It is best to select components which have major agency approvals. The appropriate approval list varies from component to component depending on practices of each individual agency, market acceptance, and the availability of multiple suppliers, each of whom have the required approvals. The following guidelines apply to commonly specified components (Note: the components listed below will have UL recognition and CSA certification where possible).

Cords (or detachable Cordsets incorporating an IEC 60320 power connector) with power plugs appropriate for each country: Approvals are typically specified to the individual plug, connector, and cable. Approvals for the plug are specified to designated countries, but connector approvals are typically UL, CSA, and VDE. CE Marking is highly important for Europe. Approvals are also required for cords and cordsets in Japan and China. Note: Utilizing an IEC 60320 power inlet on your product will make it easy to switch cordsets to the correct power plug for your international market. See the International Cords section for more information.

IEC 60309 High Power Pin and Sleeve Devices (to 125A): Because of slight differences between European and North American standards, few manufacturers at present offer IEC 60309 connectors that have UL/CSA and VDE test marks. Interpower Corporation’s new line of IEC 60309 connectors does carry UL, CSA, and VDE approvals on many models. It is not possible on some plug/connector pairs. Remember that cable differences require the use of AWG cable for North American applications and harmonized cable for overseas markets. See the High Power Pin and Sleeve Devices.

Cable: Specify Harmonized cable on products being shipped overseas. Do not use AWG cable on export products! Harmonized cable requires only one approval, such as VDE, when HAR mark is used. See the Cable section for more information on cable types.

IEC 60320 Connectors: Approvals required are typically UL, CSA, and VDE test marks. The European CE Marking is highly recommended.



Accessory Power Connectors: Be sure to specify IEC 60320 appliance outlets for accessory power connections, since the NEMA 5-15R accessory outlet is not used internationally. IEC 60320 appliance outlets and their mating plug connectors or interconnection cordsets are widely used for accessory power applications. They are available with agency approvals.

Fuses: The International 5 x 20mm fuse is much smaller than the North American 3AG fuse (cp. 6 x 32mm) and the time-current characteristics differ substantially. Generally, specify international 5 x 20mm fuses for overseas applications and a North American 3AG for use in North America. Refer to the Fuse and Fuseholder section for strategies on specifying fuses on a “Universal Product.”

Fuseholders with all major agency approvals that will accept either the North American 1⁄4 x 1 1⁄4" or the international 5 x 20mm fuse. VDE approvals are important. Other agencies either do not test fuseholders or they do not require formal testing of the fuseholder.

Power switches: Note that several of the European plug types are not polarized; therefore a double-pole switch is used. Switches with approvals from UL, CSA, and the European ENEC are available from several sources. Suppliers may offer one or two additional approvals on some models.

Transformers (with primary winding designed for use with a voltage selector), wire, and construction practices that satisfy all major agency requirements.

RFI power line filters: It is important to determine that a particular line filter was certified for use in your type of product. This is particularly true of filters used in computers. Careful examination of the agency certification license will help. VDE approval is important.

Voltage Selectors: VDE tests voltage selectors. However, other agencies do not test and approve voltage selectors because they are not recognized as a separate category of switch in applicable IEC publications. The emphasis in most agencies is on the electrical rating, how the voltage selector is installed, and how accessible it is to non-technical users.

Power Supplies: When power supplies are purchased from vendors, they should carry UL, CSA, and VDE test marks. Furthermore, the test certificate should indicate that they were tested in accordance with the requirements dictated by the end use. For example, not all power supplies which carry UL, CSA, and VDE test marks satisfy the requirements of IEC 60950/ EN60950 which addresses information technology equipment.

Relays and indicators with all major agency approvals.