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[image] Energy Safety evergreen 2023 - voltage - side image

Get your voltage right

Not all voltage is created equal. If you’re buying electronics online or plugging in things bought overseas, take a sec to check whether they are safe to use in New Zealand.

  • Voltage in New Zealand is 230V, and all electrical appliances are labelled with their voltage. Appliances must be labelled 230V or have a voltage range that includes 230V.
  • Only use appliances with New Zealand plugs. If appliances come with adapters, they’re not suitable for using here.
  • If you’re buying electronics online, make sure what you’re buying is suitable for use here, and has the right voltage and plug. Overseas sellers also don’t offer the consumer protection that New Zealand sellers do.
[image] Energy Safety evergreen 2023 - powerboards - side image

Use powerboards safely

Powerboards aren’t an invitation to plug in as many appliances as you can – in fact, overloaded powerboards can cause electrical fires. Here’s how to use powerboards safely.

  • Set up powerboards in places where you won’t stand on them or drop anything on them.
  • Check your powerboards for any signs of damage. Loose parts, scorch marks, or discoloration mean it’s not safe to use any more. Give them a shake too – if anything rattles, that’s a sign of damage.
  • Powerboards are designed to be used with low-current devices like TVs, stereos, or computer monitors. Some appliances draw a lot of electricity and should never be plugged into multiboards – this includes irons, heaters, dehumidifiers, washing machines, stoves, and jugs.
[image] Energy Safety evergreen 2023 - charge smart - side image

Charge smart

When electrical appliances are being charged, there is always a risk they can overheat, and lithium-ion batteries can be especially risky if not used properly. Use these smart charging tips to charge your phone, laptop, and other devices safely.

  • Don’t charge out of sight. Keep an eye on the charging process.
  • Never cover your devices while they’re charging – this means no phones charging under your pillow or blankets. Charging creates heat, and if that heat has nowhere to go it can create a fire risk.
  • Only charge your devices with the chargers and cords they came with, or ones that are designed to go with them.
  • When charging laptops or other electronics that have internal fans, make sure there’s good ventilation around them so they can cool themselves down.
  • If an appliance sounds, looks, or smells strange while charging, stop using it and get it fixed or replaced.

  • Charge smart

    When electrical appliances are being charged, there is always a risk they can overheat. Make sure you charge smart.

  • Don't overload your powerboard

    Powerboards aren’t an invitation to plug in as many appliances as you can. Make sure you use powerboards safely.

  • 230V

    This is the voltage that’s used in New Zealand.
    Check your devices before you plug them in – all appliances should be labelled with their voltage or voltage range.

  • 10A

    Powerboards are labelled with the maximum Amps they can safely take, which is normally 10 Amps. Appliances you plug in will have their own Amp rating, and the combination you plug in shouldn’t exceed that 10 Amp rating.