I am testing a semi-portable instrument which is intended for sales into the international market. It uses an IEC320 high-current (cold) appliance inlet. When powered by 230Vac, the instrument always draws less than 15A from the mains. When powered by 120Vac, however, it normally draws 10A, but for short periods (a few minutes per hour of operation) will draw as much as 30A.
Can anybody tell me which UL/CSA standards specify the current limits of appliance inlets? Do these standards preclude operation in excess of the 20A/125Vac limits, even for low duty cycles (I presume the limiting factor is heating of the contacts)? If so, can anybody suggest practical alternatives other than a bulky IEC309 connector or hard-wiring? Regards, John Quinlan [email protected]
