Evaluation results of appliance coupler for 400V DC

The basic characteristics of a 400 VDC appliance coupler for use in the power input module of ICT equipment in data centers and similar facilities are reported. When ICT equipment is powered at 400 VDC, the electrical characteristics differ from when conventional AC power is used and greater safety considerations are required. To maintain safety, the appliance coupler used in this evaluation is equipped with an arc extinguishing function that uses a permanent magnet. Other concerns when DC power is used include the need for evaluation of specifications for control of the temperature rise when voltage is increased and current interrupt when a circuit is opened. Without products that have an arc extinguishing function or standards for a 400 VDC appliance coupler, there were no clear criteria to be used for evaluation of safety. We therefore evaluated the 400 VDC appliance coupler with reference to the IEC standards related to plugs and socket-outlets. Temperature tests showed that the temperature increase was 45 K or less when a current of 15 A was applied to the appliance coupler for one hour. The current breaking test showed that was possible to interrupt the current normally and no abnormality of the internal contacts was seen after 5000 insertions and extractions under a current of 12 A and supplied voltage of 400 VDC with a resistance load connected.