Buying electrical appliances that do not meet Australia's safety Standards can result in electric shock, house fires, injury or death.
Here are a few handy tips to help you buy safe household electrical equipment.
Household items such as toasters, vacuum cleaners, power supplies and washing machines that operate at mains voltage are required to be marked with the regulatory compliance mark.
This is known as the RCM, so look out for this symbol when you purchase equipment including equipment offered online.
Be aware that online platforms such as Amazon or Ebay operate like a virtual shopping centre so they host stores that may be based outside Australia, and their products might not meet our strict safety standards.
Always check that the store is based in Australia before purchasing.
All electrical equipment designed for household mains voltage is required to be marked with the RCM, with registration required for many mains voltage household appliances on the national electrical equipment safety system registration database.
This falls under the electrical equipment safety system aimed at increasing consumer safety when you purchase household electrical items.
Further information is available on the esv website at esv.vic.gov.au
(note new URL energysafe.vic.gov.au)
Reviewed