Electrical How do I know if my appliances are safe?
Look for damage and warning signs, check recall notices and the RCM mark, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.
You can check whether an appliance looks safe by looking at it, never by opening it. Cracked casing, a damaged cord, discolouration or a burning smell are warning signs. Check official recall notices for your make and model, look for the Regulatory Compliance Mark when buying, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.
What should I look for on an appliance?
A regular look can pick up problems early. Without touching or opening anything, watch for:
- cracks or breaks in the casing
- a cord that is frayed, cut, kinked or has exposed wires
- a plug that is cracked, loose in the power point or visibly melted
- brown or black marks, or discolouration, on the appliance, plug or power point
- a burning or hot-plastic smell, buzzing or crackling
- an appliance that repeatedly trips a circuit breaker or safety switch
None of these is something to fix yourself. They are reasons to keep away from the appliance and get advice.
How do I check for a product recall?
The Electrical Safety Office Queensland publishes electrical product recalls, and national consumer authorities publish recall notices for household products too. To search, you need the make and model, which are printed on a label on the appliance or in its manual.
If a notice matches your appliance, follow the instructions in the notice, which usually involve contacting the manufacturer or retailer. Do not try to repair a recalled appliance yourself.
What is the RCM mark, and why does it matter?
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is a mark on electrical products sold in Australia. It indicates the supplier says the product meets the electrical safety requirements that apply to it.
When you buy a new appliance, look for the mark and for clear details of who the supplier is. Be careful with products from overseas online sellers, because they may not meet Australian requirements or be easy to return if something goes wrong. The Electrical Safety Office has guidance on buying and using electrical equipment.
Are secondhand appliances safe?
Secondhand appliances can be perfectly good, but you cannot tell from the outside whether the internal wiring, insulation or earthing is sound. Cords and plugs may also have been damaged or altered.
Before using a secondhand appliance, particularly one that heats, runs for long periods or sits near water, have it checked by a licensed electrician. If it is a faulty or damaged item, a repair belongs with the manufacturer or a qualified repairer.
Who should deal with an appliance fault?
If the fault is in the appliance itself, contact the manufacturer, retailer or an authorised repairer. If it could be the power point, the cord connection or the circuit, that is electrical work. In Queensland, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, and the Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator.
What to have ready when you ask someone to look at an appliance
Note what you can see or smell
Write down any marks, noises, smells or tripping, and when they happen.
Photograph the appliance and the label
Take photos of the damage and of the make, model and serial label, without moving or opening the appliance.
Gather proof of purchase
A receipt or order confirmation helps if the manufacturer or retailer needs to handle the fault.
Contact the right person
Contact the manufacturer or retailer for the appliance, or a licensed electrician for the power point or wiring.
Frequently asked questions
There is no single rule for households, but looking over cords, plugs and casing from time to time helps you catch damage early. Get advice before using anything that looks damaged.
The Regulatory Compliance Mark shows the supplier says the product meets the Australian requirements that apply to it. It is something to look for when buying electrical goods.
You can, but they may not meet Australian requirements and may be harder to return or claim on. Look for the RCM mark and clear supplier details before you buy.
Yes. You cannot judge the internal wiring from the outside, so have a licensed electrician check it before you use it.
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