[chbot] Electrical Safety

[Richard Jones]

I almost hesitate to re-open this old chestnut.

I'm considering the purchase of a generator or inverter in the 1-2kVA
range and was wondering about electrical safety, especially with some
inverter/charger/UPS combinations.

I found some products from China on trademe without any obvious claim
to meet AU/NZ electrical safety standards. When I checked back on the
standards route I was surprised to discover that new imported items
may be exempt by a "Conformity Co-operation Agreement" in Section 80
Part 2(b) of this document:
http://www.legislation.co.nz/regulation/public/2010/0036/latest/DLM2763717.html

So referring on to the cooperation agreement I have little idea how to
check whether a device I plan to purchase is really safe or not.
http://www.med.govt.nz/energysafety/appliances-fittings/electrical-appliances-fittings/core-requirements/international-cooperation-recognition/current-mras/new-zealand-china-2013co-operation-agreement

At the end of the day I want to live long and prosper safely through
the odd power cut or DIY activity away from mains power. Any thoughts
on that? Maybe running an inverter/charger or generator through an
appropriately connected RCD is the prudent way to go.

Richard