Different Power Around the Globe
I know it's hard to see the detail but the point is, there is a huge range of voltages across the globe and electrical devices are made to suit the country of intended use. There is a global pattern where Australia, New Zealand, much of Asia and Europe use more or less 230V (revised from 240V in 2000 in Australia) and North America, Japan, Taiwan and some parts of South America use 100 - 127V. |
Different Plugs Around the Globe
The number of different types of plugs is mind boggling.
A (NEMA 1-15 USA 2 pin
B (NEMA 5-15 USA 3 pin)
C (CEE 7/16 Europlug)
C (CEE 7/17 Euro 2 pin)
D (BS546 5 A version of Type M. A smaller 2 A version also available)
E (French)
G Type (UK)
H (SI 32 Israel)
I (AS-3112 Argentina / Australia / New Zealand)
I, plus sockets for A, C and I (China)
J (SEV-1011 Switzerland)
K (SRAF 1962/DB Denmark)
L (CEI 23-16 Albania / Canary Islands / Chile / Ethiopia / Italy / Libya / Maldives / Syria)
M (15 A version of Type D BS546)
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What does this all mean?
Basically it means if you provide fixed universal power outlets, almost anything requiring any voltage could be plugged in.
Universal adaptors ONLY allow for a differences in plug and outlet shape. They DO NOT adjust voltage, frequency or any other aspect of the power. So, if the power is inappropriate for the device being plugged in.........almost anything could go wrong.
The possible issues include;
- A guest's item being damaged - imagine causing a guest to lose all their critical business data from their laptop?
- The guest who plugged in a device could be injured
- A fire could be started
We all love to provide guests with everything we can to improve their stay but universal power outlets is one item we cannot provide and I'm sure you will agree the risks are just not worth it. There is also the other factor being that it's against the law.
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What about my guests?
 You can still meet your guest needs by providing a universal travel adapter - make sure it's approved - it needs to meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3122:2005. If it is approved, it will have a fixed 'single state' Australian plug that goes in the outlet and the universal component may be 'single state' or adjustable to accommodate multiple plug types.
Keep in mind, the guest needs to ensure that what ever they plug in can handle Australian power. These days many laptops and other devices with transformers can cope but the guest should always check. Most small personal grooming items like hair dryers, hair straighteners CANNOT cope and will at the very least be seriously damaged if not cause injury to who ever plugged it in and even start a fire. |
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Will the Law Change?
Highly unlikely. The issues of personal and property safety are too serious to contemplate allowing universal power outlets. We can assure you, if there is any changes we will keep across them and keep you informed. We are in regular contact with NSW Fair Trading Energy and Utilities Unit and as their role is to enforce the law, they can appraise us of any changes.
We suggest you invest in some approved universal travel adaptors and loan them out, sell them to guests - what ever works for you. Please ensure you and your guests keep in mind that they still need to ensure their device can handle Australian power - of particular concern for American guests where their voltage is in the order of 110V and ours is 230V.
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