Unsafe amusement park plugs and socket outlet connectors
Issued 07/2005
Recently a number of generator sets used on various amusement rides have been found to use single core cables with single pin plug/socket outlet connections for the supply of multiphase power.
The plugs can be individually connected and disconnected.
In general, no testing is carried out when these devices are connected or disconnected.
This poses a number of safety hazards eg.:
- the earth or neutral conductors can be removed while live phase conductors are still connected.
- a transposition of conductors (eg: Earth to Active or Neutral to Active).
These types of connections do not comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3123 (Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for general industrial application), and as such any installation using these devices would not comply with the wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000).
The individual components do not comply with AS/NZS 3820 (Essential Safety Requirements for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment).
These connections are potentially dangerous and use of such devices should cease immediately. Should Queensland Government Authorised Inspectors find these devices action will be taken to prohibit or restrict their use and investigations may result in the issue of penalty notices or prosecution.
Last updated October 17, 2005
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