In North America, you cannot have a mechanical attachment for the plug if that attachment requires the use of a tool to release it. A bracket screwed over the plug would make it permanently connected, and you are not to use flexible cords for permanent connections.
The best alternate is a locking outlet. There are NEMA WD-6 locking configurations for all standard non-locking plug types. The NEMA L5-15P is the locking version of the standard three-prong plug. It is not common, but it is available. You can get duplex NEMA L5-15R receptacles that are the same form factor as a standard duplex receptacle. These locking outlets are a twist-lock type. It takes a slight rotation of the plug to lock it into place, but then it is difficult to accidentally knock loose. You can still disconnect it easily when required. Note that it is acceptable to use a bracket to connect the receptacle of a detachable power cord to an appliance inlet on equipment. In this case, you are basically converting a detachable power cord into a non-detachable power cord. These types of brackets are common and will be accepted by an NRTL or electrical inspector. However, the plug end of the cord must still be detachable by hand. Ted Eckert The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. --- On Mon, 7/28/08, Stone, Richard <[email protected]> wrote: From: Stone, Richard <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Requirements for Power On/OFF Switch...US and EU Europe To: [email protected], [email protected], "Christine Rodham" <[email protected]> Date: Monday, July 28, 2008, 10:53 AM Hello Group I was recently at a facility and the equipment's AC power cable (USA type) Hads a bracket screwed over the end of the AC cable so it could not be pulled out accidentally so the equipment didn't lose power by someone knocking it out accidentaly.....is this valid? Securing it permantanly and no longer a quick disconnect..... Picture the male AC end going to the wall outlet, but screwed in, not just plugged in. Thank you, Richard, -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ted Eckert Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 2:47 PM To: [email protected]; Christine Rodham Subject: Re: Requirements for Power On/OFF Switch...US and EU Europe Generally, the plug can serve as the disconnect. Your instructions must state that the plug is the disconnect, and you must also state that the equipment shall be plugged into an outlet that is easily accessible and near the equipment. Take a look at IEC/UL 60950-1 sections 1.7.2 and 3.4.9 for the details for ITE. Ted Eckert The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. --- On Mon, 7/21/08, Christine Rodham <[email protected]> wrote: From: Christine Rodham <[email protected]> Subject: Requirements for Power On/OFF Switch...US and EU Europe To: [email protected] Date: Monday, July 21, 2008, 1:17 PM Hi List Members, We purchased a networking product that will reside in the Customer Premise ( CPE) environment. ( FCC class A in the US ) We noticed that the unit DOES NOT have a power switch or a mains disconnect. In order to turn the unit off you have to pull out the plug from the unit or the wall. This units runs on 120V- 220V auto-range. Does this violate any safety rules in the US or Europe? The unit has an NRTL mark on it but is seems a little bizarre that it does not have a way of disconnecting power other than pulling out the plug. Anyone have any clarification on this...... Thank you! Christine Rodham - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
