News & Views

This Standard specifies essential safety requirements for plugs and socket-outlets, as defined in Clause 1.4, intended for use at a rated voltage not exceeding 500V and a rated current not exceeding 32A for household or similar purposes.

This standard was prepared by the EL-004 Standards Committee and supersedes AS/NZS 3112:2011.

Some parts of this standard have a transition period of 18 months where the majority of the standard comes into effect from the date of publication (24 August 2017).

This standard is one in a series of approval and test specifications to be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 3100 (Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment). The purpose of this series is to outline conditions which need to be met to secure approval for the sale and use of electrical equipment. Only safety matters and related conditions are covered.

Major changes include:

• Updating and clarifying the Scope, Clause 1.1

• Changes to ratings and dimensions in Clause 2.8.1

• Changes to dimensions of Figure 2.1, Clause 2.8.4

• Changes to the high voltage test in Clause 2.13.3

• Changes to the construction of terminals in Clause 3.1.2

• Changes to the Floor socket-outlets in Clause 3.10

• Changes to shuttered socket-outlets in Clause 3.12

• Changes to Tests for socket-outlets in Clause 3.14.1

• Changes to the High voltage test in Clause 3.14.3

• Changes to Figure 2.1 – Dimensions of plugs

• Changes to Figure 2.11 – Examples of various equipment plug pin dimensions

• Changes to Figure3.10 – Contact independence test pin

• Changes to Appendix J – Change the title and include integral or detachable plug portions of equipment for insertion into socket outlet requirements.

The Standard was revised to introduce the following technical and editorial changes:

• Update referenced documents

• Update and clarify the scope of the Standard

• Update diagrams for clarity

• Add a new definition for insulation piercing terminal or connecting device

• Add a new Appendix K, Non-detachable parts test (normative)

As the majority of Electrical Contractors will not need to access this Standard, NECA NSW will not be adding it to our Technical Knowledge Base (TKB).

TKB is a free service to all NECA NSW and ACT members. If you have a technical question, contact Leon Dickson, NECAs Technical Advisor, tkb@neca.asn.au or log into NECATKB.COM