ConnectionsThe Problem:You design patient-connected medical equipment for sale globally. How doyou specify power cordsets that allow connection to the world’s power mainswhile complying with local regulations?

In three country groups, special cords arerequired for use with patient-connected medical equipment. These are:• United States and Canada• Australia and New Zealand• DenmarkIn all other countries, patient-connected medical equipment is powered via cordsetsthat are standard for each country.

United States and CanadaIn the United States and Canada, patient-connected medical equipment must be powered from the power mains via a cordsetthat includes a “hospital-grade plug”described in UL 498 and UL 817. This plugdiffers from general purpose NEMA plugs inthat it:• Is more robust• Has more effective cord grip• Is usually larger• Carries a “green dot” signifying hospital-grade perthe National Electric Code,UL 498 and 817.

The North American hospital-grade plug maybe coloured/opaque or clear and it may bemoulded-on or rewirable. Cable is standardexcept that UL 60601 requires that the primary insulation colour code conforms toline = brown, neutral = blue, ground = green/yellow striped.

The connector should conform to IEC 60320.Otherwise, there are no special regulationsrelated to hospital-grade equipment thatimpact the connector.

Australia and New ZealandAustralian and New Zealand electrical standards do NOT mandate any special characteristics for the plug that will be usedwith patient-connected electrical equipment.However, hospitals in Australia and NewZealand routinely specify that equipmentshould have a clear plug that is otherwise standard and an orange jacketed Harmonisedcable that is otherwise standard.

Again, the connector should conform to IEC60320. Otherwise, there are no special regulations related to hospital-grade equipment that impact the connector.

DenmarkElectrical standards in Denmark mandate aspecial plug for use with patient-connectedmedical equipment. This plug, along with thegeneral purpose Danish plug and a Danishdata plug intended for use only with computers, is shown below. Cable used onmedical equipment is standard Harmonisedcable and the connector should conform toIEC 60320. Otherwise, there are no specialregulations related to hospital-grade equip-ment that impact the connector.

Global RequirementsCordsets used with patient-connected medical equipment in the rest of the worldare the same as cords used in non-medicalequipment. Moulded-on plugs used on electrical equipment in the rest of the worldare illustrated on page 3. Note that the cableused in all of these cordsets, with the exception of the Japanese cord, isHarmonised. Also, the IEC 60320 C13 connector is standard on these cords.

North American hospital-grade plug with anIEC 60320 connector

Cordsets for Patient Connected Equipment

Issue 1March 2004

connect to the global marketplace

“Green Dot”

Australian/New Zealand hospital-grade plugwith IEC 60320 connector on orange cable

Danish plugs from left: standard, data, medical

Connections is published quarterly by Interpower Components Ltd. and is available in either a print or an electronic version. Each edition addresses one or more topicsrelated to electrical power systems component selection. Connections is aimed at theequipment designer who wants one product designed for sale globally. Back issues ofConnections will be available on www.interpower.com as long as they are technicallyup-to-date.

Connections: Helping You Design for Export Markets

U.K. Freephone 0800 212066 Freefax 0800 212693 Ireland Freephone 1800 626506 Freefax 1800 409505 Germany Freephone 0800 1800002 Freefax 0800 1800136 Switzerland Freephone 0800 838656 Freefax 0800 838767 International Telephone +44 [0] 1908 327700 Fax +44 [0] 1908 327706

interpowercomponents ltd.

Interpower Components Ltd.12 Tanners DriveBlakelands, Milton KeynesBuckinghamshire, U.K.MK14 5BW

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U.K. Freephone 0800 212066 Freefax 0800 212693 Ireland Freephone 1800 626506 Freefax 1800 409505 Germany Freephone 0800 1800002 Freefax 0800 1800136 Switzerland Freephone 0800 838656 Freefax 0800 838767 International Telephone +44 [0] 1908 327700 Fax +44 [0] 1908 327706

interpowercomponents ltd.

Interpower Components Ltd.12 Tanners DriveBlakelands, Milton KeynesBuckinghamshire, U.K.MK14 5BW

UL 2601-1 Renumbered to UL 60601-1In mid April, UL (UnderwritersLaboratories Inc.) announcedthat UL standard 2601-1 forMedical Electrical Equipmentwas renumbered to UL

60601-1. The new edition is dated August 25,2003. UL’s announcement explains that therenumbering was to more closely align the ULstandard number with the IEC standard number. In addition to changing the standardnumber, UL has editorially reformatted thestandard due to internal administrative needs.The reformatting includes, but is not limited to,referring to ‘deviation’ as ‘national differences’and implementing a new numbering system forthe national differences.

What does this mean? We contacted DaleHallerberg, the primary designated engineer(PDE) for medical equipment, located at UL'sNorthbrook, Illinois office, to find out. Mr.Hallerberg confirmed that there are no technicalchanges between UL 2601-1 and UL 60601-1.Therefore, customers will not be required tomake any technical changes to their productsor undergo a dreaded UL file review.

UL 2601-1 included all the deviations at thebeginning of the standard. UL 60601-1 nowincludes the deviations throughout the standard,where they belong, making it easier to readand comply with. This is just one more exampleof UL aligning itself with IEC standards.

North American Hospital-Grade PlugsTo ensure a high level of safety and reliability,Interpower hospital-grade, North AmericanRewirable plugs are designed and manufactured to specific medical standardsand carry the “green dot.” This signifies theyhave been designed and tested for ground reliability, assembly integrity, strength and

durability. Specifically, they meet or exceedthe requirements of UL Standard 498 and 817 per the National Electric Code. The Interpowerhospital-grade North American Rewirableplugs below, are made with exceptionally clear material to permit visual inspection of terminal connections.

NEMA 5-15 rated 15A/125VAC (88030270) NEMA 6-15 rated 15A/250VAC (88030370)

NEMA 5-20 rated 20A/125VAC (88030390) NEMA 6-20 rated 20A/250VAC (88030410)

Rewirable Danish Medicalplug and socketHospital-grade

plugs and sockets

are designed with

a slightly different

configuration. This

allows only the

hospital plug, not

the standard Danish plug, to be

used in specific medical settings.

China changes approvalmark from Great Wall to

CCC.The CNCA

(Certification and

Accreditation

Administration of

the People’s

Republic of

China) has

announced all power cords and

cordsets exported to China must

now bear the CCC (China

Compulsory Certification) mark.

Australia and New Zealand will require

partially insulated

line and neutral

pins effective

April 2005.

Interpower cords

switched to the partially insulated

pins for 10 amp cords late 2003

and the 16 amp will be compliant

in the near future.

Chinese CCC Mark

Danish medicalplug and socket

New insulatedpins

Industry notes:

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U.K. Freephone 0800 212066 Freefax 0800 212693 Ireland Freephone 1800 626506 Freefax 1800 409505 Germany Freephone 0800 1800002 Freefax 0800 1800136 Switzerland Freephone 0800 838656 Freefax 0800 838767 International Telephone +44 [0] 1908 327700 Fax +44 [0] 1908 327706

interpowercomponents ltd.

Interpower Components Ltd.12 Tanners DriveBlakelands, Milton KeynesBuckinghamshire, U.K.MK14 5BW

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86515050 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 SEV

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86531031 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 IMQ

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86390010 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 IRAM (plug only)

IsraelSI-32 plug for use in Israel at 50Hz.

United Kingdom/IrelandBS1363 plug for use in the United Kingdom & Irelandat 50Hz.

ItalyCEI 23-16/VII plug for use in Italy at 50Hz. Alsoused in parts of North Africa.

ChinaThe Chinese cordset at 50Hz, resembles the Australiancordset, but the pins are 1mm longer than the Australian.

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86517040 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 CCC

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86397010 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 ASTA (plug only)

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86558011 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 SII (plug only)

SwitzerlandSEV 1011 plug for use in Switzerland at 50Hz.

India/South AfricaOld style British BS546 plug for use inIndia/South Africa at 50Hz.

JapanJIS 8303 plug for use at 50 and 60Hz. Wiring utilizesblack/white/green colour coding.

DenmarkAfsnit 107-2-D1 plug for use in Denmark at50Hz. To ensure grounding, use a Danish plugon products shipped to Denmark.

Note: diameter of contact pins is 4.8 mm

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86230110 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70˚C 3x1.00mm2 OVE, CEBEC, VDE, LCIE

KEMA, SEMKO, FIMKO,NEMKO, DEMKO, IMQ, Gost

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86391000 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 DEMKO

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86589010 15A/125VAC 2.4m 60°C 3x2.00mm2 PSE

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86559011 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 BIS SABS (plug only)

Continental Europe (Schuko)CEE 7/7 plug for use in Germany, Austria,Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden,Russia, Belgium, and France at 50Hz.

Interpower International Cordsets

ArgentinaThe Argentine cordset at 50Hz, resembles theAustralian cordset, but the pins are 1mm longer thanthe Australian and line/neutral are wired in reverse.

100% cords are tested before they leave our Iowa, USA factories. Most of these cords are available in special lengths, and with any angle IEC60320 C13 connector. No minimum order. Most cords made in our Iowa, USA factories.

See www.interpower.com/hospitalcords for specification drawings for the cords listed below. Also available at www.interpower.com are approvaldocument numbers and specification drawings for all active parts. These are obtained by searching by the part number.

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86210150 10A/250VAC 2.5m 70°C 3x1.00mm2 DFT

Part Number Current Rating Length Max. Temp. Conductor Size Approvals86610610 10A/125VAC 3.05m 60˚C 3x18 AWG UL, CSA

North AmericaNEMA 5-15 for use in United States, Canada,and Mexico at 60Hz.

Australia/New ZealandAS 3112 plug for use in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji,and Papua New Guinea at 50Hz.

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U.K. Freephone 0800 212066 Freefax 0800 212693 Ireland Freephone 1800 626506 Freefax 1800 409505 Germany Freephone 0800 1800002 Freefax 0800 1800136 Switzerland Freephone 0800 838656 Freefax 0800 838767 International Telephone +44 [0] 1908 327700 Fax +44 [0] 1908 327706

interpowercomponents ltd.

Interpower Components Ltd.12 Tanners DriveBlakelands, Milton KeynesBuckinghamshire, U.K.MK14 5BW

• Extensive range of clear, black, & grey NorthAmerican plugs. Australian plugs come blackand clear with orange or black cable. In addition, 12 international patterns not shown. Standard length cordsets from stock.

• Connector locks secure the connector, preventing accidental removal or interruption

• No minimum order quantities

• Delivery to most European Countries within 3 days

• Free samples & technical support

• Customise to your specifications

• Made in our Iowa, USA factories

• 100% of Interpower cords tested

General Conditions: Orders are accepted by Interpower Components Ltd. on these conditions: Inthe event that customer’s purchase conditions are invariance with our own, the order will only be acceptedif these are waived by the customer or speciallyagreed in writing.Prices: All prices quoted are net and F.O.B.Blakelands, Milton Keynes. Prices quoted more than30 days before date of ordering may be subject toprice change due to exchange rate variation if applicable.V.A.T.: Prices quoted are not inclusive of V.A.T. Invoices will include tax rated at the time the goodsare despatched.Minimum Orders and Despatch Costs: We do notimpose a minimum order cost but all invoices willinclude a packing and delivery charge.Quality Assurance: All the goods listed in this catalogue are available with a Certificate of Conformity and this will automatically be incorporatedin the invoice/delivery note.Payment Terms: Strict 30 days from date of invoice.Retention of Title: The purchaser will only claim

ownership when the seller is in receipt of the fullprice of the goods.New Accounts: Customers wishing to open an account will be requested to supply two trade andone bank reference.Telephone Orders: Orders placed by telephone will beaccepted on the basis that a confirmation will bereceived either by fax or post.Scheduled Orders: Orders will be accepted with up to 12 deliveries over 12 months. Interpower Components Ltd. reserves the right to withhold adelivery if payment terms are not met by the purchaser.Urgent Orders: Orders can be despatched out the dayof ordering providing instructions are received before1 PM.Special Orders: Orders for products made to customer’s own instructions are not subject to cancellation.Return Material Authorization (RMA): Materials forreturn will only be accepted by our receiving department if they carry a RMA number. Please contact our office to obtain a RMA number.Customer’s Inspections: Goods that have been

despatched by Interpower Components Ltd. and subsequently rejected by the customer for not meeting specification will not be accepted back ifnotification is not received within 12 days of despatch.Refused Shipments: On occasions that goods arereturned and then a request is made by the customerto redeliver goods, all transport costs will be chargedto the customer.Catalogue Specifications: All specifications listed inour catalogue or in other data sheets issued byInterpower Components Ltd. are based on our knowledge and understanding of the products as ofthe printing date. We reserve the right to changetechnical specifications without notice. All productrecommendations are based on our knowledge andexperience but do not eliminate the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the correct product isselected for a particular application. Free samples can be provided for evaluation.Copyright: The contents of this catalogue are copyrighted in their entirety and cannot be duplicatedin any manner without written authorisation ofInterpower Components Ltd.

Ordering Information: Policies and Procedures

Visit us on the web!

Interpower Components Ltd. offers a complete line of medicalproducts including cords, cordsets, cable, plugs, sockets, modules,testing equipment, and more for use in hospitals. Our hospital lineis conveniently separated from the rest of our product lines at:

www.interpower.com/hospital

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