The objective of this Standard is to provide the Australian and New Zealand electrical industry, including manufacturers, test laboratories and regulators, with requirements and test methods for plugs, socket outlets or plug portions.

This Standard is one of 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.

The essential safety requirements in AS/NZS 3820, Essential safety requirements for electrical equipment, which could be applicable to plugs, socket outlets or plug portions, are covered by this Standard, taken in conjunction with any other relevant requirements affecting safety.

Major changes in this edition are in the following:

(a) Clause 1.1 Scope. Updated and clarified.
(b) Clause 2.8.1 Ratings and dimensions.
(c) Clause 2.8.4 Dimensions of Figure 2.1.
(d) Clause 2.13.3 High voltage test.
(e) Clause 3.1.2 Construction of terminals.
(f) Clause 3.10 Floor socket-outlets.
(g) Clause 3.12 Shuttered socket-outlets.
(h) Clause 3.14.1 Tests for socket-outlets.
(i) Clause 3.14.3 High voltage test.
(j) Figure 2.1.
(k) Figure 2.11.
(l) Figure 3.10.
(m) Appendix J. Change the title and include integral or detachable plug portions of equipment for insertion into socket outlets requirements.

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

(i) Update referenced documents.
(ii) Update and clarify the scope of the Standard.
(iii) Update diagrams for clarity.
(iv) Add new definition for insulation piercing terminal or connecting device.
(v) Add a new Appendix K, Non-detachable parts test (normative).

Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables are deemed to be requirements of this Standard.

The term ‘normative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which it applies. A ‘normative’ Appendix is an integral part of a Standard.

Specifies essential safety requirements for plugs and socket-outlets intended for use at extra low or low voltages and a rated current not exceeding 32 A for household or similar purposes. Originated in Australia as C112-1937. Originated in New Zealand as part of NZS 1898-1939. Previous edition AS/NZS 3112:2011. Eighth edition 2017. Reissued incorporating Amendment No 1 (September 2021).