rab

Fortunately I don't live in Queensland nor do I intend paying anyone to wire my bloody plugs ... but thanks for the link anyway.

Perhaps I should re-phrase my question: Where can I buy 13 and 3 amp plugs instead of 10 and 5 which is all that Bunnings has?

Phoenixuk2oz

rab.....not sure if you can get 13 and 3 amp plugs. We got 10 amp and have used them for all our small electrical appliances

jad n rich

Thanks cresta, another person who kindly spent their time getting to the end of this matter, for other states check it out carefully dont assume its just QLD.

ABCDiamond

Thanks Cresta

That's the info I have been looking for ages, to sort the answer out one way or the other.

It's been an interesting subject, and I am sure many people are unaware of the actual facts. My own insurers answered in writing: If they were fully aware of the law, I am sure they could have answered better, by saying "changing plugs yourself is against the law, and therefore not covered" . But it could of course be due to the fact that different States have different rules, and therefore they are just as confused as the rest of us.

Now I would like to find out what the NSW rules are. I was a NSW resident when I changed all my plugs !!


PS: Energex have so far not been prepared to give a written answer, maybe they are trying to find that web page too

cresta57

Your more than welcome both of you. I've posted that link a few times now usually to inform fellow tradies that power tools need testing and tagging 3 monthly. I knew I'd seen "FACTUAL EVIDENCE" to prove the point but couldn't remember where abouts.
It's nice to be able to "show government info to substantiate your point" and "prove to the contrary i.e stating legislation.....that it's illegal to change plugs in Australia". Finally it even better to be able to separate "FACT from FICTION.... ......... "
Oh nearly forgot and Jad n Rich you can now expect a profound apology from certain quarters. I'm sure you'll be eagerly waiting for that

jad n rich

I wont hold my breath

Sick of the test and tag bills doing the course myself soon, another weekend lost to training and study then

Stewie

Sorry to carry this on...

"Illegal" implies breaking the law. Is the Australian Government stating that people will be arrested and prosecuted for replacing their plugs on appliances?

What will the insurance companies do if you have a fire caused by poor workmanship when an approved electrician has fitted the plug? I suspect they would ask you to persue a claim against the electrician. Yeah! That'll work!

Seems really strange to me that Australia has a concern for safety regarding plugs. But no legislation, in Victoria anyway, regarding annual roadworthy certificates for cars. There are cars on the road in Aus that are death traps.

But so long as the electricians are making loads of money for fitting plugs I suppose that's ok

cresta57

Not the Australian Govt. the Queensland Govt.
"In the case of property damage, illegal electrical work could jeopardise the chances of getting compensation from an insurer.

What is electrical work?

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 includes as electrical work - installation, maintenance, repair, removal or replacement of electrical equipment.

In Queensland it is against the law for unlicensed people to perform electrical work.

Significant penalties of up to $30,000 can apply to individuals.

Other work such as cutting openings for air-conditioning, fitting but not connecting a wall oven in a kitchen cabinet, or replacing a drive belt on a washing machine is not electrical work.

Please remember that other electrical risks such as contact with or damage to internal wiring need to be considered and controlled.

What is electrical equipment?

Electrical equipment is more than just appliances. There are two main types found in a home or small business - electrical accessories and fixed wired electrical appliances. The following lists give an indication of the types of products.

Electrical accessories

Fixed wired electrical appliances

junction boxes
light switches
light fittings without a cord
power points
plugs
cord extension sockets
flexible cord
ceiling fans
some light fittings
split system air conditioners
stoves and ovens


What should I do?

It is not against the law to purchase electrical accessories or fixed wired electrical appliances, but a licensed electrical contractor must install them.

Electricians or electrical contractors can be found in the Yellow Pages, the classified sections of local newspapers or by contacting an electrical industry association."


Here in Queensland that's exactly what happens, that's why as a bloody ceramic tiler I have to pay over a grand a yr just for public liability insurance

Yep that's Australia your considered too simple to wire a plug but able to drive around in death trap cars
No comment needed there

Stewie

Hi cresta

I understand all this. But there is no way I will be paying an "electrician" to change a plug on a TV.

It's crazy. I trained as an Aircraft Apprentice (electrical) with the RAF and have worked on the some of the most sophisticated aircraft electrical systems in the world. I'm not a qualified "electrician" though so I can't connect 3 wires to a plug.

Aus is a wonderful place.... but I just have to smile at some of the rules and regs.

If my house burns down because I wired the plug incorrectly then I probably deserve it

All the Best

kirsty&al

Supplementary Question: Do people’s houses ever burn down because of a mis-wired plug?

IMHO if a plug has been wired wrong it’s just going to trip the fuse. Even if wired correctly and a wire comes loose, surely it will again, trip the fuse!

What might cause a fire is putting in lots of adapters on a single socket and then connecting enough appliances to create 10-15 amps of current through aforementioned adapters. :scared:

Just wondering
Alistair

Stewie

Alistair

Absolutely right. It's just the "nanny state" gone mad.

cresta57

That's it in a nutshell, you've just got to grin and bear it
You can't wire a plug but it's legal to have a 240v socket over a vanity unit and a wall switch in the bath/shower room instead of a pull cord
Madness

Pollyana

One thing you learn living in Queensland is that the words "law" and "logic" cannot be used in the same sentence........

Stewie

Cresta
Pity you're in QLD. We could have a couple of beers and have a good laugh.
We'll be in Melbourne at Christmas and QLD for 2 weeks in the New Year.

If I see a bloke with tags all over his power tools will that be you?

See ya

Stewie