ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

Introduction
For many years ASTA Licences assisted importers and exporters to Saudi Arabia to demonstrate compliance with the SASO scheme through testing to similar standards such as BS 1363. Saudi Customs Authorities have announced that from 23rd February 2010 that all plugs and sockets, whether standalone or fitted to an appliance, must comply with Saudi Standard 2203 This is a very significant standard for testing plugs and socket-outlets. The test methods as well as test sequences are considerably different than those in BS1363 for similar products. Now that the compliance standards are enforced, we are seeking to offer guidance on understanding and applying the standards to future testing. This guide is intended to assist manufacturers, importers, exporters and laboratories when planning for certifying products to SASO 2203, SASO 443, BS1363-1 or BS1363-2.

Overview of SASO 2203 and SASO 443

1. SASO 2203 defines the requirements for testing plugs and socket-outlets for household. 2. SASO 443 defines the methods of testing plugs and socket-outlets for household. The differences between BS and SASO are various and significant in most cases. Some highlights of the requirements from both standards are: 1. Switched socket-outlet shall be double pole 2. Material testing limits have been set higher than BS 1363 3. Stringent limits for temperature rise tests 4. Country of origin is required to be marked on products 5. A minimum withdrawal force test for socket-outlet is required 6. Sequences and order of testing are different
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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

Full details of the differences between the 2 standards are included within appendix 1 of this document.

ASTA Licence products:

Whilst the spirit of the requirements to SASO 2203 (Including SASO 443) are very similar to those in BS1363, testing performed to BS1363 will not fulfil all requirements of the SASO standards. In most cases, ASTA will recommend to his licence holders full testing to the SASO standards before adding these to an existing ASTA licence. For testing new products, ASTA can compile test programs which would fulfil both SASO and BS requirements with minimum duplication of testing.

Non-ASTA Licence products:

For testing new products, ASTA compiled test programs which would fulfil both SASO and BS requirements with minimum duplication of testing.

SASO clarification:
Various tests require clarification from the SASO authorities such as the type of fuses fitted within plugs, the type of boxes accepted for socket-outlets and the method of testing plugs and socket-outlets for temperature rise tests. ASTA will provide further information when available.

Consideration of verification tests

1. Marking SASO requires the country of origin to be marked on plugs and socketoutlets. The country of origin for Saudi Arabia Kingdom is the country where the products are manufactured and finally assembled. 2. Test sequences All samples shall comply with visual inspection, insulation resistance and electrical strength before any tests start. The first four clauses shall be conducted on 1 set of 3 samples; all other clauses will be conducted on 3 new samples.
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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

Sample requirements: 21 samples are required for plugs. 33 samples are required for switched socket-outlets 27 samples are required for unswitched socket-outlets

3. Ambient conditions The tolerances for testing products shall be 23C 2C. 4. Creepage and clearance Although BS 1363 allows impulse tests to be conducted on smaller distances to verify clearances, the SASO standard only defines the measurement of distances including a minimum of 0.8mm for insulation thickness. 5. Material test Heat resistance and glow wire temperatures are defined as follows: Ball pressure: Plugs and socket-outlets are tested at 125C Glow wire: Plugs and socket-outlets are tested at 850C Resistance to heat: Plugs and socket-outlets are tested at 100C

6. Temperature rise Considerable differences to test arrangements and limits apply. SASO requirements impose a limit lower than BS1363 series. (52K) The limits are: 1. 35oC for any terminal (SASO 2203) 2. 45K for plugs and socket-outlets terminals (SASO 443) 3. 45K for socket-outlets current carrying parts (SASO443) Intertek will seek clarification regarding the apparent contradiction between 1 and 2 above.

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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

Furthermore, the test method to this clause is not defined and will need to be clarified by SASO to ensure that all tests conducted to this clause are repeatable. Clarification has been sought for the type of fuse to be fitted, the use of spacers fitted to current carrying pins and the use of a calibrated box to mount the plug during testing.

Conclusion
Manufacturers/Exporters are required to comply with the standards SASO 2203 and SASO 443 to avoid facing any unnecessary delay. For advice, upgrade, questions or comments please contact ASTA to asta@intertek.com.

Questions?
What should we do to ensure compliance with SASO 2203?
ASTA Comment: 1. Buy a copy of SASO 2203 and SASO 443. These can be obtained from SASO website (http://www.saso.org.sa). 2. Read the standards, together with any guidance material available. 3. Discuss any requirements for verification by testing with preferred ASTA Test Laboratory alternatively directly with ASTA. Appendix 1 of this Guide could be used to clarify testing requirements.

Can products complying with BS 1363 enter Saudi Arabia?

ASTA Comment: No, since 23rd February 2010, all plugs and socket-outlets, standalone or fitted to appliances, shall comply with the Saudi Arabia Standards 2203 and 443.

Can ASTA upgrade existing ASTA licences to confirm compliance with SASO 2203 based on previous testing to BS1363?
ASTA Comment: No, test sequences and pre-conditioning tests required in SASO 2203 prevent such an upgrade. Re-test is required.

Where can I test my products to confirm compliance with SASO 2203?

ASTA Comment: Customers can contact ASTA (asta@intertek.com) or any ASTA registered laboratory.
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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

Appendix 1: Table comparing SASO 2203 & SASO 443 and BS 1363-1 & BS1363-2
SASO 2203 clause 1.0 2.0 3.8 SASO 443 clause 1 2 3 N/A Change or differences from BS1363-1 and BS 1363-2 Scope covers both socket-outlet and plugs Supplementary references Ambient conditions Definitions of switched socketoutlets requires a double switch Plates of socket-outlets when metallic shall be made of sheet metal, cast metal or die-cast metal Dimensions of figure 1 includes minor differences from BS1363 Class Minor / Major N/A N/A Minor Major 23 oC 2oC Not mandatory in BS1363-2 clause 3.11. Requires verification of records and/or validation from customer Requires identification between both dimensions Comply already as opposite side not defined. To be clarified with SASO authorities Not mandatory in BS1363-2 clause 3.11. Not within BS13632: requires test. Requirements different in BS1363, requires testing Comment

4.1.1

N/A

Minor

4.34.4

Major

4.3.4

N/A

The cord shall enter the side opposite to the earth pin. Fuse link type not defined assumed BS1362 satisfactory Switch for socket-outlet shall be double pole Boxes are not defined so when complying with SASO 443, SASO will need to clarify this point. SASO: 2.5mm requirements 1.2mm switch contacts 1.0mm neon switch 3.0mm live parts to engagement surface

N/A

4.3.8. 4 4.4.5. 1 4.4.7

N/A N/A

N/A Major

5.3.4

Major

4.5.1

N/A

Major

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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

SASO 2203 clause

SASO 443 clause

Change or differences from BS1363-1 and BS 1363-2 BS1363: less clear as impulse can be used.

Class Minor / Major

Comment

4.5.5

N/A

In the shell of insulator to be touched by human hand, the insulation thickness of the part to which live metal contacts shall not be less than 0.8mm A minimum withdrawal force is required table 2 and table 1 of both standards SASO: 9N-54N BS1363: <36N Insulated Resistance (50M) There is conflicting information between both SASO standards. Test current: rated current of plug and socket (different than BS1363) SASO 2203: temperature rise of any terminal is 35oC after it is stable. SASO 443: Temperature rise shall not exceed 45K Earthing resistance measurement Breaking capacity: The socketoutlet shall be capable of breaking 130% of their rated current. It means that for a 13A socket, the requirements become 16.9A instead of the 1.25x13A 0.4A = 16.65A max. It means that for a couple of amperes, we will require to perform the tests. Switched socket-outlet for breaking capacity. Same requirements as above. Endurance test for socket-outlet:

Major

Not within BS1363 (since amdt 2): requires test

5.2.7

Major

Differs from BS1363-2 clause 13.8.1

5.3 5.5

6 10

Major Major

Higher limit for plugs, requires tests Test method different than BS1363 Either way tests will requires repeating after clarification of test method required.

5.6 5.7

N/A 11

N/A Major

Complies Test method different than BS1363-2

5.8

12

Major

Test method different than BS1363-2 Complies

6

5.9

13

N/A

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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

SASO 2203 clause

SASO 443 clause

Change or differences from BS1363-1 and BS 1363-2 Same requirements as BS1363-2

Class Minor / Major

Comment

5.10

14

Endurance test for switches: Require a 100% dielectric which is different than BS1363-2 (reduced by 25%) and also the same requirement as highlighted in 5.4.2 above. Resistance to heat BS1363: Fixed s/o: 100oC Portable s/o: 70oC Plugs: 70oC SASO Plugs and s/o tested at 100oC Ball pressure BS1363: Fixed s/o: 125oC Portable s/o: 75oC Plugs: 75oC SASO Plugs and s/o tested at 125oC

Major

Test method different than BS1363-2

5.11

16

Major

Test method different than BS1363

5.11

16

Major

Test method different than BS1363

5.12

15.2

Mechanical strength for plugs. The Major plug shall be fitted with 120mm which is different than 150mm from BS1363-1. Mechanical strength for socketoutlets. Glow wire: BS1363: Fixed s/o: 850oC Portable s/o: 750oC Plugs: 750oC SASO Plugs and s/o tested at 850oC Minor

Test method different than BS1363-1 Different limit on pendulum hardness of HR100 Test method different than BS1363

5.12

15.4

5.13

17

Major

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ASTA Guidance on Testing to SASO 2203 & SASO 443 Standards

SASO 2203 clause

SASO 443 clause

Change or differences from BS1363-1 and BS 1363-2

Class Minor / Major

Comment

5.14

18.1

Resistance to humidity: BS1363: RH 85-95% SASO RH 91-95% Resistance to ageing. Resistance to excessive residual stresses and rusting Sampling

Minor

Different humidity range

5.14 5.15 6.0

18.2 19 N/A

Minor N/A N/A

Additional test required Complies The number of samples required does not align with the number of sequences required Test method different than BS1363

7.0

N/A

Test sequence different than BS1363 as visual inspection, insulation resistance and electrical strength shall be performed before the test sequence start. The test sequence is different as the tests are not combined in sequence but by clauses. Each clause shall be subjected to a set of new samples. Criteria for technical conformity Marking requires the country of origin

Major

8.0 9.0

N/A N/A

N/A Major Different than BS1363

For more information on specific testing and certification information, please contact Intertek at +44 (0)1788 578435, email asta@intertek.com, or visit our website at www.uk.intertek-etlsemko.com.
This publication is copyright Intertek and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior written permission of Intertek. While due care has been taken during the preparation of this document, Intertek cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Clients are encouraged to seek Interteks current advice on their specific needs before acting upon any of the content.

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