Connections connect to the global marketplace Connections is published quarterly by Interpower Components Ltd. and is available in either a printed or electronic version. Each edition addresses one or more topics related to electrical power systems component selection. Connections is designed for the equipment designer who wants to design one product for sale globally. Past editions of Connections will be available on www.interpower.com as long as they are technically up-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 interpower components ltd. Interpower Components Ltd. 12 Tanners Drive Blakelands, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire, U.K. MK14 5BW Selecting North American Cable * National Electric Code Article 400, Table 400-5 (A). ** The ampacities under subheading A apply to 3-conductor cords and other multi-conductor cords connected to three phase loads so that only 3 conductors are current-carrying. The ampaci- ties under subheading B apply to 2-conductor cords and other multi-conductor cords connected to single phase loads so that only 2 conductors are current-carrying. Problem: You are designing a product for sale in North America. What North American cable do you specify to connect your product to the power mains? In order to specify the correct North American cable you need to ask yourself some important questions. How much current will my product draw at 115 VAC? What size cable do I need? What are the implications for cable selection given the intended use of my equipment and the environment in which it will be used? Current Drawn You can quickly estimate the amount of current drawn by your product at 115VAC if you know the current drawn at 230VAC. Typically, current draw at 115VAC is two times the current draw at 230VAC. Consult the Flexible Cords and Cables Ampacity Chart for a guide to appropriate cable sizes given the required ampacity. This chart will help you determine the correct A.W.G. (American Wire Gauge). Cable Size North American cable is specified by the number and gauge of conductors. The gauge uses an inverse relationship to the size–the larger the number, the smaller the cable. Practically speaking, the smallest North American cable with three conductors is 3 x 18AWG (American Wire Gauge). This is usually expressed as 18/3AWG. A cable sized 3 x 10 (10/3) would be larger, despite the smaller number. See the Flexible Cords and Cables Ampacity chart below, taken from the National Electric Code Article 400, Table 400-5 (A). If you are looking for a 10A cable, 3 x 18AWG may be just the size you are looking for. However, if the equipment handles more current, then you will need to go to a larger cable, which means a smaller AWG number. Cable Types When specifying the cable, the intended use of the equipment and the environment in which it will be used play a major role. The outer jacket on North American power cable is typically thermoplastic or rubber. Each jacket type offers advantages and disadvantages to the end user. Thermoplastic cable is usually less expensive than rubber, as well as lighter weight and used in the majority of cases. This makes it an attractive choice for use with items such as household appliances. Rubber cable can be more costly, but does have its advantages. Rubber tends to be more durable, with high levels of water and abrasion resistance. These factors make it an attractive choice for factories and for outdoor applications, such as professional hand tools at construction sites. However, some types of cable, such as TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) jacketed cable, also exhibit some of these performance characteristics. This outer jacket compound is a high molecular density PVC, which is resistant to ultraviolet light, abrasion, extreme cold, and most chemicals. Designers may want to carefully review requirements against some of the newer cable types before making a final selection. Chart 1: Flexible Cords & Cables Ampacity Size AWG 27 — — 20 — — 18 7 10 17 — 12 16 10 13 15 — — 14 15 18 12 20 25 10 25 30 8 35 40 6 45 55 4 60 70 2 80 95 Thermoset Types † S, SJ, SJO, SJOO, SO, SOO, SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, SRD, SV, SVO, SVOO Thermoplastic Types † SE, SEO, SJE, SJEO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SPE-1, SPE-2, SPE-3, SPT-1, SPT-2, SPT-3, ST, STO, STOO, SRDE, SRDT, SVE, SVEO, SVT, SVTO, SVTOO A** B** Based on Ambient Temperature of 30˚C (86˚F). † Includes cable types with “w” suffix (ex. SOOW) Continued on page 2 Issue 3 December 2004
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Connectionsconnect to the global marketplace
Connections is published quarterly by Interpower Components Ltd. and is available in either a printed or electronic version. Each edition addresses oneor more topics related to electrical power systems component selection. Connections is designed for the equipment designer who wants to design oneproduct for sale globally. Past editions of Connections will be available on www.interpower.com as long as they are technically up-to-date.
Connections: Helping You Design for Export Markets
* National Electric Code Article 400, Table 400-5 (A).** The ampacities under subheading A apply to 3-conductor cords and other multi-conductor cords connected to three phase loads so that only 3 conductors are current-carrying. The ampaci-
ties under subheading B apply to 2-conductor cords and other multi-conductor cords connected to single phase loads so that only 2 conductors are current-carrying.
Problem:You are designing a product for sale inNorth America. What North Americancable do you specify to connect yourproduct to the power mains?
In order to specify the correct NorthAmerican cable you need to ask yourselfsome important questions.
How much current will my product draw at 115 VAC?
What size cable do I need?
What are the implications for cable selection given the intended use of myequipment and the environment in which it will be used?
Current DrawnYou can quickly estimate the amount ofcurrent drawn by your product at 115VAC ifyou know the current drawn at 230VAC.Typically, current draw at 115VAC is twotimes the current draw at 230VAC. Consultthe Flexible Cords and Cables AmpacityChart for a guide to appropriate cable sizesgiven the required ampacity. This chart willhelp you determine the correct A.W.G.(American Wire Gauge).
Cable SizeNorth American cable is specified by thenumber and gauge of conductors. Thegauge uses an inverse relationship to thesize–the larger the number, the smaller the cable. Practically speaking, the
smallest North American cable with threeconductors is 3 x 18AWG (American WireGauge). This is usually expressed as18/3AWG. A cable sized 3 x 10 (10/3)would be larger, despite the smaller number. See the Flexible Cords and CablesAmpacity chart below, taken from theNational Electric Code Article 400, Table400-5 (A). If you are looking for a 10Acable, 3 x 18AWG may be just the size you are looking for. However, if the equipment handles more current, then you
will need to go to a larger cable, whichmeans a smaller AWG number.
Cable TypesWhen specifying the cable, the intendeduse of the equipment and the environmentin which it will be used play a major role. The outer jacket on North Americanpower cable is typically thermoplastic orrubber. Each jacket type offers advantagesand disadvantages to the end user.
Thermoplastic cable is usually less expensive than rubber, as well as lighterweight and used in the majority of cases.This makes it an attractive choice for usewith items such as household appliances.
Rubber cable can be more costly, but doeshave its advantages. Rubber tends to bemore durable, with high levels of water andabrasion resistance. These factors make it an attractive choice for factories and foroutdoor applications, such as professionalhand tools at construction sites.
However, some types of cable, such as TPE(Thermoplastic Elastomer) jacketed cable,also exhibit some of these performancecharacteristics. This outer jacket compoundis a high molecular density PVC, which is resistant to ultraviolet light, abrasion,extreme cold, and most chemicals.Designers may want to carefully reviewrequirements against some of the newercable types before making a final selection.
S = Service grade (also means extra hard service when not followed by J, V, or P)J = Hard serviceV = Vacuum cleaner cord—also light duty cableP = Parallel cable (also known as zip cord)—Always light dutyE = Thermoplastic elastomerO = Oil resistant T = ThermoplasticW = Water resistant—also Ultra-violet stabilised for outdoor use—normally specified on water resistant cableH = Heater cableVW-1 = Flame retardantFT2 = Flame retardant
As a result of harmonizing UL62 and CSA C22.2 No. 49 flexible power cord standards,effective July 2, 1998, all “outdoor use” flexible cord will be marked “W.” The “A”marking has been phased out of the system and is no longer used.
Chart 2
Whereas HAR European cable is either PVC or rubber insulated andjacketed, North American standards provide for a wide variety ofinsulations, each of which is optimised for different applications andenvironmental conditions.
The size designation of North American cable is followed by a series of letters, such as “SJT” or “SOW.” These letters indicate thecharacteristics of the cable, such as the jacket type, water/chemicalresistance, and abrasion resistance. (See Chart 2). These designationsare stamped on the exterior jacket for quick and easy reference forthe end user, along with the pertinent UL/CSA references, per UL 62and CSA 49.
If you are using this cable for indoor use, a thermoplastic (PVC)cable would be specified. However, if this were for outdoor use, youwould need to find out what conditions (abrasion, water, oil, ultraviolet, sunlight) the cable needs to be protected from and choose the correct type using Chart 2.
This may seem hopelessly complex for a component as simple ascable. Actually, it is pretty simple in practice. If you are makingequipment that is used by professionals in laboratories or with computers or telecom equipment in offices or commercial environments, you will most likely want to specify SJT PVC insulated cable. This is far and away the most common cable specified. It is only when you have exposure to oil, water, heat, or other severe conditions that the power cable selection processbecomes more rigorous.
High Power IEC 60309 Inlets and Receptacles Interpower Corporation announces its newly-expanded line of Interpower High Power inlets and receptacles.
The Interpower High Power inlets and receptacles are IP 44–67 rated for dust andsplashing water. They are used for connection to equipment rated from 16–125Awith service at 120–480VAC. Applications could include equipment designed forindustry or factory, foodservice, computer servers, construction, and entertainmentlocations that may have a need for locking, dust and moisture resistant, largeamperage connectors. The connection devices have CSA, UL, and/or VDE, so areapproved for North American and international use.
* Seldom used** Used with small consumer appliances† Used with small consumer heating appliances
Cable Type Selection GuideWhere is the end destination for the cable?
What is the application? Indoor: Jacket material typically PVC
UL Type: SJT or SVT recommended
Outdoor/Industrial: Jacket material typically Rubber, TPE, or PVC
UL Type: SOW, SJTOW, SEOW, or SJEOW recommended
What are your power needs? Indoor: Circuit voltage type 120 or 120/240 and typically 15A or under
Typically rated at 300VAC
Outdoor/Industrial:Circuit voltage type 120, 120/208 or 120/240 and typically 20A or under
Typically rated at 300VAC or 600V AC
What temperature will the cable be subjected to?
Indoor: Typical indoor room temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C. Properly operating equipment maygenerate an additional 30°C, therefore cable for indoor applications is typically rated at least 60°C. Ifyou are using a heating appliance, you may want to use a rubber jacketed cable or special heater typecable such as HPN cable.
Outdoor/Industrial: Ambient temperatures and the equipment typically are at higher temperatureextremes and therefore the cable may need to be rated from -50°C up to 90°C or up to 105°C.
How will the cable be connected? Handwired Strain Relief with PG threads: page 8
UL listed, CSA certifiedColour coding of conductors: see footnote
3-Wire PVC (Thermoplastic) Jacket
The North American cable below is fillerless and availablewith BW, BWG, BWG/Y, or BBG/Y* colour coded conductors.The advantage of fillerless cable is the elimination of paperfillers, which eliminates the need to remove the filler when the cable is terminated. This saves time and eliminates the possibility of assembler injury. There is no performance
difference between Interpower fillerless cable andInterpower cable with filler. Note, fillerless cable is smaller in diameter than conventional cable with similar ratings. Fillerless cable is available from stock in white, black, grey, tan, yellow, and orange. Call for other coloursavailable by special order.
* Wiring Code: BBG/Y: brown (line), blue (neutral), green/yellow (ground); BWG: black (line), white (neutral), green (ground); G: green (ground) BWG/Y: Black (line), white (neutral), green/yellow (ground)
≈Circular Approx.Part Conductor Cable Colour Max. Temp. Jacket Approx. Mil O.D. (nom.)Number Size Type Code Rating Rating Colour Stranding Area (mm)
86030260 2 x 18AWG SPT-2 none 10A/300V 60°C Black 41/34 gauge 1608 flat
86030270 2 x 16AWG SPT-2 none 13A/300V 60°C Black 26/30 gauge 2613 flat
UL listed, CSA certified
2-Wire Flat PVC (Thermoplastic) Jacket
UL listed, CSA certified
3-Wire Flat PVC (Thermoplastic) Jacket
≈Circular Approx.Part Conductor Cable Colour Max. Temp. Jacket Approx. Mil O.D. (nom.)Number Size Type Code Rating Rating Colour Stranding Area (mm)
86030340 3 x 18AWG SPT-3 G* 10A/300V 60°C Black 41/34 gauge 1608 4.4x9.8
86030350 3 x 16AWG SPT-3 G* 13A/300V 60°C Black 26/30 gauge 2613 4.7x11.2
86030360 3 x 14AWG SPT-3 G/Y* 18A/300V 60°C Black 41/30 gauge 4121 6.0x13.2
86030370 3 x 12AWG SPT-3 G* 25A/300V 60°C Black 65/30 gauge 6500 7.4x15.8
UL listed, CSA certifiedColour coding of conductors: BWG: black (line), white (neutral), green (ground)
3-Wire TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Jacket
UL listed, CSA certifiedColour coding of conductors: BW: black (line), white (neutral)
2-Wire TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) Jacket
≈Circular Approx.Part Conductor Cable Type Colour Max. Temp. Jacket Approx. Mil O.D. (nom.)Number Size (UL/CSA) Code Rating Colour Stranding Area (mm)
86030560 3 x 18AWG SJEOW/SJTOW BWG 10A/300V -50°C to 105°C Black 16/30 gauge 1600 7.8
86030540 3 x 18AWG SEOW/STOW BWG 10A/600V -50°C to 105°C Black 16/30 gauge 1600 9.4
86030550 3 x 16AWG SJEOW/SJTOW BWG 13A/300V -50°C to 105°C Black 26/30 gauge 2613 8.8
86030520 3 x 16AWG SEOW/STOW BWG 13A/600V -50°C to 105°C Black 26/30 gauge 2613 9.9
86030510 3 x 14AWG SEOW/STOW BWG 18A/600V -50°C to 105°C Black 41/30 gauge 4121 13.7
86030530 3 x 14AWG SJEOW/SJTOW BWG 18A/300V -50°C to 105°C Black 41/30 gauge 4121 9.4
86030500 3 x 12AWG SEOW/STOW BWG 25A/600V -50°C to 105°C Black 65/30 gauge 6500 16.1
≈Circular Approx.Part Conductor Cable Type Colour Max. Temp. Jacket Approx. Mil O.D. (nom.)Number Size (UL/CSA) Code Rating Colour Stranding Area (mm)
86030610 2 x 16AWG SJEOW/SJTO BW 13A/300V -50°0 to 105°C Black 26/30 gauge 2613 8.0
86030620 2 x 14AWG SJEOW/SJTO BW 18A/300V -50°C to 105°C Black 41/30 gauge 4121 9.1
Added flexibility and durability!The North American cable below features a very flexible TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) jacket. This jacket compound is a highmolecular density PVC. It is resistant to ultra-violet light, abrasion, extreme cold, and most chemicals. Cable meets and exceedsUL62 tensile strength requirements. These properties are excellent for applications that brave the elements.
≈Circular Approx.Part Conductor Cable Colour Max. Temp. Jacket Approx. Mil O.D. (nom.)Number Size Type Code Rating Colour Stranding Area (mm)
86024060 3 x 18AWG SJT BWG* 10A/300V 60°C Black 16/30 gauge 1600 8.3
86024000 3 x 18AWG SJT BBG/Y* 10A/300V 60°C Black 16/30 gauge 1600 8.3
86024050 3 x 18AWG SVT BWG* 10A/300V 60°C Black 41/34 gauge 1608 6.5
86024010 3 x 16AWG SJT BBG/Y* 13A/300V 60°C Black 26/30 gauge 2613 8.8
86024040 3 x 14AWG SJT BBG/Y* 18A/300V 60°C Black 41/30 gauge 4121 9.7
86024030 3 x 12AWG SJT BBG/Y* 25A/300V 60°C Black 65/30 gauge 6500 11.6
3-Wire Shielded CableUL listed, CSA certifiedColour coding of conductors: see footnote
The North American shielded cable below is PVC jacketed and available in black with BWG or BBG/Y* colour coding. It utilisesPVC insulation, paper filler, and an aluminum foil shield with a drain wire and tissue paper separator.
North American Shielded Cable
* Wiring Code: BBG/Y: brown (line), blue (neutral), green/yellow (ground); BWG: black (line), white (neutral), green (ground)
North American Cable-Mount Plug with PVC Cable Sleeve20–30A IP44 (splash resistant)
Note: Clock position determined by receptacle making plug appear backwards.
Plug Clock Number Approvals Amps Volts Recommended Mating Receptacle Dimensions (mm)Part Number Position of Pins (A) (VAC) Cable Straight (pg138) Angle (pg138) A B C D E I.D.
North American Cable-Mount Connector with PVC Cable Sleeve20–30A IP44 (splash resistant)
I.D.
C
AB
®
Connector Clock Number Approvals Amps Volts Recommended Mating Inlet Dimensions (mm)Part Number Position of Pins (A) (VAC) Cable Straight (pg139) Angle (pg131) A B C I.D.
• Order by the metre with 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
• Interpower Components Ltd. is ISO 9001 Certified
General Conditions: Orders are accepted by Interpower Components Ltd. on these conditions:In the event that customer’s purchase conditionsare in variance with our own, the order will only beaccepted if these are waived by the customer orspecially agreed in writing.Prices: All prices quoted are net and F.O.B.Blakelands, Milton Keynes. Prices quoted morethan 30 days before date of ordering may be subject to price 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 thegoods are 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 incorporated in 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 willbe accepted on the basis that a confirmation willbe received either by fax or post.Scheduled Orders: Orders will be accepted with up to 12 deliveries over 12 months. InterpowerComponents Ltd. reserves the right to withhold a delivery if payment terms are not met by the purchaser.Urgent Orders: Orders can be despatched out theday of ordering providing instructions are receivedbefore 1 PM.Special Orders: Orders for products made to customer’s own instructions are not subject to cancellation.Return Material Authorization (RMA): Materialsfor return 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 if notification is not received within 12 days of despatch.Refused Shipments: On occasions that goods are returned and then a request is made by thecustomer to redeliver goods, all transport costswill be charged to the customer.Catalogue Specifications: All specifications listedin our catalogue or in other data sheets issued byInterpower Components Ltd. are based on our knowledge and understanding of the products asof the 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 duplicated in any manner without written authorisation of Interpower Components Ltd.
Ordering Information: Policies and Procedures
The next issue of Connections will feature IEC 60320 connectors.