Multi-outlet Power Strip Inspection

Knowledge on Inspection of Multi-purpose Power Strips

1. Non-compliant labeling mainly manifests in the absence of manufacturer or seller identification marks and model types on the main components of fixed sockets. Converters that do not use the word "MAX" (or maximum) to fully indicate the rated current or power fail to remind consumers of safe electricity usage; products without certification bearing the CCC mark constitute clear fraudulent behavior against consumers.

2. Dimensional non-compliance is mainly reflected in the distance between the plug pins and the edge being less than 6.5mm, excessively large socket openings allowing insertion of a no-go gauge; metal contact sleeves being too close to the panel, allowing access to live contact sleeves with a contact gauge and insertion of a no-go gauge; for two-pole sockets, the distance between live contact sleeves and the panel should be no less than 8.4mm; for two-pole sockets with grounding, the distance should be no less than 10.3mm; the use of multi-hole socket types that do not meet standard requirements. Some manufacturers, in pursuit of versatility and appearance, overlook dimensional requirements due to insufficient understanding of standards.

3. Grounding measures non-compliance mainly manifests in grounded sockets lacking grounding contact sleeves, or having grounding contact sleeves but no grounding wire connection; when the plug is inserted, current-carrying pins become live before the grounding pin and disconnect later.

4. Temperature rise non-compliance mainly manifests in temperature rise values exceeding 45K, solder joints coming apart during temperature rise tests, some products having very small conductor cross-sectional areas, smoking after power-on, melting wires, and burnt ground wires. The cross-sectional area of the power cord conductors assembled in the product is far less than 0.75mm², posing significant safety risks.

5. Heat resistance non-compliance mainly manifests in deformation of the casing and socket openings after 100°C heat resistance tests, switches failing to operate, and indentation diameters exceeding 2mm after 125°C ball pressure tests. These issues reflect manufacturers' weak quality awareness, using inferior raw materials or components to reduce costs. These materials soften at high temperatures, potentially causing product deformation and exposure of live parts,极易造成触电危险 (easily leading to electric shock hazards).

6. Clearance non-compliance mainly manifests in electrical clearances between live parts, and between live parts and external assembly screws and grounded circuit components being less than 3mm. Insufficient clearance can easily cause short circuits, resulting in personal injury and fire hazards. These issues reflect defects in product safety design by manufacturers, lack of monitoring during the assembly process, and absence of product testing.

7. Flammability non-compliance mainly manifests in flames not extinguishing within the specified time after removing the ignition source (glowing wire), and burning droplets igniting the tissue paper placed under the product. Combustion non-compliance is mainly due to manufacturers' weak quality awareness, using non-flame-retardant, cheap materials to reduce costs, resulting in products that do not meet standard requirements and are highly prone to fire, causing losses.

8. Structural non-compliance mainly manifests in sockets having grounding contact sleeves but plugs lacking grounding pins; socket contact sleeve assemblies failing to ensure metal contact on at least two opposite sides of each pin; improper adjustment of conductor length, where if the flexible cable slips, the ground conductor bears the force first.

9. Electric strength non-compliance mainly manifests in flashover occurring during tests. This indicates that companies, to reduce production costs, did not use high-quality, standard-compliant materials during manufacturing, resorting to substandard substitutes.

10. Protection against electric shock non-compliance mainly manifests in any pin of the plug being able to engage with the live contact sleeve of the socket while any other pin is in an accessible state (also known as single-pole insertion); for sockets with protective shutters, live parts can be accessed with a probe. This type easily leads to electric shock phenomena, endangering life safety.