Guidance on Testing for Extension Cord Sets in Vietnam according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN

An extension cord set serves as a vital electrical link, extending the reach from fixed power outlets to devices while maintaining a safe and stable current flow. Widely utilized across residential, commercial, and IT environments for enhanced versatility, these products are subject to strict regulatory oversight. To guarantee consumer protection, performing Testing for Extension Cord Sets in Vietnam in compliance with QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN is a compulsory requirement for all manufacturers and importers prior to commercial distribution.

See more: Capacity Profile Of Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation

I. Usage Trends and the Importance of Testing for Extension Cord Sets in Vietnam

Extension cord sets are versatile electrical components engineered for a variety of specialized applications. In computing, they serve as critical extensions from the PSU to essential hardware like motherboards, CPUs, and GPUs. For residential use, extension cords rated up to 32A provide a practical solution for increasing the reach of fixed wall outlets, ensuring a reliable power supply for household electronics and portable power equipment.

Substandard products that fail to meet material, structural, or thermal resistance benchmarks pose severe risks, including electrical shorts, overheating, and significant voltage drops that can ruin connected appliances. Consequently, rigorous Testing for Extension Cord Sets in Vietnam under the QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN framework is a compulsory safety measure. This process guarantees that every product is verified for operational stability and safety compliance before it reaches the consumer market.

II. Guidance on Testing for Extension Cord Sets

1. Scope of Application

Extension cord sets for household use with a rated current not exceeding 32 A must undergo testing according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN when falling under one of the following two HS codes:

• 8536.90.94
• 8536.90.99

2. Technical Requirements

QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN stipulates that extension cord sets for household use with a rated current not exceeding 32 A must meet the technical requirements according to the following technical standards:

• National Standard TCVN 6188-1:2007 (IEC 60884-1 : 2002) on Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 1: General requirements;
• National Standard TCVN 6188-2-7:2016 (IEC 60884-2-7:2013) on Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes – Part 2-7: Particular requirements for cord extension sets.

Specifically, in Table C.2, Appendix C, QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN regulates that these devices must satisfy the following testing criteria:

• The plug part must comply with the provisions of TCVN 6188-2-3:2016 (IEC 60884-2-3:2006) and TCVN 6188-2-1:2008 (IEC 60884-2-1:2006);
• The socket-outlet part must comply with the provisions of TCVN 6188-2-3:2016 (IEC 60884-2-3:2006) and TCVN 6188-2-6:2016 (IEC 60884-2-6:1997);
• The flexible cable part must comply with the provisions of Clause 14.2 of TCVN 6188-2-7 and must have DC resistance and insulation thickness in accordance with the corresponding parts of TCVN 6610 or TCVN 9615 for the specific type of cable.

3. Cost and Time for Testing Extension Cord Sets

The cost and time for electrical safety testing for household extension cord sets (with a rated current not exceeding 32 A) according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN are publicly listed by Phuc Gia®. You can view the quotation for testing electrical equipment used for household electrical installations and similar systems at our Quotation for Testing and Certification Services or contact Phuc Gia for detailed consultation.

4. Reputable Testing for Extension Cord Sets according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN in Vietnam

4.1. Regulations on Qualified Testing and Certification Bodies

According to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN, test results for extension cord sets used for conformity certification are only accepted when performed by a testing organization designated or recognized according to the provisions in Article 3.8 of the Regulation. For domestic testing organizations, the Regulation clearly states:

Designated testing organization: A testing organization designated in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 132/2008/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 74/2018/ND-CP and Decree No. 154/2018/ND-CP.

In addition to the domestic designation system, QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN also allows the use of test results from abroad within the recognized scope, provided that the testing laboratory meets ISO/IEC 17025 and is accredited by an organization that is a member of APAC or ILAC. Certification bodies may conclude recognition agreements or use results from these units in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation.

4.2. Phuc Gia® – A Reputable Organization for Testing Extension Cord Sets according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN in Vietnam

Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation is currently one of the testing organizations designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to perform testing activities according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN for electrical equipment used in household electrical installations and similar systems, under Decision No. 2899/QD-BKHCN.

Accordingly, Phuc Gia® is designated to test the following electrical and electronic devices according to QCVN 25:2025/BKHCN, including:

• Socket-outlets for household use with a rated current not exceeding 32 A
• Plugs for household use with a rated current not exceeding 32 A
• Socket adaptors for household use with a rated current not exceeding 32 A
• Extension cord sets for household use with a rated current not exceeding 32 A
• Electrical switches for household use with a rated current not exceeding 20 A

At the same time, Phuc Gia® has been granted the Registration Certificate for Certification Operations No. 3995/GCN-SKHCN by the Department of Science and Technology. Consequently, Phuc Gia® is authorized to conduct certification activities for household extension cord sets with a rated current not exceeding 32 A according to Scheme 1.

Furthermore, Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation is the first unit to be accredited by all three accreditation bodies (BoA, AOSC, VACI) as meeting ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. The testing facility spans up to 5,000 m², equipped with synchronized modern measurement and inspection equipment to serve electrical safety, EMC, energy efficiency, RF, and many other technical categories. A team of over 100 intensively trained engineers and experts ensures that the testing process follows the correct procedures, guaranteeing reliable, objective, and accurate results.

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