Australia and New Zealand Plug Standard Update: Key Design Considerations

        Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) Information Bulletin 24-067: Australia and New Zealand’s Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) has issued Information Bulletin No. 24-067. This bulletin clarifies compliance requirements under the AS/NZS 3112 standard for devices with integral pins, such as plug-pack power supplies and battery chargers. The update aims to prevent international plug designs that do not meet regional safety specifications from entering the market, thereby safeguarding user electrical safety.

Standardized Plugs and Sockets as a Core Safety Principle

         The bulletin emphasizes that standardized plugs and sockets are fundamental to electrical safety. AS/NZS 3112 specifies the dimensional requirements for plugs and sockets in the AU/NZ region, with domestic plugs required to meet the specific configurations outlined in Figures 2.1(a) and 2.1(c). For devices with detachable plug components (e.g., modular power supplies), the standard now includes specifications for “plug adapters.” These adapters must have pins conforming to AS/NZS 3112 Type A, B, or C dimensions. Crucially, the connection pins between the device and the plug adapter must not utilize plug designs defined by any international standards (such as IEC 60083 or IEC 60884.1), preventing safety hazards arising from dimensional incompatibility.

Defining Boundaries for Non-Compliant Designs

1.Prohibition of International Pins as Direct Device Components: 

The bulletin explicitly states that molding international plug styles (e.g., US flat pins, Japanese parallel flat pins, or European round pins) directly into the device enclosure, or using 90° foldable plug designs, constitutes non-compliance. Such designs pose risks of poor contact, overheating, or electric shock due to pin dimensions or spacing not meeting local standards.

2.Permanently Enclosed International Plugs Require Full Certification:

For devices where an international plug on the power cord is permanently enclosed (e.g., via screws, clips) within a covering device that functions as a non-detachable “plug adapter,” the entire assembly must be tested and certified as a complete unit against AS/NZS 3112. This ensures the whole structure meets safety requirements. It is prohibited to circumvent compliance review by treating such an assembly as a detachable component.

Enhanced Test Report Documentation Requirements

      To ensure rigorous certification processes, the bulletin mandates that test reports utilize the template provided in Appendix J of *Guidance Note #20-019*. Reports must include two key types of photographic evidence:

• Detailed images of the pins/connection points on the device without the detachable plug attached.
• Multi-angle photographs (including the rear view) of the detachable plug itself, verifying the absence of exposed live parts and compliance with the electric shock protection requirements of Clause J4.8.1 in AS/NZS 3112.

Impact: This update primarily affects manufacturers and importers of plug-in electrical equipment like power adapters and chargers. The bulletin clarifies that the existing AS/NZS 3112 standard will be amended to incorporate these refined requirements. Businesses must ensure the design compliance of devices with detachable plug components, avoid using plug structures defined by international standards, and provide complete test documentation during certification. Non-compliant products risk certificate revocation and market withdrawal.