2. Receptacle Classifications
GENERAL USE – UL498 & CSA C22.2 No. 42
FED SPEC GENERAL GRADE – Federal Specification WC596
HOSPITAL GRADE – UL498 Supplement and CSA C22.2 No. 42
FED SPEC HOSPITAL GRADE – Federal Specification WC596
Third party test laboratories are independent test laboratories who perform testing on a product to maintain the products safety when used in the applications the product was designed for.
Basic test and construction requirements for 15 and 20 amp receptacles are contained in UL498 and CSA 22.2, No. 42.
Receptacles meeting these standards will have a listing mark indicating the receptacles comply with the standard.
Listing marks may be UL, CSA, CUL, CSA-US, indicating compliance with UL or CSA standard.

3. Receptacle Markings CLASSIFICATIONS MARKINGS GENERAL USE FED SPEC
HOSPITAL GRADE
FED SPEC/
Third party test laboratories are independent test laboratories who perform testing on a product to maintain the products safety when used in the applications the product was designed for.
Basic test and construction requirements for 15 and 20 amp receptacles are contained in UL498 and CSA 22.2, No. 42.
Receptacles meeting these standards will have a listing mark indicating the receptacles comply with the standard.
Listing marks may be UL, CSA, CUL, CSA-US, indicating compliance with UL or CSA standard.
Hospital Grade
Hospital Grade
Hospital Grade
Hospital Grade

4. Standard Grade/General Use Performance Test Sequence
Blade retention
Terminal strength
Overload
Temperature rise
Repeat blade retention
Resistance to arcing
Grounding pin retention
Fault Current
Dielectric Voltage Withstand
Mold Stress Relief
Dielectric Voltage Withstand (Repeated)
Assembly Security
Receptacles may be evaluated to Fed Spec requirements in Federal Specification W-C-596G.
These requirements are in addition to the basic requirements in UL498
Receptacles meeting this specification will be identified with the UL Fed Spec Mark.
Receptacles may also be evaluated to the Hospital Grade requirements in UL498 and CSA C22.2, No. 42
The Hospital Grade requirements are also in addition to the basic requirements in these standards.
Hospital Grade receptacles are identified by a green dot on the face of the receptacle.

5. Blade Retention After ten insertions of a steel bladed plug gauge
The purpose of this test is to ensure that blade retention is maintained. Blade retention is important to avoid a high heat rise situation at the blade and receptacle contact connection. Also to assure the plug can be removed from the receptacle with reasonable force.
(UL498, Section 105)
Receptacle must retain a polished steel 2 bladed plug gauge against a 3 lb. force for 1 minute
Receptacle must release a polished steel 3 bladed plug gauge at 15 lb. force or less

6. Terminal Strength
This test is performed to assure the strength of the termination is maintained.
Wire must not be displaced and terminals must not be damaged as a result of this test.
(UL498, Section 117)
GENERAL USE: Tightened once then tested with 12 AWG wire.

7. Current Overload Test 100 Insertions & Removals
making and breaking DC current at 150% of device rating.
The overload test insures there will be no mechanical or electrical breakdown of the receptacle.
After the receptacles are conditioned by blade retention test, the overload test is performed.This test is to assure the device will perform properly when it has been subjected to a current overload. A current overload can temporarily occur from inductive load starting such as a motor. (UL498, Section 106)

8. Temperature Rise
The temperature rise test is run at rated load to assure that the terminations and break-off tab stay within an acceptable temperature range when utilized under maximum load conditions.
Receptacles subjected to 100 cycles of overload are used for the temperature test.
After the temperature test the same receptacle must pass the repeated blade retention test.
(UL498, Section 107)

9. Resistance to Arcing Test
The resistance to arcing test insures there will be no mechanical or electrical breakdown of the receptacle.
After the 100 cycles of overload test is performed, the receptacles are again conditioned by the blade retention test and tested for 150 additional cycles of plug insertion and withdrawal of DC current at 150% of the rated load. This test is to assure the device will continue to perform acceptably when it has been subjected to the additional current overload.
(UL498, Section 109)

10. Grounding Pin Retention - All Devices
This test is performed to ensure that the ground integrity is maintained over a period of use.
5 lb. weight applied for 1 minute in four positions, ground up, down, left and right.
Continuity checked during swivel test.
(UL498, Section 119)

11. Fault Current
The ground circuit must maintain continuity after the fault current test. The purpose of this test is to assure the ground will maintain its integrity if subjected to a ground fault condition.
(UL498, Section 116)

12. Dielectric 2,000V applied with no arcing or breakdown permitted.
The dielectric test is performed to assure isolation between current carrying contacts and ground. The strap of the device is connected to ground.
The dieelectric test is conducted using a receptacle that has been exposed to high temperature and high humidity.
(UL498, Section 60)
2,000V applied with no arcing or breakdown permitted.

13. Mold Stress Relief General use: 70°C - 7 hours
This test is performed to assure the receptacle will maintain electrical and mechanical integrity when exposed to high temperature. The receptacle cannot distort or show evidence of mechanical or electrical breakdown.
After mold stress relief the dielectric strength of the receptacle is measured.
(UL498 Section 58)

14. Assembly Security
This test is performed in an attempt to separate the face from the back body and simulate a rugged environment.
No mechanical breakage permitted or damage that would prevent receptacle from performing as intended.
(UL498, Section 118)

15. Assembly Security
This test is performed to assure the strap will not separate from the face of the device under rugged use.
No mechanical breakage permitted.
Receptacle must maintain ground continuity.
(UL498, Section 118)

16. ADDITIONAL TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSPITAL GRADE
ABRUPT PLUG REMOVAL
GROUNDING CONTACT TEMPERATURE
GROUNDING CONTACT RESISTANCE
GROUNDING CONTACT OVERSTRESS
ADDITIONAL TERMINAL STRENGTH
ASSEMBLY SECURITY
IMPACT
INCREASED MOLD STRESS RELIEF
Hospital Grade receptacles are specifically designed to provide increased grounding reliability, assembly integrity, strength, and durability.

17. Hospital Grade Abrupt Removal
This test is designed to simulate a plug repeatedly being pulled out by the plug cord. This is a common occurrence with hospital emergency receptacles and even maintenance receptacles. The 10 pound weight is attached to the metal test plug and dropped 24 inches with the ground contact in four positions, ground up, down, left and right. The receptacle cannot show breakage, which will interfere with it's function or integrity, and the ground contact must retain a standard pin weighing 4 oz. for one minute in face down position.
(UL498, Section SD21)

18. Hospital Grade Grounding Contact Temperature
Much attention is given to the ground path due to the nature of applications where a hospital grade device is used. The purpose of this test is to assure ground continuity after the device has been abused.
Receptacles that have been through the abrupt removal test are wired in series through the ground path and subjected to a 25 amp current for one hour, followed by a 22 amp current until the temperature reaches equilibrium. The temperature of the ground contact must not rise more than 30 degree C (86 degree F).
(UL498, Section SD22)

19. Hospital Grade Grounding Contact Resistance
This test is to assure proper continuity between the ground terminal and the ground contact. This is the next test in the sequence of ground contact tests.
The test is performed on the same samples used for the abrupt removal and grounding contact temperature test.
(UL498, Section SD23)

20. Hospital Grade Grounding Contact Overstress
Conditioning:
Oversized .204 in. diameter steel pin inserted 20 times into each ground contact.
Test:
Each ground contact must retain a .184 in. diameter polished steel pin against a 4 oz. force for 1 minute.
Inserting an oversized pin in the ground contact is simulating aging of the receptacle. This test is intended to assure the receptacle maintains ground blade retention.
(UL498 Section SD25)

21. Hospital Grade Terminal Strength
HOSPITAL GRADE: Tightened 5 times then tested with 12 AWG wire.
In Comparison
GENERAL USE: Tightened once then tested with 12 AWG wire.
This test is performed to assure the strength of the termination is maintained.
Wire must not be displaced and terminals must not be damaged as a result of this test.
(UL498, Section SD26)

22. Hospital Grade Assembly Security
HOSPITAL GRADE: 100 lbs
In Comparison
This test is performed in an attempt to separate the face from the back body and simulate a rugged environment.
No mechanical breakage permitted or damage that would prevent receptacle from performing as intended.
(UL498, Section SD27)
GENERAL USE: 50 lbs

23. Hospital Grade Assembly Security
HOSPITAL GRADE: 100 lbs
In Comparison
GENERAL USE: 50 lbs
This test is performed to assure the strap will not separate from the face of the device under rugged use.
No mechanical breakage permitted.
Receptacle must maintain ground continuity.
(UL498, Section SD27)

24. Hospital Grade Impact Test
This test is performed to simulate the face being struck in high abuse applications often encountered in hospital applications. This test cannot cause breakage that impairs the function of the receptacle.
(UL498, Section SD28)

25. Hospital Grade Mold Stress Relief
90°C – 7 hours
In Comparison
GENERAL USE:
70°C – 7 hours
This test is performed to assure the receptacle will maintain electrical and mechanical integrity when exposed to high temperature. The receptacle cannot distort or show evidence of mechanical or electrical breakdown.
(UL498 Section SD29)

26. ADDITIONAL TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR FED SPEC
GRIPPING - POWER BLADE - GROUNDING BLADE
TERMINAL STRENGTH
OVERLOAD – 200% AC
TEMPERATURE RISE
REPEAT BLADE RETENTION
DIELECTRIC VOLTAGE WITHSTAND
INSULATION RESISTANCE
HEAT RESISTANCE
ASSEMBLY SECURITY
The Federal Specification W-C-596 is a document produced by the General Service Administration of the U.S. Federal Government. It is intended to provide for extended service life and durability.

27. Fed Spec Power Blade Retention
Test:
Oversized (.075 in. thick) steel blade inserted 20 times in each contact.
Conditioning:
.075 thk. Steel blade inserted 20 times into current-carrying contact.
Test:
Each ground contact must retain a .055 thk. Steel blade secured to 1.5 lb weight for 1 minute.
After Test:
Contacts must retain a steel blade (.055 in. thick) for 1 minute.
This test follows the General Use blade retention test.
Inserting an oversized blade simulates aging of the receptacle. This test is intended to assure the receptacle maintains blade retention over a period of use.
(WC596, Section )

28. FED Spec Ground Blade Retention
Conditioning:
Oversized .204 in. diameter steel pin inserted 20 times into each ground contact.
Test:
Each ground contact must retain a .184 in. diameter polished steel pin against a 4 oz. force for 1 minute.
Note: This test is the same as Hospital Grade

29. Fed Spec Terminal Strength
Tightened 5 times
then tested with min.
and max. wire (14-10 AWG).
In Comparison
GENERAL USE:
Tightened once, then tested
with 12 AWG wire.
This test is performed to assure the strength of the termination is maintained.
Wire must not be displaced and terminals must not be damaged as a result of this test.
(WC596 Section )

30. Fed Spec Current Overload Test
250 Insertions & Removals
making and breaking AC current at 200% of device rating.
In Comparison
GENERAL USE:
100 Insertions and Removals making and breaking DC current at 150% of device rating.
The overload test insures there will be no mechanical or electrical breakdown of the receptacle.
After the receptacles are conditioned by the power blade retention test, the overload test is performed.This test is to assure the device will perform properly when it has been subjected to a current overload. A current overload can temporarily occur from inductive load starting such as a motor.
(WC596 Section 4.6.5)

31. Fed Spec Temperature Rise
The temperature rise test is run at rated load to assure that the terminations and break-off tab stay within an acceptable temperature range when utilized under maximum load conditions.
Receptacles subjected to 250 cycles of current overload are used for the temperature test.
After the temperature test the same receptacle must pass the blade retention test.
(WC 596 Section 4.6.6)

32. Fed Spec Heat Resistance
85c for
2 Hours
This test is performed to assure the receptacle will maintain electrical and mechanical integrity when exposed to high temperature. The receptacle cannot distort or show evidence of mechanical or electrical breakdown.
After heat resistance, the insulation resistance and dielectric strength of the receptacle are measured.
(WC596, Section )

33. Fed Spec Dielectric
The dielectric test is performed to assure isolation between current carrying contacts and ground. The strap of the device is connected to ground.
The dielectric test is conducted using a receptacle that has been exposed to high temperature.
(WC 596 section 4.6.7)
2,000V applied with no arcing or breakdown permitted.

34. Fed Spec Insulation Resistance
The high resistance measurements are required to assure isolation between all metal parts.
Insulation resistance is measured after the overload and temperature tests.
(WC596, Section 4.6.8)

35. Fed Spec Assembly Security
Fed Spec: 100 lbs.
In Comparison
General Use: 50 lbs.
Same as basic receptacle assembly security test except 100 pound force instead of 50 pound.
Same criteria - No mechanical breakage permitted or damage that would prevent receptacle from performing as intended.
(WC 596, Section )

36. Summary
GENERAL USE – Meets all requirements for General Use receptacles of UL498 & CSA C22.2 No. 42.
FED SPEC – Meets the requirements for General Use receptacles and additional requirements for Federal Specification WC596.
HOSPITAL GRADE – Meets the requirements for General Use receptacles and additional requirements for Hospital Grade of UL498 Supplement SD & CSA C22.2 No. 42.
HOSPITAL GRADE/FED SPEC - Meets the requirements for General Use receptacles and additional requirements for Federal Specification and Hospital Grade.