New standard for plugs and sockets released

Standards Australia has released a new edition of the standard for plugs and sockets used in Australia and New Zealand, AS/NZS 3112, Approval and test specification - Plugs and socket-outlets.

The standard provides the electrical industry, including manufacturers, test laboratories and regulators, with requirements and test methods for plugs and socket outlets.

The major changes to the standard include:

• Specifications for detachable plug portions are now included
• Dimension requirements for plugs and sockets clarified through revised and added diagrams
• Plug and socket configurations have been clarified
• Updated testing requirements for:
  • Ingress protection (IP)
  • Non-detachable parts
  • Insulation piercing terminals

Chair of the technical committee EL-004, Electrical Accessories, Dennis Galvin commented on this revision. “The changes to AS/NZS 3112 will significantly benefit manufacturers during design and production but also test laboratories, regulators and certifiers when assessing compliance to the standard,” said Galvin.

Standards Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans explained the importance of this publication. “In the absence of an international standard for plugs and sockets, it is important that national standards bodies regularly review their standards to accommodate technological change and the effects of globalisation,” said Evans.