Comtest Laboratories increases accreditations in EPODs and low-voltage sockets

In conjunction with the accreditation to AS/NZS 3197 ‘Portable electrical control or conditioning devices’, Comtest has increased its capability by being accredited for testing low-voltage mains power sockets to AS/NZS 3112 and the standard AS/NZS 3105.

AS/NZS 3105 specifies the requirements for electrical portable outlet devices (EPODs), commonly known as power boards, primarily intended for household and similar use at low voltage and having outlet facilities in the form of socket outlets or cord extension sockets or connectors. EPODs or power boards are connected to the supply by either a power supply cord and a plug or an appliance inlet and are intended to be used in readily accessible locations for temporary use and not for permanent installation.

As the 2013 draft version of AS/NZS 3105 (which is about to be published) includes the requirements of AS/NZS 3197 for devices which have a control or conditioning function, Comtest - which is also accredited to AS/NZS 3197 - will be able to completely test devices which are used for the control of other devices, for example standby power controllers (SPCs).

This means Comtest Laboratories has become a ‘one-stop shop’ for devices like SPCs and mains ‘ON/OFF’ controlling devices as the company is accredited to test the electrical safety as well as the efficiency testing of these devices.

The extensions to the Comtest AS/NZS 3112 accreditation also means the company can test low-voltage power sockets as well as EPODs, SPCs and power boards to the standard’s requirements. Low-voltage mains power sockets can be found on devices such as extension cords, mains outlets on uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), power equipment such as generators and portable controlling devices.