Socket-Outlets Pins Retention Test Device

1. Basic Understanding of Equipment

1.1 Basic Properties

This device is intended for specific testing of the retention strength of plugs for household and similar uses.

It is primarily used in electrical product quality inspection laboratories, the quality control departments of plug manufacturers, third-party testing organizations, and for the inspection of products entering or leaving the country.

1.2 Applicable Standards

In strict accordance with Clause 24.11 and Figure 30 of GB/T 2099.1-2021, Clause 24.11 and Figure 33 of IEC 60884-1:2022, Clause 22.3 of GB/T 4706-2024, Clause 22.3 of IEC 60335-1:2016, Clause 12.11.1 and Figure 7 of BS 1363-1, Clause 13.4 of EN 50075, Clause 24.10 and Figure 31 of VDE 0620-2-1, and other relevant standards, and conducted testing.

In accordance with the tensile force values and application duration specified in the standard, a vertical tensile force is applied to the plug and prong test specimens under specific environmental conditions. The deformation and damage to the specimens are then observed to determine whether they meet the requirements of the standard.

1.3 Downloading Electronic Documents

We have already sent the download links for the electronic user manual, calibration certificate, warranty card, and other documents via email at the time of shipment. Please download them as soon as possible. If you have not received the email, please contact us to request the download links again.

2. Precautions for Use

2.1 Operating Environment Safety Requirements

Place the device on a level, stable workbench with at least 30 cm of clearance on all sides, away from sources of vibration.

2.2 Safety Guidelines for Operators

Do not reach into the test area during testing to prevent crush injuries.

Samples must be securely positioned, and the weight clamps must firmly hold the pins in place to prevent the weights from falling off or popping out during testing, which could pose a safety hazard.

Conduct testing strictly in accordance with the standards. Do not add weights without authorization to prevent equipment damage and safety incidents.

3. Introduction to the Test Setup

See Figure 3-1.

Number	Note
①	Steel plate with test holes; the diameter of the test holes is customized according to the applicable standard.
②	Weights, which provide a constant vertical test force; the weights are customized according to the corresponding standards.
③	Weight clamp—used during testing to secure weights and apply tension to the pin
④	Adjustable base to ensure the unit is placed level

Figure 3-1

4. Latch Strength Test

4.1 Sample Selection

Select brand-new, unused finished plugs that have not undergone any destructive testing, and exclude any nonconforming specimens with surface dents, cracks, or obvious deformation.

4.2 Confirmation of Test Standards and Parameters

4.2.1 Basis for the Standard

Note: This test procedure uses Clause 24.11 of IEC 60884-1:2022 as an example. Test procedures may vary slightly across different standards; please strictly follow the applicable standards for the product and the target market when conducting tests.

4.2.2 Test Parameters

See Figure 4-1 (taken from the IEC standard) for a diagram illustrating the interrelationship between plug pins, test holes, and tensile force P.

Figure 4-1

The tensile force shall comply with the maximum pull-out force specified in Table 19 of this standard; see Figure 4-2 (taken from the IEC standard).

Figure 4-2

4.3 Practical Experiment

The plug shall be placed in a High Temperature Chamber maintained at a stable temperature of (70±2) °C for 1 hour. Then, in accordance with 4.2.2, the test specimen shall be securely clamped inside the High Temperature Chamber for testing and shall not be removed from the Chamber.

Apply a tensile force P to each pin sequentially along the pin’s longitudinal axis for 1 minute; no impact is permitted during this process. See Figure 4-3 for a schematic diagram of the application of tensile force P to the LS-B12.

Figure 4-3

4.4 Interpretation of Test Results

After the test is complete, remove the device and the test specimen plug from the test chamber and allow them to cool to ambient temperature. If it is verified that the displacement of any pin in the plug body does not exceed 1 mm, the test specimen passes this test.

5. Post-Test Procedures

5.1 Device Reset

When the device is not in use, do not load it with test specimens or weights, and avoid applying force to it.

5.2 Sample Preparation

Separate the samples that passed and failed the test, label them clearly, and avoid any confusion.

5.3 Cleaning and Tidying Up the Test Site

Use a lint-free, soft cloth to wipe away dust and debris from the surfaces of the steel plate, brackets, weights, weight clamps, and other components. Do not rinse the equipment directly with water.

Tidy up the workbench and remove any debris left over from the experiment.

6. Routine Maintenance and Care

6.1 Regular Maintenance

Depending on the storage environment of the device, periodically apply rust-preventive oil to all components of the device—especially the test holes in the steel plates, the weights, and the clamps—to prevent rust.

6.2 Calibration Interval Requirements

To ensure the device’s measurement accuracy and operational reliability, it is recommended that it be sent periodically to a qualified third-party metrology organization for calibration. The recommended calibration interval is 12 months. Users may determine the specific calibration interval based on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and quality system requirements.

7. Troubleshooting and Resolving Common Problems

Fault Symptoms	Possible Causes	Procedure
The clamp doesn’t hold securely; the weight falls off	The device was not placed level, preventing the clamp from engaging with the latch.	If the device is tilted, it will not only affect the test results, but the weights may also fall off during the test; please reinstall the device and level it before retrying.