesaler and arrange replacements. Those who have purchased directly from Advancetech Pty Ltd should contact the appointed Administrator at:

SV Partners
Telephone: 07 5479 6199
Facsimile: 07 5479 6733
Email: sunshinechoast@svp.com.au