Specifies essential safety requirements for thermostats and energy regulators for approval and test purposes. It is intended to be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 3100.

This Standard applies to thermostats and energy regulators as defined in Clauses4.1 and 4.2 and to controls incorporating a combination of the features referred to in those definitions. Such controls are associated with appliances, equipment and heating systems for household use, or controls which are specifically referred to in individual Approval and Test Specifications.A control which complies with the appropriate requirements of IEC60730-1 is deemed to comply with this Standard.This Standard does not apply to—excess temperature or over-current protective controls, thermal cut-outs and the like, as commonly used for the protection of electrical apparatus;thermostats and energy regulators which are specifically excluded from compliance with this Standard in another Approval and Test Specification; orcontrols incorporating electronic components, the failure of which will affect the controls compliance with this Standard. A thermostat or an energy regulator, or both, may hereinafter be referred to as ‘a control’.Where a control also incorporates a thermal cutout, this Standard applies only to the ‘control’ component. It is expected that individual equipment Standards will specify appropriate requirements for thermal cutouts; for example,see AS1308.

First published in Australia as AS C161-1960.Second edition 1970.Revised and redesignated AS 3161-1979.First published in New Zealand as NZS/AS 3161:1979.Jointly revised and designated as Joint Standard AS/NZS 3161:1995.Third edition 2005. Originated in Australia as AS C161-1960. Originated in New Zealand as NZS/AS 361:1979. Previous edition AS/NZS 3161:1995. Third edition 2005.