Interpower Connections

Interpower Connections—October 2009

Interpower Corporation is delighted to send you the October edition of the Interpower Connections. This edition looks specifically at how to provide the correct power strip for either domestic or international markets. Interpower Corporation is also offering you a chance to request a copy of our popular Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket patterns wall-chart, download the guide as a PDF, or use it on-line. Should you have a question that Connections has yet to answer, please email us at info@interpower.com.

How to Specify Power Strips for World Wide Markets

Socket and plug patterns vary by country and region. The typical number of sockets on a power strip ranges from 4 to 10, from even as high as 20.

Consider the Accessory Power Strip system, based on IEC 60320-1 and -2-2, when exporting one system to world wide markets

An Accessory Power Strip is comprised of an international IEC 60320 inlet and multiple outlets. It typically includes over current protection (i.e. circuit breaker) but does not include surge protection, RFI filtering or other controls. This product simply provides power to multiple accessories, for use in most international applications, reducing the need for country specific power cords and cordsets. For example, a company selling a system with four peripheral components in Switzerland, Germany, and the U.S. dramatically reduces the number of Swiss, Continental European and U.S. cordsets by replacing them with the "universal jumper cordset."

Selection of main components in a power strip.

Circuit breaker: If required, it is important to select a circuit breaker with North American and / or international product safety agency approvals and ratings (e.g. for up to 250vac, 10A) for the overall power needs of the application. Canada specifically requires overcurrent protection (circuit breaker or fuse) in power strips with three or more sockets, per C22.2 No. 21.

Flexible cable: North American classified equipment should not be used in countries where the harmonized standards are in place, and vice-versa. Interpower does offer special "Universal flexible cable," accepted in North America, Europe, and elsewhere, for accessory power strip systems shipping worldwide.

Enclosure: Application may allow a "plastic" housing, or may require a more robust sheet metal enclosure.

Connector Locks: Some applications may require methods for securing connectors to inlets and outlets. Connector locks are typically required to prevent accidental disconnection of critical equipment, especially Medical applications, mission critical servers, etc.

What is the amperage and voltage required to run the equipment, and what is the amperage, voltage and frequency of the mains supply where the end-user resides?

You must know the amperage and voltage rating required for the equipment you are going to export. This could mean an entirely different plug pattern, even in the same country, for higher or lower amperage ratings. For voltage and frequency requirements, consult the Guide to Worldwide plug and socket patterns at http://www.interpower.com/ic/guide.

What product safety agency certifications are required for the power strip

Typical product safety agency approvals are UL and CSA for the U.S. and Canada, VDE or TUV and for Germany and Continental Europe, as well as other country specific agency certifications. CE Marking of product shipped to Europe is also important.

What is the amp rating of the individual sockets, versus the entire power strip assembly?

Typical power strips will have an overall amp rating for each socket, and for the overall power strip, and this amp rating typically is the same. Take for instance a UK socket and a four position UK socket strip. A single UK socket, by itself, has a maximum rating of 13A. Because of this limitation for a single socket, the four position strip also has a maximum limit of 13A. However, this does not mean each socket on the strip can draw 13A each, simultaneously. If all four sockets are in use, for instance, the sum of the currents drawn from each socket must not exceed 13A. It is therefore, critical that the current needed for each device in a system be known and totaled, in order to choose the correct socket strip(s) needed for an application.

How will the power strip be mounted?

Electrical equipment systems shipped globally almost always require the power strip to be permanently mounted for convenience and for product safety reasons. This may require mounting to a panel, a frame or in a rack system.

Medical-Grade. Some countries require power strips to be manufactured to medical-grade standards when supplied with "patient care equipment."

There are two key product safety standards related to medical power strip applications: UL 1363A for the U.S. and IEC/EN 60601-1 for Europe and most other countries outside of North America.

Preparing and submitting products for testing by international product safety agencies is complex and time consuming. It is, however, an essential part of any successful business venture. Proper organization and preparation can make international product safety compliance attainable within realistic cost and time parameters. When choosing a power strip for your equipment, ensure that the manufacturer can provide you with the necessary approval documents.

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Interpower Corporation offers Socket Strips with attached Cords

Interpower Corporation is pleased to announce its new Medical Socket Strip with an attached hospital-grade power cord.

These units come with 4 or 6 hospital-grade outlets, a manual reset circuit breaker, no inlet or outlet covers, and no connector lock. It is rated for a maximum of 15A with service at 125V.

The Medical Socket Strip is designed to be permanently attached to a fixture whether it is a cart or some other type of item in a hospital or dentist office. It can also used when multiple NEMA outlets are required.

This product has an attached power cord which can be ordered in lengths up to a maximum of 25ft. Outlet covers can be attached to this product as an optional feature.

As always, Interpower Corporation offers no minimum order requirements and same day shipments available for stock item orders received by 6:00 p.m. CST. For ordering and technical information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800/662-2290 or order online at www.interpower.com.

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Get Your Guide Today for Free!



Interpower Corporation is offering you a chance to request a copy of our popular Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket patterns wall-chart, download the guide as a PDF, or use it online. There are several ways to get your copy!

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