Testing during the design process in product development is crucial. If the new product will be distributed in worldwide markets, then using an AC power source is one way to test that product at various voltages and frequencies.

A product will not run at its full potential if it is running on an incorrect voltage or frequency. Testing during the design phase helps to ensure the product will perform correctly. It may also help to prevent potentially expensive modifications after the end product is in production.

Why is it important to test electrical products before exporting?

During the early stages of a design, electrical testing will determine if a concept is feasible before investing large amounts of time and capital. Testing before exporting ensures that the design meets the intended objective, prior to releasing it to test agencies, tooling houses, and eventually customers.

“Testing with an AC power source allows for simulation of field conditions. Fluctuations in the frequency and voltage can be simulated, with voltage tolerances of ±10% and frequency tolerances of ±3Hz,” explained Ron Barnett, Product Development Manager at Interpower.

Why is it important to have a clean source of power to test products?

“It’s important to have a clean source of power during testing to ensure there are no variables from the power source that may skew the test results and adversely affect the design direction,” Ron said. 

If a new electrical product design is not pre-tested, how can that affect people?

“Customers today expect to be able to use a product immediately without having to reconfigure anything,” he said. “Since there are numerous plug patterns used around the world, it is important to verify that equipment and consumer electrical products will run safely and reliably on specific voltages and frequencies—before exporting.”

How can Interpower help with testing during product development?

Interpower offers an AC power source that can assist with testing in the lab. “The International Power Source (IPS) provides a clean, convenient source of AC power for product design and product testing at various voltages and frequencies found around the world,” Ron said. “The IPS has seven of the most common country-specific sockets. This allows equipment being tested to use the proper plug.”

“If a company has a development work area or lab where prototypes are built, the IPS can be beneficial as it could be used in situations where various power sources are needed,” Ron added.

Additional Resources

Interpower offers several IPS models, which can be purchased or rented, along with an interface software package that extends the capabilities of the IPS by letting the user create programmable routines.

For more information, see the Interpower International Power Source and the IPS Featured Product page.

Interpower offers free technical support. For further assistance, please see Interpower’s contact information below.