Don’t Interrupt Your Competitor... Unless You Have To.
There’s a saying: “Never interrupt your opponent while they’re making a mistake.”
Unless that mistake could mislead customers and impact your business.
As many of you know, I run ONEstage, a company that designs and manufactures power distribution equipment for the events industry. We also work in signal distribution and control systems.
At ONEstage, we take compliance with Australian electrical standards seriously. These standards exist for a reason—lives, reputations, and shows can depend on them—and we approach our work with that responsibility in mind.
A Concerning Claim
Recently, an Australian manufacturer shared a teaser of a ruggedized power board on social media. In the comments, a user asked whether the unit had a throughput connection. A representative from the company replied with words to the effect of:
“No, that’s not legal anymore.”
No clause. No reference to any standard. Just a sweeping statement.
This concerned one of our customers, who forwarded us the comment asking if our comparable product—with a throughput—was now non-compliant.
Let’s Clear the Air
We had to respond. I commented on their post, respectfully disagreed, and referenced the relevant clause from the applicable standard. I even complimented their work and encouraged their continued development.
As expected, there was no reply.
Fast forward a few weeks: the same company released a new version of that product... now with a throughput. That’s a pretty sharp U-turn, and it raises more questions than answers.
So What Are the Facts?
The standard is clear: throughputs are not illegal on EPODs (Electrical Portable Outlet Devices), provided they meet specific conditions.
Here’s the key excerpt:
“An EPOD shall be provided with outlet facilities described in Clauses 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.5.4 or a combination of these outlet facilities, subject to meeting requirements of all Clauses of this standard. Any facility intended for the connection of an auxiliary means of control is not regarded as an outlet facility.”
Our throughput connectors are not outlet facilities—they’re clearly labelled and intended only for daisy-chaining additional, approved EPODs. This is by design, and we’ve taken every step to ensure full compliance.
Why It Matters
We can’t cherry-pick standards. And we can’t afford to take industry advice from businesses that flip-flop on their own statements—especially without explanation.
Unfortunately, electrical standards aren’t free. You’d need to read over $500 worth of them to get the full picture, and most are interlinked. AS/NZS 3002, for example, references AS/NZS 3012 and relies on AS/NZS 3000 as the foundation.
What Can You Do?
- Educate yourself.
Yes, the standards are dry. Yes, they’re expensive. But they’re also essential—because electricity is unforgiving. - Borrow them.
If $500 is a stretch, check your local library or TAFE. Many offer standards for in-house reference. - Question everything.
Even this post. Read the standards, call ESV, ask questions, and fact check industry claims.
In Summary
Be wary of bold claims with no substance—especially when they’re quietly reversed later. If you’re in this industry, be informed, be accountable, and be safe.
Let’s raise the standard.
Let’s keep each other honest.
Let’s keep the lights on—and the gigs running.
Stay safe,
Lachlan Elmore
Founder, ONEstage
