Safety information update

The Australian and New Zealand Electrical Regulatory authorities have implemented changes to mains plugs.

These changes are detailed in the latest edition of AS/NZS3112:2000 'Approval and test specification-Plugs and socket outlets' introducing insulation requirements of the active and neutral mains pins.

Insulated plug pins have been introduced in response to a number of incidents including fatalities involving plugs or plug-in devices partially removed from a socket outlet or cord extension socket. Objects such as a metal blind slat or the edge of a sheet of roofing iron or jewellery have been known to touch the exposed live pin and cause electrocution of or shock to the person in contact with the object.

It will be mandatory for all plugs to incorporate insulated live pins from 3 April 2005.