Changing plugs
Jul 11th 2009, 1:38 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Posts: 363
Changing plugs
I have read lots of posts on here saying it it fine to bring over British/European appliances and then either use a travel adapter or just change the plug. Is it easy enough to simply change the plugs on sealed unit plugs (just chop the plug off, free a bit of wire and attach a new plug)? Can the older style plugs (not sealed units) easily be purchased in Australia for the purpose of attaching a new one?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 11th 2009, 4:27 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: with the Carnaby cockatoos
Posts: 526
Re: Changing plugs
Went to our local Bunnings store (very similar to B&Q in UK) and purchased the non-sealed Oz plugs without any difficulty.
Jul 11th 2009, 10:01 pm
#3
Worongary
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: GC hinterland
Posts: 10,288
Re: Changing plugs
I have read lots of posts on here saying it it fine to bring over British/European appliances and then either use a travel adapter or just change the plug. Is it easy enough to simply change the plugs on sealed unit plugs (just chop the plug off, free a bit of wire and attach a new plug)? Can the older style plugs (not sealed units) easily be purchased in Australia for the purpose of attaching a new one?
Thanks!
Thanks!
dont use travel adapters as they are potentially leathal
( most dont have an earth pin ) and as they are made to fit several differnt types of sockets poor connections mean heat build up
Jul 11th 2009, 10:12 pm
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Changing plugs
Bring some power strips. Where you have lots of plugs together (e.g. computer or hi-fi) then you just change the plug on the power strip. Also gets over the problems with plugs you can't change like mobile phone chargers.
Jul 11th 2009, 10:46 pm
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: 60 Kms north of Sydney
Posts: 553
Re: Changing plugs
The law requires that plugs are changed by a licensed electrician in Australia, most people ignore this but if you cause a fire you might find that the insurance company will not pay out.
Jul 11th 2009, 11:00 pm
#7
pink 'n' bouncy
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Zombie nation
Posts: 6,087
Re: Changing plugs
ahh the old 'its illegal to change a plug' debate
Jul 11th 2009, 11:01 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 32
Re: Changing plugs
We had a quote from an electrician to come and look at our smoke dectector (new regs require mains operated sd) his call out fee was $95 per hour and minimum billing $300 - what a rip off. Jobs for the boys... In relation to plugs just change them - plenty of choice at Bunnings.
Jul 12th 2009, 12:01 am
#9
Worongary
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: GC hinterland
Posts: 10,288
Re: Changing plugs
We had a quote from an electrician to come and look at our smoke dectector (new regs require mains operated sd) his call out fee was $95 per hour and minimum billing $300 - what a rip off. Jobs for the boys... In relation to plugs just change them - plenty of choice at Bunnings.
dont get the jobs for the boys bit though
Jul 12th 2009, 12:11 am
#10
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Changing plugs
Ignore all the bollox on here about not being able to change your own plugs - just do it yourself. Anyone who gets a sparky to do this is a Tool.
If you can buy it in Bunnings you can do it yourself.
If you can buy it in Bunnings you can do it yourself.
Jul 12th 2009, 7:44 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Changing plugs
The laws as per some States..
WA
QLD
NSW
It is only a 2 hour course...
However, many people do not follow the laws....
Energex quote:
WA
Damaged and wrongly connected cords and plugs are dangerous. Although it is legal to connect your own plugs to flexible cords, a faulty connection can kill.
Only a licensed electrician or electrical contractor can do electrical work in your home in Queensland.
You may purchase but cannot install electrical accessories (e.g. junction boxes, light switches, plugs, ....
You may purchase but cannot install electrical accessories (e.g. junction boxes, light switches, plugs, ....
“Replacement of plugs and sockets:
Plugs and extension cord sockets may be replaced by a non-electrically trained person provided that the person has been trained and found competent to fit the plugs and sockets according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Plugs and extension cord sockets may be replaced by a non-electrically trained person provided that the person has been trained and found competent to fit the plugs and sockets according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
However, many people do not follow the laws....
Energex quote:
You or a family member could become another statistic if you take it upon yourself to undertake specialist tasks such as:
• replacing or rewiring a plug, switch or power point
• repairing electrical appliances (e.g. irons, toasters, washing machines, etc.)
• installing or altering fixed electrical wiring.
You may have done jobs like this before and seemingly had no problems. But the risk attached to this kind of behaviour is enormous. One slight mistake and someone could be killed. So, if you think that a job is too easy or too expensive for a licensed electrician, please think again.
It’s your choice. Make the right one for your family’s sake.
Some simple jobs you can do yourself
Not all work involving electricity requires a licensed electrician. It is safe for you to perform simple tasks such as:
• changing an electric light bulb
• changing the starter in a fluorescent light fitting
• replacing a fuse
• resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch.
However, when doing any of the above work, you should be careful. Ensure the electricity is turned off (except when resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch where power needs to remain on) and take due care.
Think before you act
Tempted as you may be to do unauthorised electrical work and repairs around the home, stop and think about your family. There are many serious consequences to doing unauthorised electrical work. Most importantly, you may seriously injure or even kill someone. Secondly, it is illegal and you can be fined. Plus, you can void your home insurance policy if it is found that damage has occurred as a result of unauthorised electrical work.
• replacing or rewiring a plug, switch or power point
• repairing electrical appliances (e.g. irons, toasters, washing machines, etc.)
• installing or altering fixed electrical wiring.
You may have done jobs like this before and seemingly had no problems. But the risk attached to this kind of behaviour is enormous. One slight mistake and someone could be killed. So, if you think that a job is too easy or too expensive for a licensed electrician, please think again.
It’s your choice. Make the right one for your family’s sake.
Some simple jobs you can do yourself
Not all work involving electricity requires a licensed electrician. It is safe for you to perform simple tasks such as:
• changing an electric light bulb
• changing the starter in a fluorescent light fitting
• replacing a fuse
• resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch.
However, when doing any of the above work, you should be careful. Ensure the electricity is turned off (except when resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch where power needs to remain on) and take due care.
Think before you act
Tempted as you may be to do unauthorised electrical work and repairs around the home, stop and think about your family. There are many serious consequences to doing unauthorised electrical work. Most importantly, you may seriously injure or even kill someone. Secondly, it is illegal and you can be fined. Plus, you can void your home insurance policy if it is found that damage has occurred as a result of unauthorised electrical work.
Jul 12th 2009, 7:49 am
#12
mmmmmm duff
Joined: May 2006
Location: Maudsland, Gold Coast, QLD
Posts: 1,629
Re: Changing plugs
So when I move to QLD, can I take my appliances where I changed the plug while living in WA?
Jul 12th 2009, 8:15 am
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Camberwell, Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 781
Re: Changing plugs
Plus, most UK plugs have fuses in them for a start which are 13 amp - in Aus, there are no fuses and the plugs are 10 amp, which can make a difference.
As for those people who pay to get an electrician to change a plug - the sparky must love you. Bloody easy job - the earth is bloody obvious so the problem comes with which of the two wires go where. Get it wrong and it's hardly going to blow up your house - more trip the fusebox and you've learnt the lesson to follow the intructions!
You may as well say never to have plug sockets because they can kill. Only if you misuse them, yes, but common sense and asking someone else to do it (not paying) if you are not confident is as easy and far far cheaper.
Jul 12th 2009, 11:18 am
#15
Use time wisely
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: far far away
Posts: 413
Re: Changing plugs
would it be breaking the law if you bought a load of plugs from the store in Aus. when you made your validation trip and then installed them to your extension leads back in the uk before emigrating, as it is not illegal to change plugs in the uk??