Unsafe battery charging leads and small portable generators
Issued 01/2004
Several types of small portable generators on the market have an unsafe 12 volt d.c. socket-outlet for battery charging that has an almost identical pin configuration as a standard 240 volt socket- outlet. This means the associated plug on the battery charging lead supplied with the generator can be forced into a standard 240 volt power point socket-outlet. As the other end of the battery charging lead is fitted with alligator clips for connection to battery terminals, this can create a very dangerous situation.
Unsafe 12 volt plug and socket-outlet
Two people have been killed in Australia when they have accidentally plugged this type of battery charging lead into a 240 volt socket-outlet and then touched the exposed bare metal of the battery clips.
There are a number of brands of these generators with unsafe 12 volt socket-outlets and potentially dangerous battery charging leads on the market, including ‘Scorpion', ‘Powerbase’ and ‘Briggs and Stratton’.
Many of these types of portable generators may have been purchased some years ago and are potentially lethal and must be modified as outlined below.
What to do?
Battery charging leads: arrange for the plug top on the battery charging leads to be replaced with the correct Australian type (see below) or destroy the lead.
Portable generator: arrange for the 12 volt socket-outlet on the generator to be replaced with the correct Australian type, or screw type terminals. Alternatively, disable the socket-outlet by filling the apertures of the socket with epoxy filler.
This work can be carried out by the manufacturer, a service agent or an electrical contractor.
Suitable 12 volt plugs and socket-outlets, such as the Clipsal 402/32 socket and 492/32 plug, are available from electrical wholesalers.
A suitable 12 volt plug and socket-outlet
Last updated October 17, 2005
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