Changes to Cable Sizes for Interpower “Universal” Cable
Underwriters Laboratories, Canadian Standards Association and Mexico’s ANCE are in the process of making changes to the tri-national flexible cord and cable standard (UL 62, CSA C22.2 No 49, NMX-J_436-ANCE). These changes will require modifications to the Interpower Universal Jumper Cord Sets. This change will add “odd” sized AWG to the standards to properly specify the conductor size. Interpower anticipates production of Universal Jumper Cord Sets marked 17AWG and 15AWG as well as UL Listing, CSA and VDE certifications beginning as early as this summer, a specific date has yet to be determined.
Universal Jumper Cord Sets, as defined by Interpower, use cable meeting both European and North American construction and performance requirements. These cords are typically used by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who ship equipment to North America, Europe and other international locations using metric sizes. With this change odd sized AWG like 17, 15, 13, and 11 AWG will be added to the cable standards.
Before this change, cable manufacturers marked cable with smaller equivalents like 18, 16, 14, and 12 even though the conductors were actually sized 17, 15, 13, and 11. Until now, the UL and CSA cable standards did not allow cables with odd sized AWG conductors although UL 62 did allow 17 and 15AWG in some situations. This change adds the odd AWG sizes to allow for flexible cords that meet existing North American as well as international conductor sizing requirements. These cords will be dual marked to clarify North American (AWG) and international (mm²). While these changes do affect the UL and CSA ratings they do not affect the VDE ratings.
This change will affect all Interpower Jumper Cords and any Made-To-Order cable assemblies which are made with Universal cable. If you need further information, please contact our Customer Service Department.