Hi Mike:
The standards require a “disconnect device.” Many manufacturers of
cord-connected products define the plug as the disconnect device, which then
allows a (functional, not a safeguard) single-pole mains switch.
Also, many products do not have a physical mains switch such as computers and
TVs; the only means for disconnection is the mains plug.
Some European products do have a separate all-pole mains switch as well as an
“on-off” switch.
The safety issue is that of servicing the product where circuits could be live.
An all-pole mains switch renders all circuits downstream from the switch as
dead (safe) and can be serviced while the product is plugged in. (Many
standards require minimum spacings across the open contacts of the disconnect
switch.)
Rich
From: Mike Sherman ----- Original Message ----- [mailto:msherma...@comcast.net]
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 8:17 AM
To: EMC-PSTC@LISTSERV.IEEE.ORG
Subject: [PSES] Double Pole Mains Switches, Cord Connected Products
Because of the lack of polarization on many 2 pin European plugs, I have always
recommended double pole mains switches on cord connected products for the EU
market. However, I am not finding support for this in standards such as
60335-1, 60601-1 or 62368-1.
Your thoughts will be appreciated, oh experienced group, on:
--safety issue involved
--standards that do require double pole (sometimes referred to as "all-pole")
mains switches.
Mike Sherman
Graco Inc.
-
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