[Discuss] Server Room Power

[cra at WPI.EDU (Chuck Anderson)]

On Sat, Oct 15, 2011 at 10:55:31AM -0400, Chuck Anderson wrote:
> On Wed, Oct 12, 2011 at 09:08:05AM -0400, Jerry Feldman wrote:
> >> We are running 2 208VAC circuits. We have 7 old Intel Whitebox systems  
> ...
> > (http://goo.gl/L3GpJ). I preferred the 5-20R because all of my systems  
> > can plug directly into it without me having to add additional cables.
> 
> 5-20R are not spec'ed for use at 208V.  It is against electrical code
> to use them on 208V circuits.  That is why PDUs often have IEC
> 60320-C19 outlets and C20 inlets on them--they are universal for use
> with 120/200/208/230/240V circuits, depending on the input cord
> selection.

Clarifying my answer... all IEC 60320 couplers are rated to 250V so
they can all be used for 120V, 208V, etc.  The different pairs
C13/C14, C19/C20 refer to their maximum current ratings, temperature
ratings, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320

For NEMA connectors such as 5-20, the number 5 refers to a 125V
rating.  6 would be used for a 250V rating.  "L" would be used to
indicate a twist-lock style connector.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector