A checklist from the regulators
Each line below quotes one regulator, named under it, except Western Australia’s, which are put in plain words with the source linked. Where two regulators say the same thing, both are named. The guide adds no advice of its own.
Choosing a board or a lead
In their Christmas lights advice: “Use power boards fitted with over-load protection.” Both regulators add: avoid double adaptors and piggy-back plugs.
Queensland and Victoria“Avoid ‘piggybacking’ adaptors, instead use a power board with a built-in safety device.”
Energy Safe Victoria“Use factory-made extension leads or those made by a licensed electrical contractor.”
Queensland and Victoria“Home-made extension cords, wrongly wired or without an earth wire are dangerous. Buy ready-made cords, they’re cheaper and safer.”
NSW Fair TradingCheck that lights, extension leads and power boards “are suitable for the intended use (e.g external or internal).”
Queensland
While it is plugged in
“Fully unwind extension cords before use as they may overheat.”
NSW Fair Trading“Don’t stack plugs. It can overload the power point and cause a fire.”
NSW Fair Trading“Make sure power leads are fully uncoiled before you use them. When you’ve finished, roll up the power leads in a natural coiling motion.” To untangle one: “switch them off, unplug and then coil the lead from the connection end, NOT the plug end.”
Queensland“Use power boards with inbuilt safety switches when plugs are unavoidably within your child’s reach.”
Energy Safe VictoriaWestern Australia, in its advice on generators: don’t overload a power board with double adaptors, or by ‘piggy backing’ several plugs into one socket.
Building and Energy, WA
Water, the garden and the pool
“Do not place cord extension sockets or portable power outlet boards where they may be splashed or where moisture may get in.”
QueenslandDo not use extension leads or power leads in wet areas “unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.”
Energy Safe Victoria“Never use a portable appliance or extension cord where it could be splashed or fall into the pool.”
NSW Fair TradingPortable RCDs fit onto a power board or extension lead, protecting you while you use power tools or electrical appliances outdoors.
Building and Energy, WA“Before using portable safety switches check that the power point is safe with a plug type tester.”
NSW Fair TradingWith a portable generator, use a heavy-duty extension cord that is “rated for outdoor use”. Energy Safe Victoria adds that cords should be “rated in watts or amps at least equal to all the connected appliance loads”, and: “Never modify an extension cord to plug it in to household wiring.”
WA and Victoria
When a lead or board has to go
“Throw away old extension cords, powerboards or any electrical product with a frayed cord.” And: “throw away any with exposed wires or visible damage.”
Energy Safe Victoria“Damaged cords and older style plugs are dangerous. Have them replaced.”
NSW Fair Trading“Check decorative lighting and all leads for damage. Never use a damaged lead.” Damaged extension leads are on its list of things that “could cause a fire or electric shock.”
Queensland“Recycling is the safest way to dispose of electrical equipment.” Before it goes: “Cut the plug from the power lead and then break the pins on the plug so it cannot be plugged into a powerpoint again.”
Queensland
On older plugs, Energy Safe Victoria says “all electrical appliances sold after 2006 must have insulated pins”, and that “Many old plugs do not have safety barriers between the connections.” The RCM guide covers the mark to look for when buying a replacement, and the recalls guide covers checking whether a product has been recalled.