Plug Comparison

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Plug Comparison documents the attachment plugs used on surge protectors, power strips, relocatable power taps, UPS systems, and related power-distribution equipment preserved by the OldSurge Archive.

Although often overlooked, attachment plugs provide valuable evidence regarding manufacturing practices, component sourcing, safety standards, and product evolution. Differences in plug design can reveal changing supplier relationships, construction methods, safety requirements, and branding strategies that are not always visible elsewhere within a product.

The OldSurge Archive documents plug style, manufacturer markings, certification markings, molded date codes, grounding-pin construction, strain-relief design, and other identifying features whenever possible. Comparative examination of multiple products has revealed significant variation despite otherwise similar electrical specifications and cord construction.

Overview

Most products documented by the archive utilize North American three-prong grounding plugs conforming to the NEMA 5-15P standard.

Common variations include:

  • Straight-blade plugs
  • Right-angle plugs
  • Branded and unbranded plugs
  • Plugs incorporating molded manufacturer identification
  • Plugs incorporating molded date-code wheels
  • Plugs carrying independent certification markings

Although electrically interchangeable in normal use, these variations can provide useful information regarding manufacturing date, supplier relationships, safety compliance, and product positioning.

Style Description Typical Use
NEMA 5-15P Straight Plug exits perpendicular to the wall surface (straight out) Traditional surge protectors and power strips
NEMA 5-15P Right-Angle Cord exits at 90 degrees Furniture installations and modern surge protectors
Direct Plug Plug integrated directly into the device with no attached cord Wall-mounted surge protectors and outlet expanders

Documented Attachment-Plug Characteristics

Notable plug features documented by the archive include:

  • Unbranded straight-blade APC plugs (1994-1996)
  • APC-branded plugs (1998-2002)
  • Right-angle PRO7 plugs (2015-2017)
  • Belkin-branded plugs
  • COXOC-branded plugs
  • Globe Electric direct-plug construction
  • Curtis dual-plug wall-hugger architecture
  • Molded date-code wheels
  • Supplier-specific certification markings
OldSurge ID Device Plug Manufacturer Plug Model Plug UL File
OS-0006 Generic 2371, 0728, 2174 CWCO CWI-03 E168486
OS-0018 ACE 33543 QS CC-002 E74779
OS-0019 APC PRO7 (1994) YFC SF-31 E94929
OS-0023 APC PRO7 (1996) YFC SP-31 E94929
OS-0022 S.L. Waber 952M Unknown Unknown Unknown

Manufacturer Branding

Some manufacturers incorporated branding directly into the plug body.

Documented examples include:

  • APC
    • PRO7 (1998, 1999, 2002)
  • Belkin
    • SurgeMaster F9H710-06
  • COXOC
    • CO-001S
    • CO-001S Variant (OS-0030)

Many other documented products utilize unbranded attachment plugs despite otherwise extensive product branding.

Plug Evolution Within APC SurgeArrest Products

The APC SurgeArrest family provides one of the longest documented plug timelines preserved by the archive.

Documented examples include:

Model Date Plug Style Notable Features
PRO7 1994 Straight Unbranded plug body
PRO7 1996 Straight Unbranded plug body
PRO7 1998 Straight APC-branded plug
PRO7 1999 Straight APC-branded plug
PRO7 2002 Straight APC-branded plug
PRO7 2015 Right-Angle Unbranded low-profile design
PRO7 2017 Right-Angle Unbranded low-profile design
PER7T 2021 Straight Well Shin plug with molded manufacturing-code wheels


The documented APC examples demonstrate a progression from unbranded straight-blade plugs during the mid-1990s through branded variants during the recall period and ultimately to later low-profile right-angle designs manufactured during the Schneider Electric era.

Molded Date Codes

Several documentated products incorporate molded manufacturing indicators within the attachment plug.

These markings commonly appear as circular code wheels molded into the rear surface of the plug body. Such markings are believed to originate from the plug manufacturer rather than the product manufacturer and likely served purposes including:

  • Mold traceability
  • Production tracking
  • Quality control
  • Manufacturing-date identification
  • Tooling identification

The archive's 2021 APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T includes two molded code wheels on the rear surface of the plug body. Similar date-wheel systems are commonly encountered on injection-molded electrical components but are not yet fully documented within the archive.

Archive Observations

Several trends have emerged through comparison of documented examples.

Nearly all corded products currently preserved by the archive utilize NEMA 5-15P grounding plugs regardless of manufacturer, age, product family, or country of manufacture. This consistency mirrors the equally widespread use of 14 AWG SJT cordage documented elsewhere in the archive.

Manufacturers frequently changed cord suppliers while retaining similar attachment-plug styles. APC's documented SurgeArrest products provide a useful example. Although Cord suppliers transitioned from Bon-Eagle and HRSA to Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, I-SHENG, and Well Shin over more than two decades of production, plug designs evolved more gradually and generally remained within a limited set of recognizable APC design styles.

Direct-plug products including the Curtis SP-600 and Globe Electric 12-003-7MS demonstrate alternative approaches that eliminate attached cords entirely, incorporating the wall plug directly into the device structure.

The attachment plug frequently survives even when product labels, packaging, and documentation have been lost. As a result, plug markings may provide some of the most durable surviving evidence regarding manufacturing history, supplier relationships, and product identity.

Future Research

Additional documentation may permit:

  • Identification of currently unknown plug suppliers
  • Correlation of molded date-code systems
  • Comparison of plug manufacturing practices across brands
  • Mapping of supplier changes over time
  • Documentation of certification-mark evolution

Oldsurge.com Examples

Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6 (OS-0001)

  • Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6 surge suppressor.
    Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6 surge suppressor.
  • Front view showing molded UL and CSA certification markings, grounding pin, and blade construction.
    Front view showing molded UL and CSA certification markings, grounding pin, and blade construction.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0001
  • Product: Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6
  • Manufacturer: Tripp Lite
  • Product Family: SPIKE BAR

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Straight Blade
  • Grounded Attachment Plug
  • Plug Manufacturer: Not Identified
  • Plug Model: Not Identified
  • Certification Marks:
    • UL Listed
    • CSA Certified

Notes

  • Plug body incorporates textured grip surfaces on both sides.
  • Plug includes molded warning "CONNECT TO GROUNDED OUTLET".
  • UL and CSA certification logos are molded into the face of the plug body.
  • No manufacturer name, model designation, UL file number, or CSA file number have yet been identified on the documented example.

Universal 71637 (OS-0002)

  • Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the Universal 71637 surge protector.
    Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the Universal 71637 surge protector.
  • Plug markings showing YFC manufacturer identification, model SF-31, UL file E94923, and CSA file LR94903.
    Plug markings showing YFC manufacturer identification, model SF-31, UL file E94923, and CSA file LR94903.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0002
  • Product: Universal 71637
  • Manufacturer: Universal
  • Manufacturing Year: 1998
  • Country of Manufacture: China

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Straight Blade
  • Plug Manufacturer: YFC
  • Plug Model: SF-31
  • Plug UL File: E94923
  • Plug CSA File: LR94903

Notes

  • Utilizes a YFC SF-31 straight-blade grounding attachment plug.
  • Externally similar to attachment plugs documented on APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 examples.
  • Plug carries a different UL file number (E94923) than the APC examples documented to date.
  • Product incorporates both AC surge suppression and RJ11 telephone-line surge protection.

Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06 (OS-0003)

  • Belkin-branded NEMA 5-15P grounding attachment plug used on the SurgeMaster F9H710-06.
    Belkin-branded NEMA 5-15P grounding attachment plug used on the SurgeMaster F9H710-06.
  • Plug markings showing model CC-06 and UL file number E74196.
    Plug markings showing model CC-06 and UL file number E74196.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0003
  • Product: Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06
  • Manufacturer: Belkin
  • Manufacturing Date: 1 November 2003
  • Country of Manufacture: China

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Straight Blade
  • Plug Branding: BELKIN
  • Plug Model: CC-06
  • Plug UL File: E74196

Notes

  • Plug body incorporates molded BELKIN branding.
  • One of the earliest branded attachment plugs currently documented by the OldSurge Archive.
  • Plug markings identify model CC-06 and UL file E74196.
  • Plug utilizes a molded straight-blade grounding configuration.

Staples 33895-US (OS-0004)

  • Right-angle NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the Staples 33895-US surge protector.
    Right-angle NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the Staples 33895-US surge protector.
  • Documented example in service. The right-angle plug routes upward when connected to a receptacle installed with the grounding slot in the upper position.
    Documented example in service. The right-angle plug routes upward when connected to a receptacle installed with the grounding slot in the upper position.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0004
  • Product: Staples 33895-US
  • Manufacturer: Staples
  • Manufacturing Date: April 2011
  • Country of Manufacture: China

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Right-Angle
  • Grounded Attachment Plug
  • Plug Model: ME-30PL
  • Plug UL File: E143730

Notes

  • Utilizes a low-profile right-angle attachment plug intended to reduce clearance requirements behind furniture and office equipment.
  • Plug markings identify model ME-30PL and UL file E143730.
  • When connected to a receptacle installed in the modern grounding-pin-up orientation, the cord exits upward before bending downward toward the connected equipment.
  • The same plug design would route downward immediately when connected to a receptacle installed with the grounding slot below the energized conductors.

Amazon Basics 270103-B (OS-0005)

  • Molded NEMA 5-15P grounding plug and strain-relief assembly used on the Amazon Basics 270103-B surge protector.
    Molded NEMA 5-15P grounding plug and strain-relief assembly used on the Amazon Basics 270103-B surge protector.
  • Front view of the molded grounding plug showing blade and grounding-pin configuration.
    Front view of the molded grounding plug showing blade and grounding-pin configuration.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0005
  • Product: Amazon Basics 270103-B Surge Protector
  • Manufacturer: Amazon Basics
  • Manufacturing Date: April 2026
  • Country of Manufacture: Vietnam

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Straight Blade
  • Grounded Attachment Plug
  • Manufacturer: Not Identified
  • Model: Not Identified
  • Certification Markings: Not Identified

Notes

  • The cord terminates in a molded straight-blade NEMA 5-15P grounding plug.
  • The plug does not appear to display a readily visible manufacturer name or UL file number in the documented photographs.
  • The associated cord is marked as manufactured by Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd.

Generic Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 (OS-0006)

  • Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the unbranded Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 relocatable power tap.
    Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the unbranded Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 relocatable power tap.
  • Plug markings showing CWCO manufacturer identification, model CWI-03, and UL file number E168486.
    Plug markings showing CWCO manufacturer identification, model CWI-03, and UL file number E168486.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0006
  • Product: Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 Relocatable Power Tap
  • Brand: Unknown / Unbranded
  • Country of Manufacture: China

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Manufacturer: CWCO
  • Plug Model: CWI-03
  • Plug UL File: E168486


ACE 33543 (OS-0018)

  • Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the ACE 33543 relocatable power tap. Plug marked "QS", model "CC-002", and UL file E74779.
    Grounded NEMA 5-15P attachment plug used on the ACE 33543 relocatable power tap. Plug marked "QS", model "CC-002", and UL file E74779.
  • Overall view of the plug and attached power cord. The ACE 33543 was manufactured on 2 June 2009 and utilizes a three-conductor SJT power cord rated 300V, 60°C.
    Overall view of the plug and attached power cord. The ACE 33543 was manufactured on 2 June 2009 and utilizes a three-conductor SJT power cord rated 300V, 60°C.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0018
  • Product: ACE 33543 Relocatable Power Tap
  • Manufacturer: ACE
  • Manufacturing Date: 2 June 2009

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Model: CC-002
  • Plug Manufacturer Marking: QS
  • Plug UL File: E74779


APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (OS-0019, 1994)

  • Straight-blade NEMA 5-15P attachment plug and associated power cord used on the 1994 APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7.
    Straight-blade NEMA 5-15P attachment plug and associated power cord used on the 1994 APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7.
  • Plug markings showing YFC manufacturer identification, model SF-31, and approval markings including UL file E94929.
    Plug markings showing YFC manufacturer identification, model SF-31, and approval markings including UL file E94929.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0019
  • Product: APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7
  • Manufacturer: APC (American Power Conversion)
  • Serial Number: Z94030204087
  • Manufacturing Year: 1994
  • Country of Manufacture: China

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Manufacturer: YFC
  • Plug Model: SF-31
  • Plug UL File: E94929
  • Plug CSA File: LR62202

Notes

  • Earliest APC PRO7 currently documented by the OldSurge Archive.
  • Only documented APC PRO7 currently known to utilize a straight-blade attachment plug.
  • Later documented APC PRO7 examples utilize right-angle attachment plugs.
  • Plug and cord assembly combines a YFC SF-31 attachment plug with a Bon-Eagle-manufactured power cord.

APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (OS-0023, 1996)

  • Straight-blade NEMA 5-15P attachment plug and Bon-Eagle power-cord assembly used on the 1996 APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7.
    Straight-blade NEMA 5-15P attachment plug and Bon-Eagle power-cord assembly used on the 1996 APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7.
  • Plug markings showing YFC manufacturer identification, model SP-31, and UL file number E94929.
    Plug markings showing YFC manufacturer identification, model SP-31, and UL file number E94929.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0023
  • Product: APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7
  • Manufacturer: APC (American Power Conversion)
  • Serial Number: Z96030204796
  • Manufacturing Year: 1996
  • Country of Manufacture: China

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Straight-Blade
  • Plug Manufacturer: YFC
  • Plug Model: SP-31
  • Plug UL File: E94929

Notes

  • Utilizes a YFC SP-31 straight-blade grounding attachment plug.
  • Plug carries the same UL file number, E94929, observed on the documented 1994 APC PRO7 example.
  • Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assembly identified by UL file E135710.
  • Represents a transitional APC PRO7 specimen produced between the documented 1994 and 1998 generations.

S.L. Waber 952M (OS-0022)

  • Overall view of the attached power cord and molded NEMA 5-15P grounding plug used on the S.L. Waber 952M relocatable power tap.
    Overall view of the attached power cord and molded NEMA 5-15P grounding plug used on the S.L. Waber 952M relocatable power tap.
  • Close-up view of the molded grounding plug assembly.
    Close-up view of the molded grounding plug assembly.

Associated Device

  • OldSurge ID: OS-0022
  • Product: S.L. Waber 952M Relocatable Power Tap
  • Manufacturer: S.L. Waber
  • Integrated System: Herman Miller Energy Distribution System
  • Herman Miller Model: EK410 / PK410
  • Part Number: XUL603-038A
  • Country of Origin: Assembled in Mexico

Plug Characteristics

  • Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
  • Plug Style: Straight Blade
  • Grounded Attachment Plug
  • Manufacturer: Not Identified

Notes

  • Commercial office-furniture power-distribution product supplied as part of the Herman Miller Energy Distribution System.
  • Cord certification identifiers match examples associated with Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies documented elsewhere in the OldSurge Archive.
  • No manufacturer markings or certification numbers have yet been identified on the attachment plug itself.
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