If you have UL Listing, then you must ship a power cord with each unit. The
cord shipped must be acceptable for the target country - i.e., have the
appropriate safety approval.
----------
From: CRAIG HENSLEY [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 1998 3:20 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Questions on Plug Adapters
My company manufacturers external high capacity disk drive systems
(computer peripherals) which are shipped worldwide.
North American shipments include an ac-dc direct plug-in power
supply.
International shipments include an ac-dc "desk-top" power supply
along
with the appropriate detachable cord set. All the power supplies we
use
are UL-Listed, TUV, CSA, and SAA certified. Cordsets carry all the
appropriate certifications/approvals.
There have been some grumblings internally because of the many
international system "configurations" that must be maintained due to
the
number of different cord-sets. Depending on where a particular
drive is
being sent dictates the type of cord set that is included. This
introduces
additional control, inventory, and warehousing problems.
One suggestion that has been made is to ship one style of cord (or
power supply) with several different plug adapters. Then we
wouldn't
have to worry so much about what power cord goes with what drive.
For example, in South America the direct plug-in power supply could
be
provided along with the Euro and Australian style plug adapters.
In Europe, the "desk-top" power supply and Euro-style cord-set could
be
provided along with a UK style plug adapter.
I am not comfortable with this at all and am hoping that some of you
out
there have had some experience with these types of plug adapters.
My
questions/concerns are:
* How can the connection to the AC mains be ensured when using a
plug adapter?
* One company claims they have a UL recognized plug adapter.
However, I can't find anything more with regards to safety
certifications.
I don't think TUV will even certify this type of adapter. What
about the
other agencies?
* Does anyone have any additional recommendations to help
accommodate the various worldwide plug styles? I got to believe
others
have gone through this same "dilemma".
* How "acceptable" is it to provide a product without a cord and
just
have the user procure the cord set applicable for their particular
country?
* Is anyone aware of other manufacturers that include plug adapters
with their products?
* Which is worse? Providing the direct plug-in power supply with
plug
adapters, or providing the "desk-top" power supply and detachable
cord
set with plug adapters.
Any and all information is appreciated as I am once again in the
unenviable position of potentially squashing another brilliant
marketing
idea. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing, but as soon as
someone starts changing the product interfaces with the AC-mains I
get
a little nervous.
Thanks,
Craig Hensley
Iomega Corp.
Roy, UT.
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