AS/NZS 3820:2020

The objective of AS/NZS 3820:2020 is to provide a set of criteria for the safety of electrical equipment before being placed on the market. For electrical equipment that is required to be approved/certified/registered by electrical safety legislation before being placed on the market, there are specific regulatory requirements additional to the requirements given in this Standard.

This standard applies to electrical equipment
- designed for use with a supply voltage; or
- that has an output voltage; not exceeding 1000 Volts for alternating current and 1500 Volts for direct current and intended for the purposes of generation, conversion, transmission, distribution, storage or utilisation of electricity.
This Standard sets out requirements for electrical equipment, to ensure that electrical equipment is constructed in accordance with good engineering practice in regard to safety such that it does not endanger the safety of persons (including children, the elderly and people with disabilities), domestic animals or property, when properly installed and maintained and used in applications for which it was made.
Medical electrical equipment and electrical equipment used in hazardous areas are subject to essential safety requirements in addition to those included in this standard..

AS/NZS 3820:2020 is a Standard that establishes safety requirements for electrical equipment before it goes to market in Australia and New Zealand. The Standard provides a framework with safety benchmarks to follow for manufacturers, suppliers and importers, retailers, regulators and other stakeholders involved in the electrical equipment industry.

AS/NZS 3820:2020 aims to mitigate fire and electrical risks while ensuring electrical equipment meets certain safety Standards in its design, construction and performance. By adhering to the Standards, stakeholders can demonstrate that products are approved, certified and safe for consumers to use.

Purchasing the AS/NZS 3820:2020 compliance Standard will ensure electrical equipment doesn’t pose a safety risk (shock, fire, overheating etc), and that it aligns with safety laws in Australia and New Zealand. This will prevent you from facing penalties for non-compliance.

The AS/NZS 3820:2020 Standard also promotes:

• Better product quality: The Standard encourages manufacturers (and other stakeholders) to follow best practices to improve reliability and performance


• Wider market access: The Standard ensures products are accepted in Australia and New Zealand, so you won’t be restricted from entering markets, which improves business and growth opportunities 


• Risk mitigation: The Standard reduces the chances that electrical products will be recalled or result in liability claims or reputational damage:


• Standardise guidelines: The Standard provides a clear framework for everyone to follow; ensuring equipment is testified and certified consistently


• Consumer confidence: The Standard helps stakeholders to design and sell safe and dependable products, building trust in key markets  

Originated as AS/NZS 3820:1998.
Second edition AS/NZS 3820:2009.
Third edition AS/NZS 3820:2020.