IEC 60884 Figure 10 Socket Protective Test Needle with 1N

This IEC 60884-1:2022 Figure 10 Socket Protective Test Needle is designed to verify if socket-outlets (especially those with increased protection) block access to hazardous live parts, preventing electric shock in household and similar settings. It features a 1.0mm diameter hardened steel tip (80mm long) for navigating narrow socket gaps, a nylon insulating handle for user safety, and is calibrated to apply a precise 1N push force. When 1N is applied, its internal spring ensures key surfaces align, guaranteeing consistent, standard-compliant testing—making it essential for socket safety validation.

Standards:

Specifications:
Gauge Dimensions: 3mm (wide) × 1mm (thick) – optimized for testing socket shutter gaps
Tip Diameter: φ1.0mm (±0.015mm tolerance; ensures precision access to narrow openings)
Test Needle Length: 80mm (±0.2mm tolerance; reaches critical internal areas of sockets)
Applied Test Force: 1N (±0.05N tolerance; calibrated via internal spring for consistency)
Material Composition – Tip: Hardened steel (wear-resistant, maintains dimensional accuracy); – Handle: Nylon (insulating, ergonomic grip)
Calibration Requirement:  When 1N push force is applied to the steel wire, surfaces A-A′ and B-B′ align practically flush
Key Auxiliary Dimensions:  φ30mm (baffle-related); φ50mm (base-related); r=0.05mm (tip radius)

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the needle for bent tips, cracked nylon handles, or spring damage; confirm force and dimensions meet specs.
2. Power off the socket-outlet under test and place it on a flat, stable surface.
3. Hold the nylon handle, align the hardened steel tip with socket gaps (e.g., shutter openings).
4. Gently insert the tip and apply a steady 1N push force (until surfaces A-A′ and B-B′ align).
5. Check if the tip can contact hazardous live parts (via visual inspection or electrical testing).
6. Record results to verify compliance with safety standards.

Applications:
1. Safety testing of household socket-outlets (e.g., wall receptacles, power strips) per IEC 60884-1:2022 Figure 10.
2. Compliance checks for socket-outlets with increased protection (e.g., child-safe sockets) to ensure live parts are inaccessible.
3. Quality control for commercial sockets (e.g., office, retail receptacles) during production, following UL 498:2024.
4. Third-party certification testing (e.g., CE, UKCA) for sockets seeking global market entry.
5. Pre-shipment verification of low-voltage sockets (e.g., workshop, garage receptacles) per CSA C22.2 No. 42:2024.

IEC 60884 Figure 10 Socket Protective Test Needle with 1N