be gentle, it's my 1501st post
A deal for Xiaomi Mi 3-Outlet Power Strip Powerboard with 3 USB Ports $13.37 free shipping.
Xiaomi Mi 3-Outlet Power Strip Powerboard with 3 USB Ports $13.37 Delivered
Coupon code: Arse (you need to be logged in to apply the code)
Limited to 200 pieces
that's a bit anal…
Where did you just pull that pun out of?
Still don't understand why a foreign powerboard would be useful.
But the price is good
Me neither. However, isn't that an AU plug type in the picture?
Holy cow.
You are right.
It is actually compatible for multiple plugs.
The main one is Australian.
This is a very good deal then
It's not Australian because there is not half-insulation on the two prongs. It's Chinese. When you plug it in, the MI will be upside down.
The standards are very similar, I think within a few millimeters, so it should be compatible, but it's not got a Tick…
It's not Australian because there is not half-insulation on the two prongs.
There are safety shutters on the sockets so that's a plus. I would think safety shutters would offer more protection against shock than insulated pins on the plug.
@eug: Safety shutters are great, but are usually triggered by the earth pin, which is slightly longer than the other two on a Chinese plug. Therefore, plugging in anything without an earth can be a nuisance and you may need to push 3 pin sockets in at an angle.
@eug:
The insulated pins are for little fingers that may fit between the plug and socket should they get curious and decide to pull it out just enough to still be live. The shuttered sockets stop them sticking something else in it, so both have their purpose.
Ultimately, I'm hoping constantly drumming the dangers of power points into my kids heads since they were old enough to move does the job.
The insulated pins are for little fingers that may fit between the plug and socket
The actual reason that drove the requirement is thin pieces of metal that may slip behind the plug, rather than fingers.
The change is being introduced as an additional safety measure because electric shocks have occurred when thin conductors such as blades or venetian blind slats have contacted live pins. It has not been deemed necessary to make it a matter of urgency.
(from http://www.arema.com.au/media/insulatedpinsinfosheet.pdf)
The shuttered sockets stop them sticking something else in it, so both have their purpose.
I would think it's more likely that kids would stick things into a socket rather than a thin piece of metal falling between a loose plug contacting the live pin, hence my comment.
Interestingly, if the earth pin was on top like the Chinese sockets, that'd be another level of safety since a thin metal object falling down from the top would contact the earth pin first.
Ultimately, I'm hoping constantly drumming the dangers of power points into my kids heads since they were old enough to move does the job.
That's probably the best method!
@eug: The Australian Standard certification for insulated pins is covered by AS/NZS 3112. And this is due to the potential for plugs to be pulled out of sockets but with the pins still remaining in contact with the electrical circuit. Electric shock risk due to exposed sockets is almost non-existent, the danger will still be there when the plug is halfway in.
The issue is that devices such as these that are not constructed or tested to AS have the potential to overheat and melt, the result being that the boards can short out, cause exposed wiring and cause electrocution.
I don't understand why people would take the risk with electricity given the potential risks, just to save a few dollars. e.g. The women electrocuted by her USB charger
The issue is that devices such as these that are not constructed or tested to AS have the potential to overheat and melt, the result being that the boards can short out, cause exposed wiring and cause electrocution.
There seems to be a belief that AS is the be-all and end-all, like it's a magical assurance that the device will not cause problems simply because the original sample of the device that was submitted for testing met Australian standards. Are all the other standards in the world inferior? Are people in other countries getting electrocuted at a higher rate than Australians?
I don't understand why people would take the risk with electricity given the potential risks, just to save a few dollars. e.g. The women electrocuted by her USB charger
There are cheap crappy things, and cheap good things. From what I've seen, this is a cheap good thing.
Lots of items that meet AS have caused deaths too, and I'm sure we've all seen poorly-made electrical items that can be purchased locally which are not as safe as a good quality import that isn't approved.
The Chinese plug is an upside down version of the Australian plug, so the cable goes on the top when you plug it in your wall socket.
Besides that the Australian plug is half insulated on the prongs; the Chinese plug is slightly thinner.
There would be a risk of short circuiting if a thin object falls between this plug and an Australian wall socket.
Almost AU…
If you look careful the cord comes out the wrong way (up, rather than down) and will impede on the switch of a horizontal AU powerpoint.
On a vertical one it would bloc the access on the top socket on a double.
Also there is no plastic insulation on the base of the prongs, which (I believe) would make it illegal in Queensland (at least).
This would void the insurance for your house.
AFAIK the chinese power plug/socket are the same format as ours, with the above observations.
However I would say it is much safer to use for the US type (2xparalel) pronged power packs than those flimsy and unstable (black) adapters…
My2c
LE: HA! @iSamurai was faster in posting
This would void the insurance for your house.
You're saying a power board without insulated pins will void home insurance?
What about the huge number of people with old power boards and cables that don't have insulated pins that were purchased locally?
@eug: I "believe" it is more to do with being AS approved, regarding insurance being voided.
Hence beware foreign appliances…
@Tiggrrrrr: If a friend from overseas come to visit and plugs his phone charger in, is my home insurance null and void for that period of time?
What about hotels? There'd be thousands of foreign unapproved chargers plugged in every single day. They don't seem to be afraid of foreign appliances, and they don't seem to be burning down all over the place.
Is it actually illegal to use an imported device, or is it illegal to sell? Are millions of tourists breaking the law every day?
Has there actually been a case where an insurance company uses an imported power board as an excuse to not pay up, assuming the power board wasn't actually the cause?
@eug: :D :D :D In Queensland is TECHNICALLY illegal to replace a light bulb, as you may expose energised contact points :D :D
@eug:
The Electricity Act 1945 provides for the Director of Energy Safety to prescribe the appliance classes and types that must be approved by the Director, an interstate regulatory authority or a designated agency before they can be sold, hired or advertised for sale or hire, or imported into Western Australia. These appliances must go through a certification process which ensures a safe design before they can enter the Australian or New Zealand markets.
A "Certificate of Conformity" is issued if the person intending to sell an electrical item satisfactorily demonstrates that he or she has accepted the responsibility of ensuring the item is safe for use. The most common way of doing this is by the person showing that the item complies with relevant technical specifications and tests for electrical safety as set out in Australian and New Zealand published Standards.
Regulatory authority certification in any one State or Territory is recognised by all other States and Territories.
Pursuant to the Act, if damage to property is found to be a result of use of a non-conforming electrical item, then the insurer is NOT obligated to pay.
I apologise for confusion caused, and my poor use of words. What I was referring to was foreign powerboards/plugs/ sockets, not appliances like kettles, microwaves, etc.
As for the insurance aspect, I probably need to clarify that further. If the board causes a fire, then yes, you are most likely covered. HOWEVER, if you use an uncertified board, and you plug your $5000 fridge into it, which gets ruined when the board shorts out, THEN you are technically not covered. Again, this comes down to the insurance company bothering to investigate. As in most cases, all they will do is verify that your fridge isn't working; and I'm guessing if this did happen you would likely unplug and remove the offending board.
With hotels the same is true. If you plug your device into their socket, and you damage your device, then the onus is on you. They aren't going to pay for your fried electrical/electronic device.
@Tiggrrrrr: Sorry, I also forgot to note. If someone is visiting your home, and they plug something into your non-compliant powerboard and are electrocuted, YOU can be held liable for any and all damages.
@Tiggrrrrr: Sure, that's all fine. You take responsibility for your actions. What keeps getting implied is that if a house burns down and the insurers find a foreign power board, they'll just say insurance is void regardless of whether or not it was caused by the power board, because they'll "come up with any excuse" to get out of paying.
The other bit of scaremongering that's always brought up is that power boards like this will catch fire and burn your house down. For some reason they think anything that doesn't have AS approval is definitely shoddy and dangerous, even though there's a huge number of people using them overseas without incident. Meanwhile they'd have no problem with a $2 power board from the reject shop that's poorly built, or a 10-year old one whose contacts are now loose.
Won't somebody please think of the children??
@eug: HaHa. Yes I totally agree with you. The funny thing is that the insurance will pay for a house fire caused by a dodgy powerboard, BUT it won't necessarily pay if your patio collapses because it wasn't built to code.
Useful for all those Amazon imports.
Useful for a house fire to claim insurance.
The pins aren't even insulated.
Just wrap some electrical tape around them!
I think you'll find that fire damage is covered still, just not damage to anything you have plugged into the board.
Anyone know where i can get something like this but for UK plugs?
thanks, although far too expensive without any kind of code..
Got one, comments around non Australian plug is accurate. I use it with a extender so i dont notice it sticking out. I got it thinking it was quick charger for my s8 however it is not. i was tired of adapters so it still serves some purpose to me. just my 1 cent.
i have mine plugged into wall socket and it doesnt stick out.
I've got one. I've tried two different wireless chargers, and when plugged into the USB ports of this power strip, the power strip makes a strange buzz/screech sound (only when my phone is not on the wireless charger). I only noticed it late at night when everything is quiet.
If I plug them into a separate charger then into the power outlets on the power strip, then it's fine. Not sure why this happens.
i was wondering why i cant post any affiliate links but others can?
Who is "others"?
I mean for example this user posted the deal. I just wonder if the rule applies for users associates with a site or shop owners?
As far as I know, this isn't an affiliate link, they are usually highlighted as such.
If you have a code for a deal, you can post, if your associated, tick that box and its displayed. Otherwise, tick sales rep/employee, whatever the other button is.
As always you can just buy this from Target, 4 outlet with 2 USB ports for $15, all Australian quality standards.
https://www.target.com.au/p/target-4-way-powerboard-with-usb…
That is only for AU plug types.
OP is multi-plug…..
This is for the people here asking "Still don't understand why a foreign powerboard would be useful".
I prefer Xiaomi standard than Target "Australian quality standard". The one you have in the photo looks decent but Target product… I am not sure about the USB output current is up to their claim.
Considering the fact that Australia is on the way to become China, I think the deal is perfect… Nothing better than being ready for the future.
*becomING - otherwise you sound china
Not Australian Standards I bet. Don't get me wrong I love Xiaomi chargers but I bet insurers would rely on use of this to deny coverage if there was a fire…
Lots of people keep talking about these power boards and fires. I think it's more likely that heater purchased from Bunnings would start a fire, rather than this power board.
Has there been any evidence that this power board is more likely to start a fire than that $2 power board from the reject shop, or are people just scaremongering?
Agreed, I just query whether insurance would point to an imported product to not pay out. This is probably better quality than the reject shop example you give…
These are great power boards.
Agreed, I just query whether insurance would point to an imported product to not pay out.
Insurance companies employ "loss adjusters" professionals who will find any reason not to pay you out.
Yep you question board when that comment usually questioning the insurance. Fire from room A causes the house to burn, insurer goes to blame the non-compliant Xiaomi board on the other side of the house …
Thanks OP! Also don't forget to add one of these freebies to your order. Essentially a choice between a free microUSB or free phone case for a selected number of phones.
Does anyone know if there is fake Xiaomi items in the market?
Found my answer
thanks for that. Just checked all mine, they're all genuine. phew! (2 from aliexpress, 2 from banggood)
great is it approved for aus use though?
L337 price!
(not really)
Ordered one with some other freebies, thanks OP.
whats the USB charging like ?
It's… Electric!
Whilst I haven't used this particular power board, I have bought several cheap universal socket power boards from Plaza Low Yat while in KL which I just rewired with an Australian lead and plug for ease of use at home.
I'm only mentioning this because the Xiaomi looks far nicer quality than what I have, and mine have never caused me any issues. So although the C-tick compliance may be missing, don't imagine your house will necessarily catch fire without it.
Ordered, thanks OP. Paid in USD with 28 degrees card, converted to $12.61AUD, better than Paypal and Zapals conversions.
Code invalid now
Hmm expired? I can't seem to apply code anymore
the deal has been expired for 20 minutes
oh my bad lol
Bugger. Couldn't get the captcha to make an account. Why is it so hard? Missed the deal. Annoyed.
more chinese shit
This one is not edible.
I received mine. It has a high pitch noise when using the usb port to charge. I tried all three usb ports and get same noise. Anyone else has this problem?
Code: alt-arse-delete