InfoPower

A module is a device that combines multiple functions into a single unit to control power entry. There are several reasons to choose a module over individual components that are installed piecemeal. When choosing a module in your design, the first step is deciding which functions or components your module should contain. Typically an Interpower module offers two to five functions: an inlet, outlet, switch, circuit protection, voltage selector, and a filter.

It may look simple, but joining two separate plastic products to form a new product containing ground, neutral, and line screws and folded metal is trickier than it sounds. And once you have the components in place, how do you “weld” a plastic faceplate onto an existing plastic housing?

The new Swiss standard series SN 441011 for plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes has been applicable since March 1, 2019, and replaces the previous standard SN SEV 1011. The manufacture and import of products and appliances incorporating plugs and socket-outlets that are regulated by the previous standard SN SEV 1011 will remain permitted until February 28, 2022.

As their standard plug, Argentina, Australia, and China all use the Class I, 10A/250VAC plugs with an Alternate Current (AC) cycle of 50Hz. All three countries have similar plug patterns. All three countries use the international color code for its three conductors: green/yellow (ground), light blue (neutral), and brown (line). And both Argentina and Australia plugs are connected to H05VV-F cable (Harmonized, 300-400V, PVC, Flexible cable) while the China cable is RVV (PVC insulated flexible cable under IEC 60227-5).

While North American and Japanese plugs look the same (e.g., the NEMA 5-15 and the Japanese JIS C 8303, the latter fitting snugly into an American socket) there are some critical differences. First, while the width of the blades are similar, the Japanese blades are slightly shorter.