The recent death of a young woman in Gosford on the Central Coast of NSW is still being investigated by police, but authorities believe that electrocution by a malfunctioning USB charger was the cause for death.
Sheryl Aldeguer, a 28-year old nurse, was found dead wearing headphones and holding a laptop. She had burns on her chest and ears, supposedly from the faulty USB-style phone charger.
An unlikely killer
This unfortunate death followed another incident last year when a woman in China was electrocuted when talking on her iPhone while it was being charged. These two cases highlight the importance of not using electronic gadgets while the battery is being charged.
It is widely believed that the risk of electrocution from smartphones and other such devices is extremely low. The small voltage (near 5V for USB chargers) should not cause severe injuries to people, in theory. Smoke and fire due to overheating is considered to be the major concern when using such devices.
But the risks become significant when an incompatible or substandard charger is brought into the picture. These substandard devices, built from low-quality plastic and often not having insulation on the pins, have the potential to overheat, causing serious injuries.
Chargers seized and removed
In response to the incident in Gosford, NSW Fair Trading Commission has taken action and has seized and removed several USB chargers, power boards and travel adaptors from an electronic accessories stall in Campsie. These cheap devices did not meet Australian standards as stipulated by the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act.
The trader now faces two years in jail along with a fine of (up to) $875,000. Consumers have been urged to report any incidences of such rip-offs that do not contain the ‘C-Tick’ label near the plug pins. The ‘C-Tick’ label indicates that the device complies with Australian safety and regulatory standards.
If you have been using a rip-off charger, in addition to notifying the Fair Trade Commission, you should dispose of it immediately – after bending the pins to prevent reuse. Any information about the sales or purchase of such devices can be communicated to the Commission on 13 32 20.
Safety precautions against electric shock
When using consumer electronic goods, the risk is not just with the chargers. Faulty home wiring, frayed extension cords and overloaded power outlets can also cause serious injuries.
Here are some safety precautions that Everest Electrical has put together for you:
- Do not use smartphones with wet or sweaty hands as moisture can lower your skin’s resistance. It is best to keep all electronic devices away from wet areas.
- Do not use any electronic device when they are plugged in and the battery is being charged.
- Do not leave your phone, tablet or laptop in the car during a heat wave. There have been isolated cases of batteries catching fire or bursting under very hot conditions.
- Always buy replacement chargers and batteries from the device’s manufacturer.
- Choose travel adaptors and power boards that carry the ‘C-Tick’ label.
- Always choose power boards that contain safety switches and avoid overloading power points.
- Never pull on the cord to remove a plug from the power point – always use gentle pressure to pull the plug.
- Check your extension cords often and replace them if they show signs of fraying or dislodged insulation.
- Install safety switches on all power and lighting circuits.
- Always use a licensed residential electrician for all home wiring and electrical jobs.
Though electronic devices are still relatively safe, it is always better to follow these precautions for your personal safety.
At Everest Electrical, we are available for all electrical works in Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches, including safety switch installation and safety inspections, and we welcome your call on 0410 229 139.