Jim Since it is possible for a Schuko style plug to be connected to a mating socket outlet in one of two positions, it is impossible to ensure that the line-side (ie. LIVE) of the plug will always mate with the Live of the outlet. To ensure complete safety, therefore, it would be necessary to have protection in both lines. If you use an socket outlet conforming to IEC320 then, because it is impossible to reverse the conductors, it would be logical to assume that you would only need to protect the Live.
In the UK all fused plugs, switched and unswitched socket outlets must conform with BS1363 : 1984. Due to the arrangement of the Live/Neutral/Earth connections it is impossible to reverse the Live & Neutral conductors. A single fuse (13A max) would be sufficient in the Live conductor. The pin arrangement of Australian plugs and socket outlets also prevent connections to the Live and Neutral being reversed and hence a single fuse would be sufficient. (Max. ratings of plug and socket = 10A/250VAC). Arthur Poolton Approvals Manager Mitsibishi Electric - PC Division (Apricot Computers Limited) >---------- >From: [email protected][SMTP:[email protected]] >Sent: 27 March 1997 21:46 >To: [email protected] >Subject: Overcurrent Protection for Receptacles > > >I am looking for some advice regarding overcurrent protection for a few >common international AC receptacles. > >Suppose we have a product that takes an input of 120/208Y from a 30A >service, and we want to put a North American convenience outlet on it (Nema >5-15R). We would put a 15A fuse or breaker in series with the line side of >the 120V feed to this outlet, as required by the Canadian and US electrical >codes and reinforced by most CSA and UL safety standards. > >Now suppose we have a similar situation in a 230Vac product for the European >market, with say a 30A, 230Vac supply circuit to the product. Suppose this >is ITE so we are subject to EN60950 for Europe. If we want to put a Schuko >convenience outlet on the product, I assume we have to put overcurrent >protection ahead of it. Am I right in this assumption? If so, what is the >current rating required, and does the overcurrent protection have to be in >both sides of the supply or is a single item OK? Where is all of this >written down? > >I have the same questions regarding the British and Australian sockets too. > >Any help the forum can give me will be greatly appreciated. > >Jim Eichner >Statpower Technologies Corporation >[email protected] >The opinions expressed are those of my invisible friend, who denies anything >attributed to him by Egon Varju :>) > > >
