Interpower Components Ltd.

Make sure your product will work overseas
Your overseas customer expects your product to work when it is unpacked from the box. Designing a product with your international customer in mind is good for customer relations and gives you a competitive advantage. When customers are satisfied with your product, they are more likely to buy your products again and recommend them to others.

The following considerations should be addressed for the convenience of your international customers:

Use the correct plug/socket standard: There are currently 12 common (3-wire) plug and socket standards used internationally. Equip your product with the correct plug for the country where your product will be exported. (See the Guide to Worldwide Plug and Socket Patterns.) Be sure to equip your product with the necessary cables and connectors so your customer will not have to modify your product before use. Harmonized cable is required on products being exported to Europe.

Set your product at the correct voltage and frequency: Voltages are typically 230VAC/50Hz for Europe and 240VAC/50Hz in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Select the correct fuse type: International and North American fuse specifications and sizes differ. Use an IEC 60127 (5 x 20mm) fuse so that your international customer will be able to purchase replacement fuses.

Design your product to meet the correct international safety standards: For example, according to EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, equipment sold in Europe after January 1, 1997 must carry the CE Marking (see Designing for Export for information on the CE Marking).

Test your product at international voltages and frequencies: Testing at your customer’s voltage and frequency prior to shipment assures that your equipment will work when it reaches your overseas customer.

The International Power Source allows you to simulate field conditions (high-line and low-line voltages) on prototypes. Fluctuations in frequency can also be simulated. By testing during the design process, the manufacturer can save costly modifications after the product is in production, and avoid costly failures, field repairs, and/or returns.

Test and Burn-in
The International Socket Strip combines several major international sockets into one device and can be connected to a test bench or burn-in rack that has a source of 50Hz power to deliver power to the most commonly used international sockets. To test your product, just install the correct international power cord into your product and connect it to the proper socket.

Test Export Products with the International Power Source Back to the top
The Interpower International Power Source provides a low-cost, convenient source of 50Hz power at the various operating voltages and frequencies found around the world (typically 220–240VAC/50Hz) which is important for testing many products that are exported.

At 13.6kg, the International Power Source is sufficiently portable so that it can be easily moved between work stations or lab positions as needed. Output power is delivered through either a standard North American 15A/125VAC socket or the Continental European Schuko CEE 7 socket. (Note: Products with other international plugs can be tested by using the International Socket Strip.)

All parameters are easily accessible to speed testing. Output voltages are selected at 100V, 115V, 220V, 230V, or 240V, ±10%. Frequencies can be selected at 50 or 60Hz, ±3Hz. This flexibility permits testing of products with varying input voltages and frequencies. Real world power mains conditions, such as undervoltage (“brown out”), overvoltage, and the effect of different frequencies, are easily simulated.

The power rating of the International Power Source is 1250VA. This new model is designed to accommodate North American input voltage of 115V, supplied through a cordset rated at 20A that consists of a NEMA 5-20 plug and an IEC 60320 C19 connector. It can also be configured for 230 or 240VAC input power by equipping it with an international cordset for overseas applications.

Dimensions: 222mm wide x 216mm tall x 457mm deep

Delivery: Usually available in stock. Call our Customer Service Department at (800) 662-2290 for stock level.

Low Sine Wave Distortion: These models have low distortion of the sine wave when connected to heavy non-linear loads (which includes most electronic equipment). They also have lower distortion without loads or with linear loads (motors, resistors, etc.) A feedback circuit responds quickly to the
load to correct and maintain a symmetrical sine wave.

Noise Reduction: Superior power transformer construction reduces acoustic noise. Heat sinks are internal; cooling vents through rear air ports with no annoying side air flow.

RFI Noise Reduction: Internal construction is modular; power amplifier is a single-shielded, plug-in assembly.

Low-Line Tolerance: New models are very tolerant of low-input line voltage.

International Socket Strip Back to the top
The Interpower International Socket Strip incorporates seven (Continental Europe, Denmark,
Italy, India/South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom/Ireland, and Australia/
New Zealand) of the main overseas standards in one device.

Connect it to your own power source in burn-in racks or test labs where products with international cords or cordsets are being prepared for export, or use it for receiving inspection on international cords and cordsets.

Installation to the IPS (International Power Source): The International Socket Strip is equipped with one power cord terminated with a Continental European plug for connection to the Continental European socket on the front of the IPS. The conductor size is 1.5mm² (slightly larger than 16AWG, which is approximately 1.23mm²). The cord is 2.5m long and voltage is clearly marked. The primary insulation is color coded in accordance with international standards: brown=line, blue=neutral, green/yellow=ground.

Testing: In addition to visual inspection at all manufacturing stages, each socket of both circuits is checked for correct polarity and continuity. The entire socket strip is then hipot tested at 2500VAC; this test is done on each circuit between line and neutral (which have been shorted together) and ground.