With immediate effect, cords having a cross sectional area of 1,0 mm² are not allowed for portable socket-outlets with VDE or VDE GS Mark. Tests performed by the VDE Institute have shown, that portable socket-outlets having cords of this cross sectional area always exceed the allowed temperature limits according to DIN VDE 0298-300. The VDE Institute has informed his customers about this fact by the following letter: 16:50 23.02.2009

For portable socket-outlets – consisting of socket-outlet, cord and plug – the temperature rise test according to DIN VDE 0620-1:04-2005, differing from table 20, has to be applied at a testing current of 20A on all parts of the product (socket-outlet, cord and plug) – irrespective of the cross sectional area, see also EK1 decision No. 393-08.

Therefore it is necessary, to supplement the testing requirements according to the safety-relevant gaps found in the standard.

This means, that e. g. a temperature rise test on portable socket-outlets according to DIN VDE 0620-1:04-2005 at a testing current of 20A is necessary irrespective of the cross sectional area. If for this product, a cord having a cross sectional area of 1,0 mm² is used, a temperature rise measurement directly on the cord is also involved.

Based on the tests performed so far on 1,0 mm² cords the allowed temperature limits according to DIN VDE 0298-300 (VDE 0298 Part 300):2004 tables 4A or 4B are always exceeded. For this reason it is no longer possible to certify products having a cross sectional area of 1,0 mm².

The current marks approvals will be adjusted, i. e. the cross sectional area of 1,0 mm² will be deleted from the certificates.

Hence from now on with immediate effect, cords having a cross sectional area of 1,0 mm² are not allowed for portable socket-outlets with VDE or VDE GS Mark. This fact will be published on our homepage in the internet.

A respective update of the appendices to the relevant marks approval certificates will be sent to you shortly.

In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Horst Fischer (tel.: +49 69 8306-319).