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Find the best Clipsal Easy56 switched socket combination outlets here at Sparky Direct. [ Read More ]
A switched socket combination outlet is a single device that joins a power socket and a load-breaking switch inside one moulded enclosure. The switch sits in the live conductor path so it isolates the socket pins before a plug is removed or inserted. This removes the need for a separate isolating switch upstream of the GPO and shortens the cable run for fault clearance.
The term covers any outlet where the socket and the switch share a common faceplate or housing. On the Easy56 range the switch is a rotary or rocker mechanism rated to break the full load current. The socket itself follows AS/NZS 3112 pin geometry for 3 pin units and AS/NZS 3123 for higher-pole industrial configurations.
Integrated switching gives the user a local point of isolation. Equipment can be de-energised at the outlet without returning to the switchboard, which matters on sites where the board sits a long way from the load. The switch also reduces arcing damage to the socket contacts because the load is broken on the switch poles rather than at the plug pins.
Specifiers choose combination outlets for three reasons: faster installation, lower component count, and clearer maintenance. One device replaces a separate switch and socket, which cuts wiring time and simplifies fault diagnosis. Inspectors also prefer combinations because the isolation point is unambiguous.
Clipsal Easy56 is the modern evolution of the long-standing Clipsal 56 Series. The Easy56 platform retains the IP66 enclosure and shrouded pin geometry of the original but adds prewired switch links, larger terminals, and reversible mounting plates. The range sits inside the wider Clipsal portfolio under Schneider Electric and is supplied alongside the legacy Clipsal 56 Series industrial switchgear.
The Easy56 family covers switched socket combinations, straight and angled plugs, extension sockets, appliance inlets, and accessories. Each product carries the EY56 prefix in the Clipsal catalogue. Common end-codes identify the pole count and current rating, so EY56C310 reads as a 3 pin 10 amp combination and EY56C520 reads as a 5 pin 20 amp combination.
Clipsal has supplied weatherproof switchgear into the Australian trade since the 1920s. Most licensed electricians have wired hundreds of 56 Series and Easy56 units over their careers, which means installation errors are rare and replacement parts are universally stocked. That trade familiarity is itself a value driver on quoted jobs.
The Easy56 range is certified to AS/NZS 3123 for industrial plug and socket systems, AS/NZS 3100 for general electrical equipment, and tested to IP66 under AS 60529. Pin geometry on the 3 pin variants follows AS/NZS 3112. Each product carries a regulatory compliance mark and a certifier number printed on the rear of the housing.
Easy56 outlets are stocked nationally through electrical wholesalers, online trade suppliers, and a smaller number of hardware retailers. Trade pricing, packaged stock, and same-week dispatch are the differentiators between channels.
Traditional wholesalers carry deep stock and offer counter pickup, but pricing varies between branches. Online trade suppliers like Sparky Direct list a single price across the country and ship directly to site. For licensed electricians running multiple jobs, online ordering reduces travel time and locks in pricing per project.
A reliable supplier carries the full Easy56 series in stock, ships in original Clipsal packaging, and provides an itemised invoice with model codes for compliance records. Avoid suppliers that substitute lookalike imports, omit the regulatory mark, or repackage units into unbranded boxes.
Most jobs require a mix of 10 amp, 15 amp, and 20 amp variants in matching pole counts. Bulk pricing applies on quantities of ten or more units of a single SKU. Sparky Direct ships from Brisbane and Sydney with next-business-day delivery to most Australian metro areas.
The internal architecture of an Easy56 outlet places the switch contacts in series with the active socket pin. Power flows from the supply terminal through the switch mechanism, then to the socket contact, then to the plug. Turning the switch off opens this path before any current crosses the plug pins.
The switch is a single-pole rotary or rocker action with silver-tipped contacts. Rated breaking capacity matches the socket current rating, so a 20 amp combination uses a 20 amp switch. The switch handle drives a moulded actuator that locates positively in the on and off positions.
Local isolation lets a worker de-energise a tool, pump, or appliance without returning to the distribution board. This shortens lockout-tagout procedures and reduces the chance of accidental re-energisation by another person on site. Combinations with key-lockable switches add a second layer of control.
Unswitched outdoor GPOs require the user to remove the plug to break the circuit, which exposes the pins and the load contacts to arc damage over thousands of cycles. A switched combination breaks the load on dedicated contacts, extends socket life, and lowers the risk of pin pitting under inductive loads.
An Easy56 combination and a standard residential GPO sit at opposite ends of the protection spectrum. Choosing between them comes down to environment, load, and intended duty cycle.
Standard GPOs in the HPM or Legrand domestic range are designed for sheltered indoor walls. Easy56 outlets are designed for direct weather exposure, washdown areas, and outdoor wall mounting. Using a domestic GPO outdoors voids the warranty and breaches AS/NZS 3000 if the location is classified as wet.
Easy56 housings are moulded polycarbonate with continuous gaskets at every cable entry and at the faceplate seam. Standard GPO plates carry no IP rating beyond the protection of the wall they are mounted in. The IP66 designation on the Easy56 means full protection against dust ingress and protection against high-pressure water jets.
A standard GPO is rated for around 10,000 plug-in cycles in clean indoor air. An Easy56 outlet is rated for 30,000 plug-in cycles under industrial conditions and resists UV embrittlement for at least ten years in direct sun. Total cost of ownership favours the Easy56 anywhere the environment is harsh.
The Easy56 switched socket combination range is built around four variables: pole count, current rating, pin orientation, and housing colour. Selecting the correct combination starts with the connected equipment.
Single-gang Easy56 combinations are the standard format. Double-gang installations are achieved by mounting two units side by side on a shared back-box. For more than two outlets in one location, specifiers move to a multi-gang industrial enclosure that accepts Easy56 modules on a common base plate.
Flat pin geometry is the Australian standard for single-phase 10A and 15A outlets and follows AS/NZS 3112. Round pin variants exist for legacy three-phase plant and for marine and caravan applications where AS/NZS 3123 round pin geometry is specified. Mixing pin types on a site causes plug fitment failures, so confirm the connected plug type before ordering.
The standard Easy56 housing is grey moulded polycarbonate. Other variants offer covers in safety orange, hospital white, and high-visibility yellow. Colour choice is usually driven by site signage rules rather than by the electrical specification.
Every Easy56 combination uses the format EY56 plus a single-letter type code, plus pole count, plus amperage. C means combination, P means plug, AI means appliance inlet, CSC means extension socket. So EY56C420 reads as Easy56 combination, 4 pin, 20 amp. This convention makes substitution straightforward at the order stage.
The current rating of a switched socket outlet must match the protective device on the circuit and the full-load current of the connected equipment. Oversized outlets on undersized circuits create a false sense of capacity and can mask design errors.
10 amp outlets cover most outdoor residential needs: garden tools, pool pumps, festoon lighting, and shed power. The 10A circuit is typically protected by a 16A MCB and an RCD with 30 mA trip. The corresponding Easy56 model is the EY56C310 in 3 pin flat configuration.
15 amp outlets serve commercial kitchens, EV charging on Mode 2 cables, larger compressors, and small welders. The 15A pin geometry has a wider earth pin to prevent insertion into a 10A socket. The EY56C315 is the dominant 15A model on quoted jobs.
20 amp outlets handle industrial pumps, larger welders, and three-phase plant when paired with a 4 pin or 5 pin configuration. The EY56C320 covers single-phase 20A loads while the EY56C420 and EY56C520 cover three-phase 20A applications.
Always select the outlet to suit the lower of the circuit rating and the equipment full-load current. Installing a 32A outlet on a 20A circuit invites overload because the user will assume the circuit can carry the rated socket load. Check the equipment nameplate before sizing.
Match the outlet amperage to the protective device upstream, not to the largest plug that might be inserted. A 20A plug on a 16A MCB will trip the circuit, not the outlet, which is the correct outcome.
The IP rating describes how well an enclosure resists solid and liquid ingress. Easy56 outlets carry IP66 across the full range, which is the standard expected on Australian outdoor and industrial installations.
The first digit covers solid particle protection. A 5 means dust-protected, a 6 means dust-tight. The second digit covers liquid protection. A 6 means protection against powerful water jets from any direction. IP66 is the higher rating in both dimensions and is the correct specification for direct rain and washdown exposure.
Sheltered outdoor walls accept IP54 minimum under AS/NZS 3000. Direct weather exposure, marine spray zones, and washdown areas need IP66. Submerged or pressure-washed installations need IP67 or higher and fall outside the Easy56 range.
Easy56 IP66 performance depends on three elements working together: the moulded housing, the perimeter gasket on the lid, and the cable gland at every entry point. If any one of these is missing, damaged, or installed incorrectly, the IP rating is no longer valid for the installation.
Easy56 outlets serve a wider range of applications than any other weatherproof socket family on the Australian market. Each environment has slightly different selection criteria.
Residential outdoor circuits use 10A 3 pin combinations as the default. The EY56C310 covers garden power, shed circuits, pool pumps, and outdoor lighting feeds. Pool zones above 1.25 metres from the water edge accept Easy56 directly; inside that zone, additional RCD and zone-rating constraints apply per AS/NZS 3000 Section 6.
Construction sites use 15A and 20A combinations on temporary distribution. AS/NZS 3012 mandates RCD protection on all socket outlets on construction sites, so the Easy56 is usually paired with an upstream RCD or specified with the integrated RCD variant. Temporary boards typically carry a mix of 3 pin and 5 pin outlets to suit single and three-phase plant.
Manufacturing plant uses 20A, 32A, and 50A combinations on dedicated motor circuits. The 4 pin and 5 pin variants carry three-phase loads for compressors, dust extraction, and machine tools. Continuous duty applications benefit from the 30,000 cycle rating of the Easy56 switch mechanism.
Caravan park bollards and marina shore power posts use 15A 3 pin Easy56 combinations as the standard supply. AS/NZS 3001 governs caravan installations and AS/NZS 3004 covers marina supply. Refer also to the caravan power inlet range for the matched van-side fitting.
Easy56 outlets sit at the intersection of several Australian standards. Compliance is the responsibility of the licensed electrician installing the unit, not the supplier or the manufacturer.
AS/NZS 3000:2018 sets the general rules for installation, RCD protection, and zone classification. Section 4 covers socket outlets. Section 6 covers wet areas. The Wiring Rules also require RCD protection on all final subcircuits feeding socket outlets up to 32A in most installations.
AS/NZS 3112 governs the pin geometry on 3 pin Australian socket outlets. The Easy56 3 pin combinations follow this standard for 10A and 15A configurations. The 20A and 32A variants use the wider earth pin specified in the same standard, which prevents lower-rated plugs from being inserted.
RCD protection is required upstream of all 16A and below socket outlets on most final subcircuits. The Easy56 range includes RCD-protected variants where the residual current device is built into the outlet itself, which suits installations where the upstream board does not already carry RCD protection. See the switched socket outlet RCD protection category for the integrated options.
AS/NZS 3001 covers electrical installations in caravans and recreational vehicles. AS/NZS 3012 covers electrical installations on construction and demolition sites. Both standards reference socket outlet ratings, RCD requirements, and inspection cycles. Easy56 outlets meet both standards when correctly installed and protected.
Several brands sell IP66 switched socket combinations into the Australian market. The differences between them sit in build quality, terminal design, and supply chain reliability.
| Feature | Clipsal Easy56 | NLS 66 Series | Generic Imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 | Varies, often IP54 |
| Terminal Capacity | Up to 10mm cable | Up to 6mm cable | Inconsistent |
| Switch Cycle Rating | 30,000 cycles | 20,000 cycles | Often unrated |
| RCM Certification | Yes | Yes | Sometimes absent |
| Trade Familiarity | Universal | High | Low |
Generic imports compete on price but rarely match the moulding tolerance, gasket quality, or switch endurance of the Easy56. Some imports lack the regulatory compliance mark, which makes them unlawful to install on Australian jobs. The lifetime cost of a failed weatherproof outlet on a remote site exceeds the original price difference many times over.
The closest certified competitor is the NLS 66 Series, which delivers comparable IP66 performance at a lower price point. NLS uses smaller terminals and a shorter switch cycle rating. For high-traffic commercial sites the Easy56 wins on durability; for budget-driven residential or caravan park work the NLS range often makes more sense.
The Easy56 range is the most stocked weatherproof socket family in Australia. Counter availability, fast resupply, and universal trade familiarity mean that specifying Easy56 rarely produces a back-order or substitution problem. This matters most on multi-stage projects where a missing component can stall an entire trade.
Selection follows four steps: match the IP rating to the environment, match the current rating to the load, match the pole count to the supply, and match the pin orientation to the connected plug.
The Easy56 range is IP66 across all variants, so this step is usually a confirmation rather than a decision. The exception is enclosed indoor plant rooms where lower IP ratings are acceptable but where the cost difference is small enough that IP66 remains the default specification.
The outlet rating must equal or exceed the equipment full-load current and must equal the upstream protective device rating. A common error is fitting a 32A outlet on a 20A circuit, which lets the user assume the socket will carry 32A. Match the rating to the circuit, not to the largest possible plug.
Single-phase loads use 3 pin outlets. Three-phase loads without neutral use 4 pin outlets. Three-phase loads with neutral use 5 pin outlets. Pin orientation follows the plug already fitted to the equipment; mixing pin orientations on a single site creates fitment failures.
The four most common errors are: undersized current rating, wrong pin orientation, missing RCD protection upstream, and incorrect cable gland for the cable diameter. Each error compromises either compliance or function. Build the specification from the load side back to the supply side to catch them early.
Installation of Easy56 combinations is restricted to licensed electricians in all Australian states and territories. The mechanical steps are straightforward; the compliance steps require careful attention.
Easy56 outlets are designed for surface mounting on a flat substrate. Flush mounting requires a separate recessed enclosure and is uncommon outdoors because it compromises drainage. Surface installations should orient the cable entries downward where possible to shed water away from the gland.
Cable glands must match the cable outer diameter and the conduit thread. Undersized glands cannot achieve IP66 sealing. Oversized glands rely on filler washers that degrade over time. Confirm the gland specification at the order stage and torque to the manufacturer figure on installation.
The IP66 rating depends on the perimeter gasket, the gland seal, and the lid latches working together. Inspect each element before energising. Replace any gasket that shows compression set or surface damage. The published IP rating applies only when all three elements are intact.
Installation, alteration, and repair of socket outlets is reserved for licensed electricians under state law. DIY installation is unlawful and voids any insurance claim arising from the circuit. The licensed electrician issues the Certificate of Electrical Safety on completion.
Four performance attributes separate a quality weatherproof outlet from a marginal one: material durability, gasket integrity, switch reliability, and certification.
Easy56 housings use UV-stabilised polycarbonate that resists chalking, cracking, and colour fade for at least ten years in direct Australian sun. Cheaper imports use ABS or unstabilised polycarbonate that embrittles within two to three years and can fail under impact.
The perimeter gasket on an Easy56 lid is moulded silicone or EPDM rubber with a cross-sectional profile that recovers under repeated lid closure. Lower-grade outlets use foam tape or flat rubber strips that deform and stop sealing after a few cycles.
The Easy56 switch uses silver-tipped contacts and a cam-driven actuator that gives a positive snap action at every operation. The 30,000 cycle rating equates to roughly 20 years of daily switching. Lower-cost outlets use brass contacts and friction-driven actuators that pit and stick over time.
Every Easy56 outlet carries the regulatory compliance mark, the certifier number, and the IP rating moulded into the rear of the housing. Confirm these markings on receipt and reject any unit that lacks them. The marks are the supplier's evidence of conformance and the installer's defence in the event of a failure investigation.
Most Easy56 failures come from installation issues rather than from the product itself. Recognising the failure pattern points directly at the cause.
Water inside the enclosure usually points to a damaged gasket, a missing gland seal, or a cable entry oriented upward. The fix is to identify the entry path, replace the failed seal, and reorient the cable entry where possible. Drying the unit without finding the entry path will only delay the next fault.
An IP54 outlet installed in a washdown area will fail within months. The symptom is internal corrosion on the switch contacts and on the terminal screws. Replace with the correct IP66 variant and check the rest of the circuit for similar mis-specification.
Loose terminations show as discolouration of the terminal screw, melted insulation on the active conductor, and intermittent operation. The cause is almost always insufficient torque at installation. Re-terminate to the manufacturer torque figure and inspect adjacent outlets on the same circuit.
A 10A outlet on a 20A circuit will overheat under sustained load because the upstream MCB will not trip until the outlet contacts have already failed. The fix is either to downsize the MCB to 16A or to fit a 20A outlet. Never leave a mismatched circuit in service.
Different trade roles approach Easy56 specification from different angles. Understanding each role helps a supplier match the right product mix to the right buyer.
Licensed electricians on new build work specify by load and by site classification. They typically buy in carton quantities of a single SKU per stage of the project. Pricing is locked in via the head contractor or via the wholesaler trade account.
Retrofits replace failed or non-compliant outlets one at a time, often on heritage industrial sites. Easy56 mounting plates accept the older 56 Series footprint, which keeps the existing back-box and conduit work in place. This is the cheapest upgrade path on legacy installations.
Builders and PMs buy by package rather than by individual unit. They want a single supplier covering combinations, plugs, extension leads, and appliance inlets in matching ratings. The Easy56 range supports this packaged approach through the Easy56 straight and angled plugs and Easy56 industrial extension sockets.
Standardising on Easy56 across a site simplifies stock holdings, training, and replacement parts. Most fleet managers and facility managers move to a single brand for this reason. Bulk purchase pricing applies on quantities of ten units of any single SKU on the Sparky Direct website.
Easy56 outlets sit at the premium end of the Australian weatherproof socket market. The price premium reflects build quality, certification, and supply chain reliability rather than brand markup alone.
Budget outlets price at roughly half the Easy56 figure but carry shorter warranties, lower switch cycle ratings, and inconsistent IP performance. On a low-cycle residential install the budget option may be acceptable. On a commercial or industrial install the premium product almost always returns its price difference in reduced callbacks.
An outlet that fails inspection costs the time of the licensed electrician, the cost of the replacement unit, and the cost of any work depending on the circuit. A typical inspection failure on a commercial site runs into hundreds of dollars before the new outlet is even ordered. Specifying certified product up front eliminates this risk.
Project quantities benefit from carton or pallet pricing. A typical commercial outdoor specification needs 20 to 50 outlets across a mix of 10A, 15A, and 20A ratings. Buying the full quantity at the start of the project secures the price and avoids mid-project shortages.
The cost of replacing a single failed outlet on a remote site, including travel time and isolation procedures, often exceeds the original product price by a factor of five or ten. Reliable hardware pays back its premium quickly on any installation away from the supplier's home city.
The Easy56 platform continues to evolve with the broader Schneider Electric portfolio. Several development directions are visible on Australian construction sites today.
Indoor GPO ranges already integrate USB-A and USB-C charging in the faceplate. Weatherproof variants are following the same path, although the IP66 sealing of a USB port adds engineering complexity. Expect outdoor USB-equipped Easy56 variants over the next product cycle.
Smart outlets with energy monitoring, remote switching, and load scheduling are becoming standard in the indoor range. Bringing these features to weatherproof outlets requires a sealed antenna housing and certified outdoor-rated electronics, both of which add cost.
EV charging on Mode 2 cables uses a 15A 3 pin outlet at the wall. As fleet vehicles move to electric, demand for high-cycle 15A and 20A outlets in workplace car parks will rise sharply. The 30,000 cycle rating on the Easy56 makes it well suited to this use case.
Schneider Electric publishes environmental product declarations for most of the Clipsal range. Material improvements over the next several years will reduce the embodied carbon of the polycarbonate housings and increase the recycled content of the moulding. These changes do not affect form, fit, or function.
Club Clipsal is Australia's largest electrician community offering trade rewards, business support, and exclusive benefits. When you nominate Sparky Direct as your preferred wholesaler, we automatically apply your Clipsal spend points to your Club Clipsal account daily.
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Maximum benefits, including VIP experiences and rewards
1. Sign Up: Create your Club Clipsal account at clipsal.com/club-clipsal or via the iCat mobile app
2. Nominate Sparky Direct: Select Sparky Direct from the wholesaler dropdown menu in your profile
3. Add Email: Enter your Sparky Direct account email address in the membership number field
4. Start Earning: Every dollar spent on Clipsal products earns points automatically
Redeem points from the rewards store, including gift cards, tools, and experiences. Access business summits, product training, and industry networking events. Receive early access to new product launches and special promotions. Connect with fellow electricians via the Club Clipsal community app.
Watch CLIPSAL EY56C310 EASY56 | Switched Outlet 1PH 10A 3 Flat Pin 10Amp IP66 video
Watch CLIPSAL EY56C315 | 3 Pin 15Amp Switched Socket Outlet IP66 | Easy56 video
Watch CLIPSAL EY56C520 | 5 Pin 20Amp Switched Socket Outlet IP66 | Easy56 video
Installed 15 amp circuit for EV charging. Easy to convert from portrait to landscape orintaion. Prewired switch circuit. Large terminals. Good construction.
The Clipsal 15A GPO was delivered the next business day, in perfect condition, in OEM packaging. Can't ask for better service, price or product quality.
Great quality product at the best price i found anywhere and the service is outstanding!
Quality products in stock • Fast Australia-wide delivery • Competitive trade pricing
Browse Clipsal Easy56 Switched Socket Outlets → Get Expert Advice →Yes. The ability to switch power off at the outlet helps reduce the risk of accidental operation.
Easy56 switched socket combination outlets are available from Sparky Direct, offering access to durable electrical products with Australia-wide delivery.
Delivery availability depends on the supplier and location, with options across metropolitan and regional Australia.
Yes. They are suitable for new installations, upgrades, and replacing existing industrial-style outlets.
Warranty coverage depends on the manufacturer and supplier, with conditions applying to correct installation and use.
Consider installation location, IP rating, power requirements, and electrician recommendations.
They generally require minimal maintenance but should be checked during routine electrical inspections.
Yes. They are designed to handle frequent use in demanding environments.
When properly installed, Easy56 switched socket combination outlets are designed for long service life.
Yes. Their solid housings are designed to withstand dust and grime and can be wiped clean.
Yes. They are commonly used in garages, sheds, and workshops.
They have a robust, industrial design that prioritises durability over a slim profile.
Yes. When correctly rated and installed, they are suitable for powering outdoor equipment.
Easy56 switched socket combination outlets are industrial-style electrical outlets that combine a power socket with an integrated on/off switch in a single weather-resistant unit.
Yes. The integrated switch is clearly marked and designed for straightforward operation.
They offer a durable, convenient solution with an integrated switch, allowing easy control of connected equipment.
Yes. Installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance.
Yes. They are widely used in commercial and light industrial applications due to their durability.
Yes. These outlets are typically surface mounted, making them suitable for solid walls and exposed installations.
They are designed to suit standard Australian plugs within their rated capacity and configuration.
Yes. They can be used in residential settings such as garages and outdoor areas where robust outlets are preferred.
IP ratings vary by model, indicating protection against dust and water ingress suitable for demanding environments.
Yes. They are designed with weather-resistant housings suitable for indoor and outdoor applications when installed as specified.
Easy56 switched socket combination outlets supplied in Australia are designed to meet relevant AS/NZS electrical and safety standards when installed correctly.
They are commonly used in workshops, garages, outdoor areas, commercial spaces, and industrial environments where durability is required.
