On January 6, 1997 Bob Johnson wrote:
>Does anyone know any reason why the IEC 320 C-14 connector style cannot
>be used for DC power? Specifically, we have an application for primary
>power entry in the 48-70 Vdc range, typical of telecom applications, and
>I see no clear reason for redesign to implement a different connector.
>It is commonly used for 100-250 Vac and 50-60 Hz. However, does common
>usage exclude it from other similar applications? Are ther code
>restrictions somewhere which would interfere with it?
>The connectors are typically marked with an ac rating, but I would
>expect approval in the application would be achievable, at least for the
>electrical characteristics. I suppose someone would gripe about its
>conventionality.
>Regarding alternatives, is there a "typical" appliance connector used in
>the telecom industry for this DC power distribution?
>Bob Johnson
Bob,
The potential (no pun intended) problem with using the IEC 320 connector for dc
is that someday someone is going to try to hook it up to 100-250 Vac.
The way around that is to do exactly just that to see if there is indeed a risk
of fire or electrical shock.
As to an industry standard dc connector, I do not know of one. We use a listed
crimp connector that is afterwards coated with an insulation.
Eric Petitpierre
Pulsecom
Herndon, VA
[email protected]
