Shipping

Can I be billed? Do you ship C.O.D.?
Only pre-approved customers may have their orders billed. We can ship orders UPS-COD within the United States.

How does Alpha Source ship purchases?
Alpha Source ships most purchases via UPS (United Parcel Service). Other carriers are also available.

Product Information

Must medical-grade power cords have clear plugs?
The UL and CSA standards do not mandate clear plugs nor are there any restrictions on color.  Many hospitals prefer clear plugs so that internal connections can be inspected visually, quickly and easily.

What is a medical-grade power cord?
The plug determines whether a power cord can be classified as a medical or hospital-grade cord.  Cords used with medical equipment in North America must be hospital-grade and conform to the special requirements contained in the following standards:  Medical equipment standards, UL 2601-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 no 60601-1; Power supply cord standards, UL 817 and CAN/CSA C22.2 no 21; Attachment plug standards, UL 498 and CAN/CSA C22.2 no 42.
The hospital grade plug conforms to the NEMA 5-15 standard, where the blades are solid brass with nickel plating and the plug includes a cable retention device or strain relief.

Is there a maximum length for medical-grade power cords?
There are no specific maximum lengths for cords noted in the applicable UL or CSA standards but the equipment must pass the leakage current test requirements in UL 2601-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 no 60601-1. Cord length has an effect on leakage current within a system.

How do you recognize a medical-grade power cord?
North American medical-grade power cords have a "green dot" signifying that they have been designed and tested for grounding reliability, assembly integrity, strength and durability. They are approved by UL and CSA to UL 817 and CAN/CSA C22.2 no 21. The plug must be marked "Hospital Grade" and include a permanent green dot sized 4.8 to 6.4mm in diameter.

Billing

Do you charge sales tax?
Alpha Source charges applicable sales tax on orders billed to addresses within Wisconsin; otherwise we do not charge sales tax.

Can I order if I don't have a credit card?
Yes, Alpha Source accepts checks, wire transfers and money orders in addition to credit cards.
Net 30 day terms may be extended to qualified accounts.

What about International Orders?
International purchases require wire transfers, checks or money orders drawn on US funds. Alpha Source also accepts credit cards for international purchases.

What payment options are available?
Alpha Source accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept wire transfers, money orders and checks drawn on U.S. funds.