International Sockets
Use international sockets and socket strips to test or burn-in electrical and electronic equipment that will be exported with international power cords and cordsets. This allows testing of the equipment, complete with the power cord, in exactly the same manner that your global customer will use it. Sockets for both international and North American
applications are covered in this section. We also have a
full line of socket strips. Our International Socket Strip and the International Power
Source can be used in test or burn-in setups. They can be found in the Testing and Safety. International sockets can also be used as convenience power outlets or in conjunction with power distribution devices in large electronic systems. For example, computer systems
occupying one or more racks may include an appropriate international convenience power outlet for use by a service technician. Large communications or military electronics
systems can utilize power controllers or distribution devices equipped with international sockets that are appropriate for the country in which they will be used. International Plugs Back to the top
Rewireable international plugs are used primarily when it is advantageous to build a special-purpose power cord, cordset, or extension cord that is not available in the quantity required as a molded “standard” product. This could be, for example, a cord or cordset with a higher rating than normally stocked in a molded version or a non-standard cable jacket color or
conductor size. These requirements are often best satisfied with a special cord or cordset that is assembled from standard cable and rewireable plugs and connectors. A cable assembled with rewireable components can be produced in quantities as small as one piece. For a guide to where the plugs and
sockets in this section are used, see our Guide to
Worldwide Plug and Socket Patterns & Power Mains. North American Plugs and Sockets Back to the top
The North American plugs, connectors, and receptacles in this catalog are described in standards published by NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association) in the United States and by CSA (Canadian Standards Association) in Canada. The standards identify unique pin and receptacle
configurations based on amperage and voltage ratings. Both straight blade and locking configurations are included in the standards. The NEMA 5-15 straight blade configuration is used most often in the U.S. and Canada.
If you require a power connection above 16A/125VAC that can also be used internationally, consider designing your
product with Interpower high power pin and sleeve devices.
 If your product will be used in a dusty environment, consider specifying our dust-resistant inlets. An extra gasket seals the inlet's flange against the equipment panel.
 If there is only a small space behind your panel to mount a plug or socket, take a close look at our line of flanged inlets and outlets. A flanged nylon housing allows mounting in a panel from the front of the panel, without access from the rear.
Our North American plugs, connectors, and receptacles have been designed and tested for grounding reliability, assembly integrity, strength, and durability. They meet or exceed the requirements of UL Standard 498 (Attachment Plugs and Receptacles) for abrupt plug removal; ground pin retention; fault current; terminal strength; ground contact temperature and resistance; assembly security; cord grip strain
relief and cord pull; and various durability and impact
tests of the material. Australian Medical Requirements Back to the top
Medical equipment used in Australia must meet AS/NZS 3200. There are no special requirements for plugs, only preferences. All Australian plugs must be approved to AS/NZS 3112. In Australian medical applications, it is preferred by hospitals to have a clear, transparent plug and orange, flexible cable.
These plugs and connectors must carry one of the many Australian approvals. North American Hospital-Grade Requirements
Hospital-grade plugs are subject to special requirements
contained in the following attachment plug standards: UL 498 and CAN/CSA C22.2 no 42. Our hospital-grade plugs, connectors, and receptacles carry the “green dot” signifying that they have been designed and tested for grounding reliability, assembly integrity, strength, and durability. Specifically, they meet or exceed the requirements of UL Standard 498 (Attachment Plugs and Receptacles) and UL 544 (Medical and Dental Equipment) for abrupt plug removal; ground pin retention; fault current; terminal strength; ground contact temperature and resistance; assembly security; cord grip strain relief and cord pull; and various durability and impact tests of the material. Locking terminals ensure
reliable power connections, which is very important on patient-connected medical equipment.
For more information on North American hospital-grade requirements, see see the hospital-grade cords information section.
Danish Hospital-Grade Requirements
The Danish hospital-grade plug and socket are recommended for use in medical applications and specifications are being added to the standard SB 107-2-D1, which was published at the end of 2003. The socket is designed to prevent “normal equipment” from being connected and disrupting the mains circuit in specific medical settings. We do not have molded connections at this time. International Medical Markets Back to the top
International markets, including European medical equipment used in these markets, typically must meet EN/IEC 60601-1. At this time, there are no special performance or construction requirements for plugs and sockets used in these applications. Custom Cord Preparation Services
Interpower Corporation’s in-house UL/CSA assembly services can prepare special cords, cordsets and extension cords using components described in this section. For more information
on our “Made-to-Order” Cord Assembly capabilities and
additional specifying assistance, please contact our Customer Service Department toll-free at (800) 662-2290 or e-mail us at info@interpower.com. |
