Standards and Certification for USB Socket Outlets in Indonesia
A USB socket outlet is an electrical device that combines a conventional AC socket outlet with USB ports for charging electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earphones, and other devices. These products are increasingly used in homes, offices, hotels, apartments, public areas, and commercial facilities because they provide electrical power and USB charging in one device.
When marketing USB socket outlets in Indonesia, SNI requirements need to be considered, particularly for the electrical socket portion of the product. The presence of a USB port does not automatically mean that the product has a specific SNI called “SNI USB Socket”. The product needs to be assessed based on its function, construction, rated voltage, rated current, installation method, and electrical characteristics to determine the applicable standards.
One of the relevant standards is SNI IEC 60884-1:2014, which covers plugs and socket outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 1: General requirements. BSN lists this standard as valid.
What Is a USB Socket Outlet?
A USB socket outlet is a device that generally has one or more AC electrical outlets combined with USB ports. The USB ports may consist of USB-A, USB-C, or a combination of different port types depending on the product design and function.
Unlike a conventional socket outlet that only provides an AC outlet, a USB socket outlet contains additional electronic circuitry to regulate or convert the electrical supply for charging devices through USB.
Because it combines two functions in one product, a USB socket outlet needs to be assessed comprehensively. The AC outlet needs to be evaluated according to socket outlet requirements, while the USB charging section needs to be reviewed according to its electronic circuitry and product construction.
SNI Standards Related to USB Socket Outlets
SNI IEC 60884-1:2014
SNI IEC 60884-1:2014 is titled “Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 1: General requirements” and is listed as valid in the BSN catalogue.
This standard is an important reference for plugs and socket outlets. For USB socket outlets, application of the standard is not determined merely by the presence of a USB port, but by whether the product falls within the socket-outlet scope covered by the standard.
SNI 04-3892.1.1-2003
In addition to SNI IEC 60884-1:2014, SNI 04-3892.1.1-2003 relates to general requirements for the form and dimensions of plugs and socket outlets for household and similar purposes.
Therefore, determining the applicable standards for a USB socket outlet requires reviewing the product specifications, including its form, dimensions, outlet configuration, voltage, current, and installation method.
Is a USB Socket Outlet Required to Have SNI?
The question of whether an SNI is mandatory cannot be answered solely based on the product name “USB socket outlet”. The requirement must be determined based on the product characteristics and the applicable mandatory SNI provisions.
The provisions referencing SNI IEC 60884-1:2014 include socket outlets for household and similar purposes, fixed or portable products, with or without earthing contacts, as well as products with rated voltage above 50 volts up to 440 volts and rated current not exceeding 32 amperes, according to the applicable scope.
Therefore, when a USB socket outlet meets the characteristics included within the applicable mandatory scope, the relevant SNI requirements need to be fulfilled before the product is marketed.
For products with special designs, such as USB wall outlets, modular sockets with USB chargers, or socket outlets with USB-C Power Delivery, technical assessment remains necessary because the additional electronic configuration may affect the applicable standards and certification scheme.
Requirements to Consider for USB Socket Outlets
During the certification process, product technical information is important for determining the applicable standards and testing scope. Information that generally needs to be prepared includes:
- Product name and type.
- Brand and type or model.
- Product photographs from various sides.
- Rated voltage.
- Rated current.
- Frequency.
- Number of AC outlets.
- Outlet configuration.
- USB port type, such as USB-A or USB-C.
- USB output, such as 5 V or another output configuration according to the product design.
- Maximum power.
- Earthing system.
- Installation method, whether flush-mounted or surface-mounted.
- Product materials and construction.
- Circuit diagram where required.
- Information on major components used.
This information helps the Product Certification Body or laboratory determine the product characteristics and relevant testing requirements.
Testing for USB Socket Outlets
Testing of USB socket outlets is conducted to verify that the product meets the technical requirements specified by the applicable standards. For the socket outlet section, testing may cover construction, protection against electric shock, insulation resistance, mechanical strength, temperature rise, and other electrical characteristics according to the applicable standard and product configuration.
Meanwhile, the USB section needs to be analyzed according to its electronic design. When the USB charger is an integral part of the socket outlet, the complete product should be evaluated so that the applicable standards are not determined only by assessing the AC outlet separately.
Difference Between Conventional and USB Socket Outlets
A conventional socket outlet primarily provides an outlet for connecting electrical equipment to an AC power source. A USB socket outlet additionally includes a charging circuit that allows electronic devices to be connected directly using a USB cable.
This difference makes USB socket outlets more complex in construction. In addition to electrical contacts and the product housing, they may contain electronic components such as power supply or charger modules, protection components, and USB ports.
Therefore, certification should not be determined solely based on the commercial product name. The actual technical specifications and construction should be used as the basis for determining the applicable certification requirements.
USB Socket Outlets for Imported Products
Companies intending to import USB socket outlets into Indonesia should review the requirements before the products are shipped. This is important so that the company can identify the applicable standards, testing, certification, and required documents from the beginning.
Information that should be prepared from the overseas manufacturer includes datasheets, product photographs, drawings, electrical specifications, model or type information, factory information, materials, circuit diagrams, and USB module specifications.
After the product specifications have been reviewed, the applicable standards and certification scope can be identified. If the product falls within a mandatory SNI category, certification needs to be conducted through a Product Certification Body with an appropriate scope.
Stages of USB Socket Outlet SNI Certification
In general, the USB socket outlet SNI certification process may involve several stages:
-
Product and standard identification
The product specifications are reviewed to determine the applicable SNI standards and requirements.
-
Document preparation
Company and technical product documents are prepared according to the certification body’s requirements.
-
Certification application
The application is submitted to a Product Certification Body with the appropriate scope.
-
Product testing
Product samples are tested at a laboratory according to the applicable standards and parameters.
-
Result evaluation
Test results and documentation are evaluated by the certification body.
-
Production facility audit or evaluation
If the certification scheme requires production process evaluation, it is conducted according to the applicable certification requirements.
-
Certificate issuance
Once all requirements have been fulfilled, the SNI certificate can be issued according to the applicable scheme.
Documents for USB Socket Outlet Certification
Required documents may vary depending on the product type, applicant, production location, and certification scheme. However, companies generally need to prepare corporate legal documents and technical product information.
For imported products, information regarding the overseas manufacturer, factory location, brand, type or model, product specifications, and manufacturer technical documents should also be prepared.
The more complete the product information is from the beginning, the easier it will be to identify the applicable standards and certification scope.
Why Is USB Socket Outlet SNI Identification Important?
Incorrectly determining the applicable standard can cause the testing and certification process to be inconsistent with the actual product characteristics. This may result in retesting, additional costs, or delays in marketing the product.
Therefore, companies should not provide only the product name to a consultant or certification body. Information such as photographs, datasheets, voltage, current, outlet configuration, USB type, output power, installation method, and product model should be provided from the beginning.
Proper identification helps determine whether the product falls within the scope of SNI IEC 60884-1:2014 and whether additional standards need to be considered for the USB electronic section.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists companies with product identification and certification for electrical products, including USB socket outlets. We can assist from reviewing applicable standards and product scope, checking technical documentation, preparing certification, coordinating testing, through the process with the Product Certification Body.
If you have a USB Socket Outlet, USB Wall Outlet, USB-C Socket, Modular USB Socket, or Socket Outlet with USB Charger, you can send us the product photographs and specifications so we can conduct an initial review of the applicable SNI requirements and certification process
