The three-minute task that could save you thousands of dollars
Compulsory standards will shake up the power board industry
In the second quarter of 2021, there is a shake-up coming to the regulatory framework for portable power boards, and indeed all electrical assemblies, with a new set of standards coming into force nationally.
From May 2021, product must not only be designed and built to meet standards, but must also pass stringent testing by independent, certified laboratories. This requires significant upfront investment.
Be aware that there are several powers boards currently on the market that do not comply to the standards. Others claim a level of “certification” but cannot demonstrate it.
The new standards (AS61439) which apply to all ACS units are compulsory. ACS units are all subject to additional standards for construction or specialist use.
Power board manufacturers selling products that do not meet these standards after May 2021 are breaking the law.
Powersafe has and will be investing considerable time and energy to ensure all their products – from their largest three-phase mountable power board to their smallest portable ACS unit – complies with the standards.
This dedication to research and quality has been at the core of Powersafe’s development over the past 15 years, its power boards meeting, and sometimes exceeding, existing standards (AS3012, AS3190) with several features most other suppliers exclude.
Knowing the changes coming, it is safe to conclude, that certification will increasingly be on the shopping lists of all responsible buyers of portable power boards and related products.
Three minutes to determine whether your next power board meets the Australian standards
When considering your next purchase of portable power boards, there is a simple three-minute task that will confirm or deny that product complies with current Australian standards. This short exercise could save you thousands of dollars.
does an acs meet as61439?
Ask your supplier for a copy of a compliance certificate of the ACS prior to purchase. Your potential supplier is required by law to supply you with the following on request:
- IP test report (dust and water ingress)
- Temperature rise limit
- Mechanical impact test
- Resistance to UV radiation
- Thermal stability test report.
If these cannot be supplied, you can assume that their products have not been tested to the standard.
how do i check if a PSOA is CERTIFIED?
Ensure any PSOA power boards you purchase is from a certified responsible supplier listed on the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) website – www.eess.gov.au It is mandatory for manufacturers or importers to be registered on this site. If they are not, they are not legitimate.
Powersafe has and will be investing considerable time and energy to ensure all their products – from their largest three-phase mountable power board to extension leads – comply with all these standards.