Electrical safety authorities have found some small portable generators have been imported into Australia with unsuitable battery charging outlets.
Electrical contractors are asked to ensure their portable generators have the correct outlet and leads.
A small number of portable generators on the market have been identified as having an unsuitable 12V direct current (dc) socket outlet for battery charging. These outlets have an almost identical pin configuration as a standard 240V alternating current (ac) socket outlet as shown in photo 1.
The danger is that the supplied pin plug on the battery charging lead could be forced into a standard household 240 volt ac socket outlet which is dangerous if the alligator clips at the other end of the lead are placed onto battery terminals not intended for 240 volt charging.
If you discover that your generator has an unsuitable outlet, have the plug and socket outlet replaced. If purchasing new, only go for portable generators that have the correct 12 volt socket outlet and lead set.
A typically unsafe 12 volt plug and socket outlet
A suitable 12 volt plug and socket outlet
For more electrical equipment safety call the Electrical Safety Infoline on 1300 650 662