Impact Test for Power Strips

The impact test is an important procedure used to evaluate the mechanical durability of power strips, ensuring they can withstand accidental drops, impacts, or other forms of physical stress. Power strips are often exposed to harsh conditions, whether in households, offices, or industrial settings, making the impact test a crucial safety assessment. The test ensures that the power strip’s casing and internal components remain intact and functional after an impact, preventing electrical hazards or malfunctions.

Purpose of the Impact Test

The impact test is designed to simulate real-world situations where the power strip may be dropped or subjected to physical force. The goal is to assess whether the power strip can maintain its structural integrity and continue to provide safe operation after an impact. This is particularly important for power strips that are frequently moved, used in high-traffic areas, or exposed to demanding environments.

Key objectives of the test include:

• Ensuring that the casing does not crack or shatter upon impact.
• Verifying that internal components, such as circuits and sockets, remain properly aligned and functional after impact.
• Confirming that the power strip remains safe to use and does not pose electrical hazards due to physical damage.

Test Procedure

The impact test is conducted in accordance with international standards such as IEC 60068-2-75 (Environmental Testing – Test Eh: Hammer tests), which define the method for simulating mechanical stress on electrical products, including power strips.

Key Steps in the Impact Test Procedure:

1. Preparation:

   • The power strip is mounted in a horizontal or vertical position, depending on which part of the device is being tested. The casing, particularly around the plug outlets, is the main focus of the test.

2. Impact Tool:

   • A standard hammer or pendulum is used to apply the impact. The tool is typically fitted with a specified mass and impact energy to ensure consistency in testing.
   • The force of the impact is measured in joules (J). For power strips, typical impact forces range from 0.5J to 2J, depending on the material and expected usage conditions.

3. Impact Application:

   • The hammer or pendulum is released, striking the power strip casing at critical points, such as near the plug sockets or along the edges of the housing.
   • The power strip is subjected to multiple impacts at different locations, simulating potential real-world scenarios where the strip may be dropped or hit.

4. Post-Impact Inspection:

   • After the impacts, the power strip is inspected for any signs of damage. This includes checking for cracks, breaks, or deformations in the casing.
   • Internal components are also examined to ensure they remain securely in place and operational. Any shifting of internal circuits could pose a safety hazard.

5. Electrical Safety Testing:

   • Following the physical inspection, the power strip undergoes electrical safety testing to confirm that it is still functional and that no internal components were damaged by the impact. This step verifies that the power strip can still provide safe and reliable power to connected devices.

Testing Conditions:

• The height from which the hammer or pendulum is released, as well as the mass of the impact tool, are adjusted according to the size and type of the power strip being tested.
• The test is typically conducted in a controlled environment to eliminate variables such as temperature, humidity, or external forces that might affect the outcome.

Importance of the Impact Test for Power Strips

Power strips are exposed to various physical stresses in daily use, including being dropped, stepped on, or knocked over. The impact test ensures that the power strip can handle these stresses without compromising its safety or functionality. Key benefits of this test include:

• Mechanical Durability: The test ensures that the power strip can withstand impacts without breaking or damaging internal components.
• Electrical Safety: By verifying that the power strip continues to function safely after impact, the test ensures that users are protected from electrical hazards, such as short circuits or exposed wires.
• Product Longevity: A power strip that passes the impact test is more likely to have a longer lifespan, as it can resist damage from physical forces.

Materials Commonly Tested

The materials used in the casing of power strips are critical to their ability to pass the impact test. Common materials include:

• Polycarbonate (PC): Known for its toughness and impact resistance, polycarbonate is often used in high-end power strips designed for demanding environments.
• Polypropylene (PP): A more affordable material that provides moderate impact resistance. It is frequently used in household power strips, though it requires careful testing to ensure durability.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Commonly used for insulation and outer casings, PVC provides reasonable impact resistance but may require reinforcement in high-impact areas.

Compliance with CE Standards

For power strips to be sold in the European Economic Area (EEA), they must comply with CE certification standards, which include passing the impact test in accordance with IEC 60068-2-75. The CE marking indicates that the product has met all relevant safety and performance criteria, including its ability to withstand mechanical stress without compromising user safety.

Real-World Applications

Power strips are often used in environments where they are exposed to physical stress. The impact test ensures that power strips are suitable for:

• Offices: Where power strips may be moved frequently or subject to accidental impacts from foot traffic or furniture.
• Industrial Settings: Where heavy machinery or tools could drop or collide with power strips, requiring higher levels of durability.
• Homes: Ensuring that household power strips can withstand drops, kicks, or accidental impacts without posing a safety risk.

Conclusion

The impact test is a critical evaluation of a power strip’s ability to withstand physical stress while maintaining its safety and functionality. By simulating real-world impacts, the test ensures that the power strip’s casing and internal components remain intact, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. Power strips that pass the impact test comply with CE and other international safety standards, making them suitable for a wide range of environments, from homes to industrial settings.