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AS/NZS 3112 standard Australasian plugs and sockets |
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Plugs
and sockets that conform with the AS/NZS
3112 standard are used in
Australia and New
Zealand and several
Pacific Islands, which explains the name Australasian type.
Comparable plugs are used in China, Argentina and Uruguay.
Origin of the type of plug is described on a separare page. |
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Related
galleries: uncommon types classic types heavy duty types |
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| 1, 2 |
Standard
domestic
10A - 250V socket and plug. Power pins (N and A;
A means Active = line) and corresponding slots are obliquely positioned
and resemble an
inverted 'V'. The position of the pins makes Australasian type plugs
irreversible. Even a not earthed, 2-pin plug is polarized. Standard domestic rewirable plugs always have 3 pins, but the earth pin may be omitted on plugs moulded on appliance cords using IEC type C1 or C7 connector, as used for low current double insulated devices - such as battery chargers or shavers. (image no. 26 on the page about IEC 60320 appliance couplers shows an example). The earth pin is longer than the angled power pins and makes contact first. From April 2005 partially insulated power pins are mandatory for all plugs. Standard domestic plugs sold in Australia and New Zealand have a side entry cable. These plugs extend much less outwards beyond a wall socket than a top entry plug. Moreover, they are safer because it is not possible to pull out a plug by pulling the cable, rather than the plug. Note that the cable entry is never positioned straight downwards (180º), but in a 135º rotated position (see insetbottom right). This allows the use of two or more side entry plugs below each other (for example in dual socket no. 4). Manufacturers: PDL (no. 1), and Elto, New Zealand (no. 2). Brand logos and deatail are given below. |
| 3, 4 |
A
horizontally mounted dual socket (no. 3) is the preferred model
in Australian and New Zealand homes, but dual sockets with outlets on
top of each other are available (no. 4). Manufacturer: Clipsal. {PT} The choice between a horizontal and vertical dual flush socket is quite unique. U.S. flat blade and European Schuko dual sockets are always 'vertical', whereas British BS 546 and 1363 dual sockets are 'horizontal'. |
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| 5, 6 |
10A plug with threaded shroud (green arrow) and matching threaded socket (double arrow heads). This combination of plug and socket allows a securely locked attachment as illustrated in image nos. 6. Manufacturer: PDL. |
| 7 | Cord extension socket rated at 10A-250V. Manufacturer: PDL. |
| 8 | Standard
10A plug with clamp to facilitate removing the plug from a socket. The
image shows both the plug and its three components. Manufacturer: HPM. |
| 9, 10 | Rewirable
10A plug
with a
single
outlet, officially a "socket adapter plug", but commonly known as
'Piggy-back' plug (no. 9). The rewireable form of
this plug
is now banned from sale in Australia, but it is still available in New
Zealand - where it is also known as a 'Tap-on' plug. In
Australia this plug/outlet combination is available only when moulded
onto an approved extension lead (no. 10). {PT} Manufacturers: PDL, New Zealand (no. 9) and Arlec Australia Pty Ltd, but made in China (no. 10). |
| 11 | Two
examples of 10A
2-way multi-plugs, in Australia referred to as double adaptors. Manufacturers: Ring-Grip, Australia (top model) and Resinart Ltd (renamed to D.R. Britton Ltd), New Zealand (bottom model). |
| 12 |
Side view of a standard 10A socket with transparent housing. These sockets are intended to be mounted in ceilings for the attachment, by use of a plug connection, of recessed ceiling lights and exhaust fans. Manufacturer: HPM. |
| Material from Argentina and China
is displayed on separate pages (click country name). Logos of five, still existing, manufacturers that are represented in the museum collection.  See list of Manufacturers for more information on Australian and New Zealand companies. |
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Uncommon plugs and
sockets
Besides the standard
type shown above there are variants for special purposes. |
Classic models
Some older Australasian
plugs and sockets are shown on a separate page. |
Heavy duty types
Plugs and sockets rated for 15A, 20A, 25A, and 32A are displayed separately. |
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