Short answer
Yes — the mains-powered parts of laptop and phone charging equipment may need inspection and testing as part of workplace electrical risk management.
The important part is identifying what is actually connected to mains power. The AC adaptor, detachable IEC lead and the laptop, tablet or EFTPOS device are not necessarily treated as one item.
What part of the charger is tested?
An AC adaptor is the mains-powered block that converts 230V AC power to the lower voltage used by a laptop, phone, tablet or other device.
Where the adaptor has a detachable mains lead — such as a cloverleaf, figure-8 or standard IEC lead — we test the AC adaptor and the lead separately. That means two separate components are inspected and tested.
The laptop, iPad or EFTPOS terminal itself is often supplied at extra-low voltage and is not tested in the same way as the mains-powered adaptor. If the device itself connects directly to mains power through an IEC lead, it also needs to be considered.
This is one reason office equipment needs to be assessed component by component rather than simply counting the number of devices on a desk.
What we commonly find in the field
A common fault with laptop AC adaptors is damage where the flexible cable enters the adaptor block. The outer insulation can split or pull away, exposing the internal wiring.
Chargers are also easy to miss. Staff often leave them buried in drawers or take them home, so they are not presented when the rest of the workplace equipment is tested.
We also see contamination inside removable plug assemblies. Some Apple-style chargers can collect dust, food residue or spilled coffee around the removable plug connection.
Cheap or questionable imported chargers and adaptors are another common item we inspect carefully.
How do you tag a small charger?
Small AC adaptors do not have much room for a tag. Where space is limited, we position or trim the tag so the important test information remains readable without covering the manufacturer’s electrical information. Where practical, the tag can instead be attached neatly to the flexible cord.
Chargers are not the only everyday office item that raises questions about testing. Our guide on whether power boards and extension leads need test and tag covers what to look for with those items as well.