The need for multiple sockets when using home theater and computer systems put power strips as one of the most widely used electrical accessories in homes and offices. Many power strips found in the market today integrate surge and overload protection making it safer compared to two-way and three-way plugs. Although virtually every power strip is manufactured in China, the standards involved in producing and designing these devices differ for each country they are sold.
InTouch leads the way in power strip inspection and quality control services in China by adhering only to the latest and most relevant international standards. The following are the international standards used by InTouch to make sure that its power strip inspection and quality control protocols are up-to-date and in line with the different regulations imposed by the importing countries.
IEC 60884-1
This International Electrotechnical Commission standard on plugs and socket-outlets for homes and related use provides the general requirements for power strips. ISO 60884-1 includes the guidelines for marking; classification; rating; electric shock prevention; earthing; manufacturing; and resistance to ageing, humidity, and rusting.
IEC 60884-2-4
Many electronic gadgets require voltage lower than provided by the mains. IEC 60884-2-4 deals with power strips providing 6 to 48 V of current. IEC 60884-2-4 also provides the requirements regarding temperature rise, breaking capacity, resistance to heat and mechanical strength.
IEC/TR 60083
This IEC technical report provides the general information for power strips and related products used in IEC member countries. The guidelines provided in this standard shall help the suppliers and manufacturers in producing power strips that are accepted in IEC member countries. Countries included in this report are Australia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, United States of America, and many more.
UL 1363
This Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. standard for power strips includes the requirements for construction such as mechanical assembly, corrosion protection, receptacles, switches, and printed wiring boards. Performance is determined through the various tests including temperature test, leakage current tests, grounding continuity test, fault current test, strain relief test, impact tests, and many more. Requirements on ratings, markings, and instructions are also included in this standard. UL 1363 is the recognized standard for power strips sold in the US.
UL 1449
For power strips that integrate power surge protection, UL 1449 should also be adhered to. Various surge test methods are provided in this standard to make sure that power strips are able to provide adequate protection.
IEC 61643-11
This International Electrotechnical Commission standard is the IEC equivalent of UL 1449. This standard should work in congruence with IEC 60884-1 if the power strips are intended for use in IEC member countries. Electrical, mechanical, environmental, and material requirements in the manufacture of power strips with surge protective mechanisms are provided in this standard.
IEC 60364-4-43
There are power strips which provided protection against overload and short-circuit. IEC 60364-4-43 deals with the safety and performance requirements of these types of power strips.
UL 1363
This standard dealing with electromagnetic interference filters is used in congruence with UL 1363 when testing power strips. Electromagnetic interference is one of the widely regulated properties of electronic devices.
IEC 61643-331
Metal oxide varistors (MOV) are designed to protect appliances and devices from high voltage surge and are the main component of surge protective devices. The specific tests provided in this standard are used to determine the protective life of voltage surge protective devices.
