19/10/02
Ornamental water fountains, popular with many Western Australian householders could contain a dangerous electrical problem, Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke warned today.
"A range of indoor water features that do not meet safety standards is being unlawfully sold in WA," Mr Kobelke said.
"There are also some electrical table lamps which do not conform to Australian electrical safety standards and these products also pose a significant danger.
"Some faults are easily detected. Some of these lamps and fountains are fitted with plugs not designed for Australian sockets.
"If the plugs are forced into Australian sockets, they can damage the socket or leave live parts exposed.
"Other hazards are more concealed and include inadequate internal electrical connections, insufficient cord anchorage, holes in the casing allowing access to live parts and electrical control gear not adequately protected from water."
Two retailers were recently found selling unapproved and unsafe items in Perth, and they now face the possibility of prosecution for breaches of the Electricity Act. This could result in fines of up to $20,000 for each offence.
Retailers who wish to import and sell these and similar items must ensure they meet relevant Australian safety standards by obtaining a copy of the Australian approval documentation from the manufacturer/supplier, or by arranging for the appliance to be approved in Australia through Energy Safety.
Customers should check for relevant approval markings before buying imported lamps and fountains. Most appliances and all plugs, cables and cord switches approved for the Australian market are identified as follows:
- an alphanumeric approval marking issued by an Australian Electrical Regulatory Authority (the alpha prefix indicates the state of origin of the approval - eg 'N' for NSW, 'V' for Victoria);
- the Standards Australia Electrical Safety Mark system (five ticks in a rectangular box);
- the Standards Australia Electrical safety type test mark system (a capital T with a tick); or
- the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) - a triangular mark enclosing a circle with a tick.
"If consumers suspect an appliance may not be safe or may not meet Australian safety standards, they should make a note of the details of the product, seller, and location and contact Energy Safety on 9422 5261," Mr Kobelke said.
Minister's office: 9222 9211
