Power Cord Flexibility
Tester

+ View More Images

Power Cord Flexibility Tester

Application

This test checks the protection of the supply cord where it enters the appliance. Appliances provided with a supply cord that are moved while in operation shall be constructed so that the supply cord is adequately protected against excessive flexing where it enters the appliance. This does not apply for appliances with automatic cord reels.

This application example refers to IEC 60335-1:2001. Other standards may have different requirements. The part of the appliance that includes the inlet opening is mounted to the oscillating portion of the SafQ Power Cord Flexibility Tester. A weight is applied to the cord and the tail of the cord is connected to the test instrument to supply the rated voltage and current of the test specimen. The specimen is then oscillated 45° each side of vertical for 10,000 flexings (20,000 for type Z attachments) at a rate of 60 flexings per minute. Halfway through the test, the cord and its related parts are turned 90°.

A successful construction will not have a short circuit between conductors, a breakage of more than 10% of the strands of any conductor, separation of the conductor from its terminal, loosening of the cord guard, damage to the cord or cord guard which could impair compliance, or broken strands piercing the insulation and becoming accessible.

Instrument

The SafQ FS-1021 Power Cord Flexibility Tester is designed to meet the specific requirements of major international standards while also supplying maximum flexibility for different specimen types. The specimen mounting bars and clamps are adjustable to allow for the fixing of many different shapes and sizes of specimens. The cords are connected to the Tester so power can be supplied to the specimen during the test. The controller allows the user to set the number of flexing and the flexing speed. The instrument will automatically stop if a short circuit is detected in the specimen or when then the preset number of flexing is reached.

Features

  • Four test stations
  • Programmable controller
  • Auto stop when test ends or specimen fails
  • Auto record of counts of each station
  • Auto stop at 50% test completion so specimens can be turned 90°
  • Adjustable clamps per sample dimensions
  • Power supply to each specimen

Conforms To

IEC60335-1, IEC 60745-1, UL1082，UL1005, UL1647, GB4706.1