Recent Posts
UL 60320/817 Requirement Changes Approach May 2021 Effective Date
Posted on 5/11/20 12:00 PM
60320-3 A little over a year ago, UL announced Certification Requirement Changes in a Revision/Edition published for 60320-3, Appliance Couplers for Household and Similar General Purposes—Part 3: Standard Sheets and Gauges on 02/15/2019. These have an Effective Date of 05/12/2021 and may be applicable to your products.
Topics: product design, IEC 60320, testing agencies, UL
Many Names, Many Applications: The High Potential Voltage (Hipot) Test
Posted on 4/27/20 10:44 AM
Dielelectric Voltage-withstand or Dielectric-strength tests are often referred to as the High Potential Voltage “Hipot” test. It’s one of the most common yet important safety and diagnostic tests used for electrical and electronic components and devices—it can be used in both the design phase and the production phase in the manufacturing of electrical products.
Topics: product design, testing, Hipot
Part I. RoHS: Interpower's Commitment to Compliance in Europe
Posted on 4/13/20 2:11 PM
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a European Union (EU) directive restricting certain “hazardous” substances used in electrical and electronic equipment in European countries. RoHS ensures electrical/electronic products used in Europe are RoHS compliant in not exceeding the maximum concentration levels for hazardous substances listed in the directive. Substances currently banned under RoHS: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and four different phthalates: DEHP, BBP, BBP, and DIBP. Please find the “RoHS Table of Restricted Substances” below to find the full spellings of each phthalate and the accepted levels of each substance. All Interpower products manufactured for the European market meet RoHS limitations for each substance.
Topics: RoHS, European Union Compliance, international power components
Hospital-Grade Plugs: The Other Hotlines in Times of Crises
Posted on 3/16/20 11:28 AM
Whether it’s a life-support unit in a large city or a heart monitor in a small-town clinic, reliable power is critical to medical facility patients, families and staff. Hospital-grade plugs can be molded or hand-wired in several colors. The color of choice for many hospitals and clinics, however, is the clear, see-through Interpower hospital plug. The clear plug allows medical staff to see if plug wiring and other components remain intact.
Topics: Hospital-Grade Products, hospital-grade cords, hospital-grade plugs, USA Made Products
Strain Reliefs/Cable Glands: Providing Protection to Power Cords
Posted on 3/4/20 2:08 PM
The main purpose of a “strain relief” or “cable gland” is to provide protection to a power cord. They help extend cord life and add stability to the equipment. In generic terms, it is used to secure a power supply cord to a piece of electrical equipment. The term strain relief is commonly used in North America, while cable gland is the preferred term in Europe and other continents.
Topics: electrical safety, cable glands, strain reliefs, international power components