About AS/NZS 3112
As essential electrical accessories in households and workplaces, the safety and reliability of power plugs and outlet-sockets are of utmost importance. AS/NZS 3112 is a safety standard for plugs and sockets jointly developed by Standards Australia (AS) and Standards New Zealand (NZS), fully titled AS/NZS 3112: 2017 Approval and test specification-Plugs and socket-Outlets. The standard specifies the safety design, performance criteria, and testing requirements for plugs and socket-outlets in household and similar applications, aiming to ensure the safe use of electrical equipment and prevent risks such as electric shock and fire. It applies to plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes with not exceeding 500V and a rated current not exceeding 32 A.
Test Items of AS/NZS 3112
The AS/NZS 3112 standard includes highly detailed testing items, including but not limited to:
- Terminals and internal connections: Inspecting the reliability of terminals and internal connections.
- Pins: Checking the fixing methods and mechanical strength of pins.
- Insulating materials: Testing the heat resistance and corrosion resistance of insulating materials.
- Power supply flexible cords: Inspecting the inlet methods of power supply flexible cords and strain relief clamps.
- Markings: Verifying the clarity and accuracy of product identification.
- Electrical safety test: Ensuring the voltage withstand and insulating resistance capability of power plugs and socket-outlets.
- Temperature rise test: Checking the temperature rise of plugs and socket-outlets to ensure they do not overheat.
Testing Equipment Involved in AS/NZS 3112
As a fundamental standard for electrical safety in the Australia-New Zealand region, AS/NZS 3112 ensures user safety in electricity use by strictly regulating the design, production, and testing processes of plugs and socket-outlets. For manufacturers, importers, and consumers, understanding this standard helps ensure product compliance or select safe and reliable electrical equipment. The following are the testing items covered by this standard.