1. What is the plug withdrawal force test apparatus?
The Plug Withdrawal Force Test Apparatus, also named as maximum and minimum pull-out force test device. It’s applied to evaluate the maximum force required to pull a multi-pin plug gauge out of a socket, the minimum force required to pull a single-pin gauge out of a socket. The device is designed to fully meet the requirements of IEC60884-1:2022 clause 22.2 figure 25 and 22.3 figure 26 and table 19. The apparatus is suitable for plugs and sockets with rated voltage not exceeding 250V and rated current less than 16A.
Table 19 – Maximum and minimum withdrawal force for plugs and socket-outlets
Ratings | Number of poles | Withdrawal force (N) | ||
Multi-pin gauge Maximum | Single-pin gauge Minimum | Single-pin gauge Maximum | ||
≤10A | 2 | 40 | 1.5 | 17 |
3 | 50 | |||
＞10A~16A | 2 | 50 | 2 | 18 |
3 | 54 | |||
>3 | 70 | |||
＞16A~32A | 2 | 80 | 3 | 27 |
3 | 80 | |||
>3 | 100 | |||
2. How to perform the maximum and minimum withdrawal force test?
- Maximum withdrawal force: First to fix the sample socket-outlet to the mounting plate of the withdrawal force test apparatus, so that the axes of the socket-contacts are vertical and the entry holes for the pins of the plug face downwards. Second to insert the multi-pin test plug gauge into the socket-outlet and withdrawal from the socket-outlet ten times. Third to insert the multi-pin test plug gauge again, and hung the hook, principal weight and the supplementary weight to the test plug, the plug should come out of the socket. ( The total maximum withdrawal force is equal to the weight of the multi-pin test plug gauge, the hook, supplementary mass, and principal mass)
- Minimum withdrawal force: First to fix the sample socket-outlet to the mounting plate of the withdrawal force test apparatus, so that the axes of the socket-contacts are vertical and the entry holes for the pins of the plug face downwards. Second to insert the single-pin gauge into each individual hole in the socket-outlet, in this case, the gauge shall not fall fromthe socket within 30 seconds.
3. What does the withdrawal force test device consist of?
The maximum and minimum extraction force test device is consists of the frame, mounting plate, test plug (multi-pin gauge for maximum force test and single-in gauge for minimum force test), hook, supplementary mass and principal mass. The frame is consists of aluminum, the mounting plate is mate of steel, the supplementary mass and the principal mass are made of stainless steel. The pin of test plugs are made of hardened steel with roughness not exceeding 0.8μm. The test plug and single-pin gauges can be customized according to clients drawings.
In summary, plug pull-out force testing is an important procedure to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical appliance plugs. By performing this test, manufacturers can prevent electrical accidents, comply with safety regulations, improve product reliability and enhance customer satisfaction. It is critical for manufacturers to perform plug extraction force testing to ensure that their products meet the necessary safety and reliability standards.
