Interpower’s Answers to Commonly Asked Questions—A Cord Set Requires One Plug and One Connector

At the Interpower Group of Companies, we have real people answering the phones. No recorded messages. As a result, we receive a number of interesting product design questions. Usually if a question has been asked by one person, it means that others also have the same question. So to assist you, we will be sharing a few of the commonly asked questions, complete with answers. Be sure to follow our series, “Interpower’s Answers to Commonly Asked Questions.”

Question: 
Why can’t I use a cord with a plug on both ends or a connector on both ends?

Key points:

• Safety issue; exposed pins could be “live”
• IEC 60799
• UL 817
• CSA C22.2 No. 21

Answer:
Ron Barnett, Product Development Manager, explains why you can’t do this.

Creating a cord set with a plug on both ends or a connector on both ends is not safe. It is also against the standards. “When you have a cord with a plug on each end, simply connecting one plug to a wall socket creates a shock hazard when the other plug is disconnected. The exposed plug blades are live,” Barnett explained. “Furthermore, when you have a cord with just connectors on each end, one of those connectors must connect to an inlet with power. That inlet has exposed pins with live voltage which creates a shock hazard when the connector is not in place.”

Key cord set standards that address this are: international IEC 60799 and North American standards UL 817 and CSA C22.2 No. 21.

• IEC 60799, Section 3.1 Definitions

Cord set—Assembly consisting of one flexible cable or cord fitted with one non-rewireable plug and one non-rewireable connector, intended for the connection of an electrical appliance or equipment to the electrical supply.

• UL 817, Section 2.9 Glossary

Detachable power supply cord—A length of flexible cord assembled with an attachment plug or current tap as a line fitting and with a single outlet appliance coupler as a load fitting, with or without a through-cord switch. The load fitting is intended to mate with the motor attachment cap of an appliance.

• CSA C22.2 No. 21, Section 3 Definitions

Cord set—A length of flexible cord having an attachment plug at one end and a cord connector at the 
other end.

If you have other questions, Interpower offers free technical support. You can check the website at www.interpower.com, e-mail sales@interpower.com (United States) or uk@interpower.com (United Kingdom) or contact Customer Service in the United States at (800) 662-2290 or in the United Kingdom at +44 (0)1908 295300.

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