Safety information about 3D printer kits

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is a technical and safety regulator responsible for the safe generation, supply and use of electricity, gas and pipelines. A statutory authority, we also licence electricians, manage the Certificate of Electrical Safety Program, conduct community safety campaigns, ensure electrical and gas products are approved and safe for use, and investigate gas and electrical incidents.
 
Please be aware that some 3D printer kits may be non-compliant and unsafe to use.  The key issues identified are;

• Some power supply units supplied with the kits are rated at 110-220V. AS/NZS 60950.1: Safety requirements for equipment for information technology use requires testing to be conducted at 240V. A power supply designed to operate at 220V and may present a risk of electric shock and fire.
• Some power supplies, supplied are for internal use of equipment only, however in this instance they are being used externally with no protection against live parts.  
• The power supplies do not have the relevant Australian approvals.

 
If the 3D printer kit includes a power supply, ensure that the power supply is Australian approved, complies with AS/NZS 60950.1 and provides extra low voltage (0- 60Vdc) output to the 3D printer unit.
 
The 3D printer is also required to comply with AS/NZS 60950.1 for Australia, although the approval of equipment is not compulsory.
 
Please refer to section 54 and 57 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 which states:
 
A person must not supply or offer to supply electrical equipment unless –

1. the equipment complies with the minimum standards prescribed for equipment of that class;

 
A person must not supply or offer to supply electrical equipment prescribed under sub-section (1) unless the equipment –

1. is approved by ESV and is marked as prescribed; or
2. is approved by a prescribed authority or, under the regulations, is deemed to be approved; or
3. is certified in accordance with a prescribed method or prescribed process.

 
       
For sellers offering 3D printer kits, please be aware you are responsible for the compliance of the 3D printer kits you are supplying. Fines and penalties apply if you supply the non-compliant, unapproved and unsafe equipment.
 
For further information, please contact your local electrical safety regulator through the Electrical Regulatory Authorities website.