The dangers of using non-compliant electrical products at home have been further highlighted by the death of a Central Coast woman using a faulty USB phone charger.

“We are very concerned by last week’s tragic and unwarranted death. We again appeal to all state and commonwealth regulators to work with the industry to insure that compliance levels are appropriately set. The other critical aspect to this is that once regulations are set, regulators must ensure that compliance is maintained. Had this product met the Australian standards, it is unlikely that this event would have occurred,” National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) chief executive officer Suresh Manickam says.

NSW Fair Trading believe the woman received a high voltage shock whilst wearing headphones, talking on the phone and operating a laptop, plugged into a wall socket. The suspect USB cable was allegedly purchased for $4.95 from a shop in Campsie in Sydney which was raided and shut down last week by NSW Fair Trading where hundreds of non-compliant USB chargers, travel adaptors and power boards were seized.

NECA, as the peak industry body representing the electrical and communications contracting industry has been campaigning to stamp out the sale and distribution of non-compliant parts and products for some years now. Last year, NECA, in partnership with the world’s leading electrical industry information portal, Voltimum, joined forces to launch the Does it Comply? campaign.

The Does it Comply? campaign aims to raise awareness amongst the industry of the dangers of using electrical products that do not comply with Australian Standards.

“In light of this tragic news, I urge Australian householders to periodically inspect all plugs on appliances, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to ensure there is no damage to electric cords, or plugs. They should also ensure that safety switches are fitted to the home to add that extra degree of electrical safety,” Suresh adds.