NR010/20/21 Series Convenience Sockets

Schurter's 5-15R NEMA receptacles meet UL requirements for mismating and leak testing

Image of Schurter's NR010/20/21 Series Convenience Receptacles Schurter's newest NR010, NR020 and NR021 NEMA 5-15R Series convenience receptacles combine classic features with new functionality. The NR020 and NR021 series meet UL 498 test requirements for mis-insertion resistance to meet higher fire and safety standards. Both series are also designed for domestic and commercial furniture and Furniture Power Distribution Units (FPDUs) according to UL 962 and UL 962A.

The concept of an anti-misplug socket is not a recent development. These devices have been standard offerings from manufacturers of cabling equipment such as the familiar duplex units, patch panels and power distribution units for many years. These devices are designed to protect individuals (primarily children) from accidental electric shock caused by the insertion of foreign objects in accordance with Section 406.12 of the National Electrical Code NEC?, which specifies that all 15 A and 20 A, 20 A, 125 V and 250 V non-locking receptacles must be protected against electric shock. In 2017, changes to this regulation expanded the requirements and locations. Mis-plugging sockets were previously required in residential units, hotel and motel rooms and suites, and child care facilities. The expanded regulations extend these safety devices to preschool and elementary education facilities, commercial offices, hallways, clinics, waiting rooms and outpatient facilities in medical and dental practices, and crowded areas such as waiting areas, gyms, ice rinks, auditoriums and dormitory). The locations of these extensions are areas that often have small children.

Mis-insertion-proof receptacles feature a UL-recognized safety shutter system that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacles. The safety shutter will only open when both tabs are inserted at the same time. Other tests included in UL 498 include probe testing, shock testing, mechanical endurance testing, and dielectric withstand voltage testing for mis-mating receptacles (TRR). After passing all of the above performance tests, the mis-mating receptacle must bear the word Tamper Resistant or the letters TR on the device to clearly indicate its compliance.

The NR020 and NR021 series also have the option of adding an insulating wall between the L, N terminals and are designed for use in domestic and commercial furniture and FPDUs. Insulated walls enable the leak test requirements outlined by UL 962 Sec.62, otherwise manufacturers would need to design more complex and costly systems.

With the proliferation of usage and functionality, packaging densities for data communications and storage devices continue to revolutionize. As demand continues to grow, miniaturized components will meet the growing demands of equipment manufacturers, and these advances will be accompanied by increases in supportable ambient temperatures. The NR010 and NR020 series have an operating temperature range of -25°C to +150°C to meet these growing power demands. In addition, the NR010 with IDC terminals is available in a version with separate L terminals. The neutral and ground terminals can still be connected to the bus, while the line terminals can accept a UL rated maximum load of 15 A 125 V, increasing the functionality of each outlet.