Testing locking style Extension cords

[Nycedreemz]

I have seen many different testers online for only 3 wire setups. I was just wondering if anybody has ever seen a compact tester to test locking assemblies for Polarity, continuity and things like that.

I have a hi-pot tester but its sort of a pain to change out all my leads just to move from AC withstand to a continuity check. A voltmeter does fine in checking continuity, and if the continuity checks out on all conductors then the polarity is correct as long as continuity tests out on the right pole.

While in the process of obtaining a UL certification for product production, UL likes to see a specific testing sequence take place rather than the assumption made from the results of another type of test.

Just curious if anyone has seen or heard of a tester for locking devices 3, 4, or 5 wire?

Thanks in advance for any help or ideas

 

[petersonra]

I don't know that someone makes an OTS unit, but we have made similar test fixtures. Such a fixture would be pretty straight forward.

 

[Nycedreemz]

I don't know that someone makes an OTS unit, but we have made similar test fixtures. Such a fixture would be pretty straight forward.

I could definitely build what is needed to make this happen. UL doesn't care how functional and purpose serving it would be. If it isn't something that is a listed testing device to begin with then it is not considered a valid testing component.

UL will begin to tear it apart with all these requirements for calibration and operator safety junk. A continuity test on a un-energized cord has never hurt anybody. While I respect that safety is a must, some of this UL requirement stuff is a headache and a half.

I have paid the initial fees to get the ball rolling on my own UL listing to the tune of about $4,000 so im in to deep to give up on it, now i'm beginning to regret jumping the gun on it instead of doing more homework on all the fine little details ya know.

 

[GoldDigger]

I don't know that someone makes an OTS unit, but we have made similar test fixtures. Such a fixture would be pretty straight forward.

I would expect that if you take a tester for the same number and function of contacts and run it through an adapter to the actual connector type you want to test, UL would not have a problem with that.
As long as the voltage and current ratings to be tested matched and the adapter passed the test on its own, it will be a valid test of the cord with locking connectors and the identical (automated?) sequence of tests will be valid.

 

[Nycedreemz]

I would expect that if you take a tester for the same number and function of contacts and run it through an adapter to the actual connector type you want to test, UL would not have a problem with that.
As long as the voltage and current ratings to be tested matched and the adapter passed the test on its own, it will be a valid test of the cord with locking connectors and the identical (automated?) sequence of tests will be valid.

My problem so far is even finding a unit that will do four or five wire. My hi-pot tester even came with a 5-15/20R test unit.

I built all of my own adaptors to perform the ACW and DCW tests. This works for the dielectric tests because hots and neutrals are energized together during that test, ground is the only return. When doing a continuity and polarity though, all conductors must be separated in order to read correctly.

I almost feel that i may have to create a master board with all different possible combinations on the board and with all the terminals seperated on individual teminal strips or something like that.