AS/NZS 3160:1996

Specifies essential safety requirements for approval and test purposes. It is to be read in conjunction with AS 3100.

This Standard applies to hand-held portable electric tools as defined in Clause 4.1, which are intended for electrical operation at low voltage operating at not more than 60 Hz. For the purpose of this Standard, a hand-held portable electric tool is called a 'tool' except where such term is associated with an implement required to remove covers, brush caps and the like which guard live parts. This Standard does not deal with separate motors with or without capacitors, or with tools covered by separate Standards, or with equipment intended for the control of electric motors other than equipment which is built into the tool.NOTE: The following list is typical of tools to which the Standard applies:Blowers, Chainsaws and circular saws Cloth cutters, electric scissors Cord-line trimmers Drills Hammers Hedge clippers Impact wrenches, nut runners Mortisers Polishers, buffersReciprocating saws, sabre saws, jig saws Routers, planers, shapers Sanding machines, grinders and abrasive cutters Screwdrivers Shears and nibblers

First published in Australia as AS C160-1959.
Revised and redesignated AS 3160-1974.
Second edition 1981.
Third edition 1987.
Fourth edition 1989.
First published in New Zealand as NZS/AS 3160:1989.
Jointly revised and designated as Joint Standard AS/NZS 3160:1993.
Sixth edition 1996.