Hospital Grade Power Cords

Hospital Grade Power Cord Technical Data

What Is a Hospital Grade Power Cord?

Hospital-grade power cords, or the “Green-Dot” power cords, are a mandatory requirement in North America in any hospital environment where a human (patients, nurses, doctors, etc.) might come in contact with a power cord. Hospital-grade power cords are built to withstand the demanding safety and performance codes of every medical facility. The hospital grade power cords must meet UL817 and CAN/CSA C22.2 standards and are designed to specifications mentioned in the Medical Equipment Standards: UL 60601-1 and CAN/CSA C2.2 no 21. Our cords are made in the USA.

Hospital Grade Power Cord Requirements

The strict standards that govern these power cords set forth clear standards that hospital grade power cords must meet. These requirements state that these power cords must:

• Have larger plug bodies to eliminate the risk of wire to outer body shock
• Be constructed with solid pins and plug bodies to withstand greater pull forces
• Have an internal strain relief device to secure the wire jacket.

Testing Hospital Grade Power Cords

A special, hospital grade power cable must be used with electronic devices in healthcare facilities to prevent grounding issues. Hospital-grade power cables are designed to provide optimal grounding qualities and withstand tight radii bend without incurring damage.

Tests undergone by hospital grade power cords include:

• Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test
• Insulation Resistance
• Flexing Test
• Force Necessary to Insert and to Withdraw Connector
• Temperature Test
• Strain Relief Test
• Impact Resistance Test
• Accelerated Ageing Test

Advantages of Kord King Hospital Grade Power Cords

Kord King specializes in manufacturing hospital grade power cords that exceed specification standards for safety, reliability, durability, and performance. Some of the extra features that are added to all of our hospital grade power cords include:

• Built-in internal strain relief to prevent cord-plug body separation
• Heavy-duty nickel-plated solid brass blades and pins
• Pins are crimped and soldered to cable conductors for increased durability and performance
• A one-piece, molded, and ergonomic design that makes handling comfortable and easy while also providing superior protection against the penetration of liquids, solvents, and cleaning agents

Types of Hospital Grade Power Cords

Hospital grade power cords are available in a variety of colors to simplify the color-coding and identification at any facility. They can also be manufactured at 10, 15, and 20 Amps and 125 to 250 volts with a wide variety of wire types. Kord King hospital grade power cords are UL listed and CSA approved, RoHS and Prop 65 compliant, and are available in 3 wire grounded styles, including:

• NEMA 5-15P
• NEMA 5-20P
• NEMA 6-15P
• NEMA 6-20P

Hospital Grade Power Cord Construction

Hospital grade power cords incorporate reinforced plug bodies, solid blades, & ground pin internal strain relief systems to withstand repeated use. All blades & ground pins are soldered to wire to ensure a strong and lasting connection. Wire size compatibility ranges from 18/3 to 12/3, depending on the NEMA pattern and amperage rating. These cords are designed to meet UL817 and CAN/CSA C22.2 requirements, along with the performance expectations outlined in UL 60601 1 for medical equipment. Each configuration supports dependable conductivity and mechanical strength in environments where equipment is frequently repositioned or adjusted.

Performance and Testing Standards

To ensure consistent operation in healthcare settings, hospital grade power cords undergo a series of mechanical and electrical evaluations. These include dielectric withstand testing, insulation resistance measurement, flexing cycles, insertion and withdrawal force checks, temperature exposure, strain relief verification, impact resistance, and accelerated aging. These tests help confirm that the cords maintain grounding integrity and resist damage from tight bends or repeated handling.

Design Features for Medical Environments

Hospital grade power cords incorporate features that support safe operation around patients and staff. Plug bodies are molded as single pieces to reduce the risk of moisture intrusion and improve handling comfort. Solid brass blades with nickel plating support long term conductivity, while crimped and soldered terminations reinforce mechanical strength. These cords are available in multiple colors to support facility level identification and equipment grouping.

Available Hospital Grade Power Cord Options

The product lineup includes NEMA 5 15P, 5 20P, 6 15P, and 6 20P configurations with amperage ratings from 10 to 20 amps and voltage options from 125 to 250. UL listing, CSA approval, RoHS compliance, and Prop 65 adherence support use in regulated medical environments. Multiple wire types and grounded three wire constructions allow integration with a wide range of medical devices.

FAQ

What Defines a Hospital Grade Power Cord?

A hospital grade power cord is a medical rated cord set built to UL817 and CAN/CSA C22.2 requirements, featuring reinforced construction and a “green dot” marking to indicate compliance.

Why Are Hospital Grade Power Cords Used in Medical Facilities?

They provide secure grounding, durable plug construction, and reliable retention, supporting equipment used near patients and clinical staff.

Which NEMA Patterns Are Available for Hospital Grade Power Cords?

Available configurations include NEMA 5 15P, 5 20P, 6 15P, and 6 20P, covering a range of voltage and amperage requirements.

How Are Hospital Grade Power Cords Tested for Performance?

They undergo electrical, mechanical, and environmental evaluations such as dielectric withstand testing, flexing cycles, strain relief testing, and impact resistance checks.

For more information on any of your needs relating to hospital grade power cords, contact us today.

Available in a variety of wire types*