Rich,

I agree with your explanation, but I think that the requirements are 
not properly worded.

Both cl 1.2.5.1 and 1.2.5.2 say ...plug and socket-outlet OR an 
appliance coupler OR both.  If my product uses an IEC320 plug for the 
wall, and an IEC309 ac inlet to the product, is it type A or B?

In 1.2.5.1, since I'm using a non industrial plug (IEC320) I could say 
that I am type A.

In 1.2.5.2, since I'm using an industrial appliance coupler (IEC309) I 
could say that I am type B.

Which is correct?  I agree with your rationale in that you should only 
be type B where you can expect a good ground, therefore since my plug 
is non industrial, this product is type A.  However, if I reverse the 
ends (309 plug and 320 inlet), I can go with type B.  This latter case 
wouldn't make much sense powerwise (I would be limited by the 10A 
input rating of the inlet), but I could get around a high leakage 
situation.

I think that the requirements should only consider the plug 
configuration.

Your thoughts?

Glenn Lesmeister
[email protected]

Compaq                  Tel: 281-514-5163
20555 SH 249, MS60607   Fax: 281-514-8029
Houston, TX 77070-2698  Pgr: 713-786-4930


-----Original Message-----
From:   Rich Nute [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent:   Tuesday, January 20, 1998 7:46 PM
To:     [email protected]
Cc:     [email protected]
Subject:        Re: EN-60950 Question ...



Hi Doug:


You ask:

>   Questions:  If you claim your equipment is
>               pluggable type equipment type A:
>
>       Are you exempt from 5.2.5 ???

Sort of.  If you are Pluggable Type A, then you
cannot exceed 3.5 mA leakage current.  If you do
not exceed 3.5 mA leakage current, then Sub-clause
5.2.5 does not apply.

>       Are you allowed to use IEC-320 connectors?

You can use IEC 320 connectors IF your leakage
current is less than 3.5 mA.

If you use IEC 320 connectors and your leakage
current is more than 3.5 mA, then you fail the
leakage current test and do not comply with IEC
950.

If you then change the connector to IEC 309 or
equivalent AND mark the product per Sub-clause
5.2.5, then you comply with IEC 950.

>       What really constitutes the difference between
>       pluggable type equipment type A versus pluggable
>       type equipment type B?  Just the plug?

Pluggable Type A and Pluggable Type B are defined by
the plug.

If you are Pluggable Type A, then leakage current
cannot exceed 3.5 mA.

If you are Pluggable Type B, then leakage current
can exceed 3.5 mA PROVIDED you mark the product.

If you are Pluggable Type B and your leakage current
is less than 3.5 mA, then you do not need to mark
the product.

>       Or better, what is the spirit behind all this?

The spirit is that if you have high leakage current
(which I understand is unavoidable in very large
equipment), then you must have a reliable and robust
ground to carry away the leakage current.  If you
have seen an IEC 309 connector pair, you will see
that it is virtually impossible to defeat the ground.
So, TC 74 specified industrial-grade plugs for such
applications rather than outlawing high leakage current.

Furthermore, the presumption is that high leakage
currents are associated with high-power-consumption
products that would tend to use IEC 309 connectors
anyway.

>       Do you have to state this in product material
>       to the customer?

No.  At least, such a statement is not required by
IEC 950 -- only the marking on the product.


Best regards from the Super Bowl,
Rich



-------------------------------------------------------------
 Richard Nute                             Quality Department
 Hewlett-Packard Company           Product Regulations Group
 San Diego Division (SDD)          Tel   :      619 655 3329
 16399 West Bernardo Drive         FAX   :      619 655 4979
 San Diego, California 92127       e-mail:  [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------



>   From [email protected] Tue Jan 20 15:28:51 PST 
1998
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>   From: "Doug McKean" <[email protected]>
>   To: "EMC-PSTC" <[email protected]>
>   Subject: EN-60950 Question ...
>   Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 16:35:43 -0500
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>
>   Situation:  Piece of equipment measures over
>               3.5 milli-amps for earth leakage test:
>
>       According to EN-60950
>
>       "5.2.5: Equipment with an earth leakage current
>        exceeding 3,5 mA
>
>        CLASS I STATIONARY that is PERMANENTLY CONNECTED
>        EQUIPMENT, or that is PLUGGABLE EQUIPMENT TYPE B ... "
>
>       then three conditions follow one of which is
>       labeling requirements.
>
>       Definition of PLUGGABLE EQUIPMENT TYPE B
>       is located in 1.2.5.2.
>
>
>   Questions:  If you claim your equipment is
>               pluggable type equipment type A:
>               Definition of pluggable type equipment
>               type A is located in 1.2.5.1.
>
>       Are you exempt from 5.2.5 ???
>
>       Are you allowed to use IEC-320 connectors?
>
>       What really constitutes the difference between
>       pluggable type equipment type A versus pluggable
>       type equipment type B?  Just the plug?
>
>       Or better, what is the spirit behind all this?
>
>       Do you have to state this in product material
>       to the customer?
>
>   Regards, Doug
>
>

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