I'm about to get some tools from UK. Is it as simple as changing the plug it cord to use in australia
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I'm about to get some tools from UK. Is it as simple as changing the plug it cord to use in australia
It's probably simpler/cheaper to change the plug from British to AU standard on the cords that come with the tools. Replacement plugs are about $5 each, IIRC Festool plug it replacement cables are quite exxy here, probably to discourage people buying tools overseas and replacement cords here. The UK electrical system and our are fundamentally the same apart from the plugs and sockets used.
If you are not truly 100% up to it on installing plugs on cables, (i.e you read the instructions on the plug package rather than ignore them because you have done 10 or more each day for half your life) it would be worthwhile to get someone who does it for a living to fit them for you.
One possible exception to above is if they are going into an industrial work site, and may meet Work Safety Inspectors, they may be required to have a plug moulded onto the cable, rather than a retro fitted one. In that case, replacement cables would definitely be cheaper than the Infringement notices. I am retired and not up to date with the Work Safety regs, so cannot provide accurate advise as to whether you face a regulated requirement for moulded plugs. If they are for an industrial type use, the tools and leads would need to be tested and tagged, and the T+T person should be able to advise whether they would qualify with retro fitted plugs.
Replacement leads are $48-$70 +.
If it is done properly I believe retro fitted plug would pass test and tag. You would only need one lead to run multiple tools if they are all 'plug it'.
Been out of the industrial scene too long to be current with OHS regs other than the common sense aspects, but provided a pointer to a potential issue for the OP to follow up on if relevant to their situation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Handyjack
Re single lead for multiple tools and lead swapping, may not be particularly convenient forsay multiple sanders being used in sequence or other similar situations. Also, where a lot of swapping is occuring every day, it would accelerate wear on the receiving plugs built into the tools, and the cost of replacing them, (part plus strip down +rebuild tool) would way beyond the cost of AU plug it leads. I would be very loathe to suggest someone swap one lead among a group of tools for that reason alone. However OP asked a question, and has a couple of answers and some advice to support them, and can proceed how they wish, at least there are no hidden traps waiting to catch them at the mo.
If you're settled locally in Oz, then a simple plug change (of 220-240v tools only, not 110v UK site tools!!!) is the quickest, easiest & most reliable & economical alternative. If you're intending to return, perhaps a Korjo adapter is more appropriate.
Changing power cord plugs is quick & easy. The succinct instructions are all self contained within the packaging, & virtually idiot proof.
It's also quite legal to change/exchange low voltage plugs & sockets (i.e <1000v ac) on appliance leads in Oz. The cost of a pack of ten 10A male ends from a wholesaler will be somewhere around 1/4 the price of a plug-it lead. Remember also that there's more than one style of plug-it.... that for a low wattage tool & those for medium wattage tools. The lightweight plug-it tail doesn't fit the bigger tools. Vise versa does.
Thanks. That cleared things up.
A friend who has to have a lot of job site portable tools said the latest requirement is for the plug to be molded onto the lead OR the plug must have a clear exterior such that the wires and connections can be seen without disassembling the plug. Makes some sense - if the cord is damaged you don't have to throw away the whole tool, just replace the damaged plug with one that can be readily checked for active/neutral/earth errorrs.
Now - how many of you have replaced all ladders over 10 years old? Yep, another requirement to enrich our Asian overlords as most businesses couldn't afford to replace all their ladders with an Australian produced ladder even if it were available.
And the irony is that an eleven year old Australian ladder is probably better than a new Chinese one!
And I have tested and found (not Festool) leads with molded plug and socket incorrectly wired.Quote:
Originally Posted by bsrlee