With the increased cost of living highlighted by growing inflation and interest rates, there is concern consumers may look for cheaper home electrical appliances, such as electric blankets, heaters, fans and other items by shopping online or purchasing while overseas. Purchasing, and using, electrical items that do not meet Australia’s strict standards represents a critical risk to consumers, their families, and their homes, read more here.
Standards Australia recently published AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 Household and similar electrical appliances — Safety Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60335-1 Ed 6, MOD). The objective of this Standard is to provide manufacturers, designers, regulatory authorities, testing laboratories and similar organizations with safety requirements designed to give the user protection against hazards that might occur during normal operation and abnormal operation of the appliance, and which may be used as the basis for approval for sale or for connection to the electricity supply mains in Australia and New Zealand.
Consumers should look out for an Authorized Approval Mark on the appliances they buy, find out more about Buying safe electrical appliances and Marking of electrical equipment.
Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA) engages with these concerns by supporting a representative to the Standards Australia Committee EL-002 Safety of household and similar electrical appliances which developed AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 and is progressing work on a range of standards including requirements for outdoor barbeques, insect killers, heating units under removable floor boards, sewing machines and other appliances. The CFA representative brings the consumer stakeholder contribution to the process, ensuring a robust standard of benefit to the community. Find out more about the CFA Standards Project.
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