SF Cable Blog - Get Expert Tips & Advice on Cables & AccessoriesIn our blog, we educate customers on the various types of cables, components and accesscories for computer, laptops and mobiles. Find More Blog
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SF Cable Blog - Get Expert Tips & Advice on Cables & AccessoriesIn our blog, we educate customers on the various types of cables, components and accesscories for computer, laptops and mobiles. Find More Blog
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For all those who are unaware, “NEMA” is an abbreviation of National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association. It is an an association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers and its mission is to build and and promote safe electrical standards as well as products.
If a plug is labelled “NEMA”, you can consider it to be an industry standard for safety. NEMA offers a wide array of plugs. But when it comes to lighting fixtures for industrial and commercial purposes, there are several confusions as to which type of NEMA power Cord should be used for what purpose.The basic functionality of these power plugs is to ensure proper connection for different electrical equipment and curb the risk of accidents. This article will acquaint you with the most commonly used NEMA power plugs which connect lighting fixtures to the receptacles. These power plugs are covered by ANSI/NEMA WD-6 standard which is set by National Electrical Manufacturers Association, abbreviated as NEMA. Specifications about NEMA Power Power Cords The wiring devices standardized by NEMA have a current rating of 15 to 60 amps, and voltage rating of 125 to 600 volts. This standardization is done based on orientation, shapes and blade widths. NEMA Plugs ensure that the equipment needing a particular voltage and current is not plugged into a wrong electrical system. Usually 15 and 20 amp NEMA plugs with both straight-blade and twist-lock varieties are used for with lighting fixtures. Here’s a breakdown to each of these power plugs and their features. NEMA 5-15 Receptacle used: 125 V Plug: 15A NEMA 5-15 is used with 120V lighting system. It is a standard grounded straight blade plug used in North America, Canada and different parts of Mexico. NEMA L5-15 Receptacle used: 125V Plug: 15A NEMA L5-15 is a twist-lock version of 120V plug. Such plugs are commonly used to stop unintentional disconnects and with industrial applications that likely to vibrate. NEMA L7-15 Receptacle used: 277V Plug: 15A NEMA L7-15 plugs are the most popularly used twist-lock plugs with 277V lighting systems. NEMA L7-20 Receptacle used: 277V Plug: 20A The 277V lighting systems often use NEMA L7-20 plug. You can identify the difference between 20A and 15 A by looking towards the direction of locking ground tab. 20A points outwards whereas 15A points towards the center. You can look into various charts and images in order to identify different plugs and sockets. The plug usually has curved or straight blades that stick out from the plug body. This part is considered to be the male end of the connection. And sockets or receptacle having corresponding slots are considered to be the female end of connection.
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Diverse Cables have different applications. Some are being used for information transmission like fiber optic cable or copper cable. Some are being used for the supply of power. Power line is the gathering broadly utilized as the association between primary power supply and the gadget through a divider attachment or electrical line. When we require exchanging current (AC), we depend on these ropes.
The plug and socket that we have utilized (for) million times in our lives likewise have a history! Today we connect to the gadgets with various links securely and easily. Be that as it may, would it say it was constantly similar to that? There were times on the planet when individuals needed to connect to minor open finishes of wires. In some cases they additionally needed to depend on inconsistent fittings. Today, every nation on the planet utilizes its particular standard for attachments, attachments, and power strings.
However, have you chosen the right type of power cord for your device? This is a question you need to answer for ensuring a seamless electrical supply.
Overview
The power cord is a line cable or mains cable. It bears the burden of temporarily connecting a portable electronic appliance with the main electrical supply line. This is readily possible through a wall socket or an extension cord. it includes a pair of connecting couplers on either of its ends. These connector cords are detachable from the mains supply line and the electrical appliances.
A power cord set usually has a mold of connectors at each end. Thus, both the ends are detachable from the electrical supply and device. The power cord assembly consists of two major parts. One is the cable plug. It is a male connector. Its use is for connecting the AC outlet to provide electricity. The other is the receptacle on the other end. Receptacle part acts as the female connector, which attaches to the equipment.
The cord is the main section that contains the insulated wires with different lengths and thicknesses. It is a flexible and insulated conductor having one male and one female connector attached at each end. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standardizes all these electrical cords and connecting couplers.
Different Standards of Power Cords
According to different plug and receptacle requirements, these cords have different standards. In North America, NEMA power cords and IEC 60320 cords are the common types with the standards set by NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) or IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). Let us have a look at their differences.
NEMA Power Cords
Back in 1926, the establishment of National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) in North America took place. It developed NEMA 1 connector. Today NEMA power cords are in almost all the North American countries and in others, which have accepted the NEMA standards. The rest of the countries either create their own set of plug standards or rely on IEC standards. If these are in use with unmatched electrical supply, it can destroy the appliances.
A basic NEMA, that is, the NEMA type 1 connector has two pins, which are at least 5 inches apart from each other. If this also consists of a round pin below the two flat prongs, it becomes the NEMA type 5. A “grounded plug” uses a third pin for the grounding purposes.
Classification
The chief classifications of NEMA devices include straight blade and locking. Straight blade is evident in the household consumer goods consisting of electrical appliances. A locking NEMA power cord is in use for the major industrial purposes.
Straight blade has a design such that detaches it swiftly. The latter has a design such that it does not detach easily from the receptacle. A receptacle is a device, which mounts on an electrical appliance where the external energy cord attaches. The curve blade of the locking type of NEMA power cord allows the plug to entwine and lock into the receptacle. The letter L preceding the NEMA code identifies the locking conductor.
IEC Power Cord
The ends of IEC power cord are on the opposite side of the cord from the plug. To make it an international standard, the equipment manufacturers need to put one kind of receptacle on their equipment. In addition, it lets them manufacture various country-specific cords, when needed. The IEC 60320 C13/C14 connector type is evident on most personal computers and monitors. C19/C20 connector type is in use for devices like servers and uninterruptible power supply systems.
We cannot separate electricity from our lives. Majority of our day-to-day activities are either contingent on machines or electricity. Electrical supply is inevitable for machines. An electrical appliance requires a means to stay connected with the grid. A metal conductor sheathed inside a poly vinyl chloride insulator known as a power cord is that means.
Power cord, power connector, mains cable or line cord – call it with any of those names but the purpose it serves would not change. These power cords allow us to build a system of temporary connection. Using them, we can connect our electrical appliance with the wall socket or an extension board. It has two ends. The receptacle attaches one of those ends and the socket installs the other end. This arrangement is flexible and absolute.
Some appliances are purely power driven. They always need the electrical supply for its operation. For connection with the mains electrical supply line, these appliances require power cords. Few appliances are battery backed. They majorly need the connection only to recharge their batteries. These cords are capable of carrying alternating current as well as direct current.
IEC Connector
IEC is a non-profit and a non-govt organization. It sets specific standards for connectors, which attach the power cord with the electrical appliances. These connecting couplers are available in different combinations of earthing, for temperatures and current needs.
Using these connecting couplers, merchants can produce appliances for multiple markets. Now, power supply standards differ from one country to the other. Therefore, the merchants just need to change just the power cord. This saves additional cost and time. Moreover, they can supply these power cords across the world.
IEC 60320
IEC 60320 is a pre set standard safety regulation for general home electrical appliances. As per the regulation, voltage needs to be “Not more than 250 volts” (AC). In addition, the current needs to be “Not more than 16A.” In 1970, IEC’s first edition was in publishing. Classifying based on standards divided IEC 60320 into several parts. These standards define the electrical, thermodynamic, and mechanical requirements along with the safety goals of power cords.
The IEC standards are acceptable across the world. However, some North American Rating agencies rate the products higher than IEC. This includes Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the UL Safety Organization of the US.
For example, IEC specifies C13 Power Cord with the rating of 10A current. But due to the tolerance threshold of 5% of 120 V in US & Canada, UL specifies it up to 15A.
Applications
Most of the computer desktops and some instrument amplifiers, printers, monitor and other portable devices use the c13 power cord, which has a standard specified under IEC 60320. This is a power cord and one of its ends attaches a country specific standard power plug. A coupler attaches its other end and an IEC cord or a computer power cord is its name. Computer Cord, as its major use is in computer applications.
Household sewing machines use a specific type of standard under IEC 60320-2-1. These are not interchangeable with other power cords from IEC 320.
The IEC 60320-1 includes other general household equipment power cords. All the equipment enlisted under this standard, operate under the normal 250 Volts, and 16A.
The source and supply of electrical energy drive the world of electrical appliances. And every human activity is dependent on these appliances. Be it checking emails on the computer or managing a military network. There are countless use cases as such. And where do we connect these appliances? To the power supply units.
The above-mentioned activities run through a computer network. Just like the laptops need power cable adapters, the desktops need power cords. Also, they operate in a similar way as plug adapters do. Which is, connecting the appliance to electrical supply lines.
Look at Power Cords closely and you’ll observe two end points. One, connected to the wall socket; known as plug. And the other one; which connects the electrical appliance to power cord. Often known as the coupler.
IEC is a non-profit and non-govt organization. They have set specific standards for couplers which connect the power cord to the electrical appliances. The connecting couplers are available in different combinations for earthing, for temperatures and current. As per the regulation voltage needs to be “Not more than 250 volts (AC). And, the current needs to be “Not more than 16A”.
Using these connecting couplers, merchants can produce appliances for multiple markets. Now, power supply standards differ from one country to the other. So, the merchants just need to change just the power cord. This saves additional cost and time. And they can supply these power cords across the world.
The c13 Power Cord Coupler
C13 Power Cord Coupler Inlet has multiple utilities. Several printers, monitors and other portable devices make use of it. Have you seen a power cord with a country specific standard power plug attached on one end and a c13 power cord coupler to the other? This is known as an IEC Cord.
Standards and Specifications
IEC standardizes the C13 coupler with 60320 standards. And how does it do that? By checking its electrical, mechanical, thermal requirements. Not just that, it also considers the safety specifications of the power cable cord.
Before selecting the coupler, you just need to check the dimensions and size of the appliance. By doing so, you will be able to establish a safe connection between appliance and power cord.
So how to define these safety standards? This is where the IEC standards help. The ratings of a C13 power cord coupler are 15A/250V and 10A/250V. And the temperature rating goes up to 65° Celsius. This maximum temperature rating is the pin temperature. The c13 power cord contains Earth Contact and it also allows rewireable connector.
Misinterpretations
People often tend to misinterpret the C13 Power Cord as the “Kettle Cord”. This happens because; they fail to understand the difference in temperature ratings. A Kettle Cord needs a coupler with a temperature higher than C13 Power Cord. Which means, a c15/16 Kettle Cord usually has a temperature rating of 120° Celsius.
The IEC standards are acceptable across the world. However, some North American Rating agencies rate the products higher than IEC. This includes Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the UL Safety Organization of the US.
For e.g., IEC specifies C13 Power Cord with the rating of 10A current. But due to the tolerance threshold of 5% of 120 V in US & Canada, UL specifies it up to 15A.
You just cannot take away the electrical oxygen we require for survival! All our major day to day activities either are contingent on machines or electricity or both. We need machines and machines need electricity. Electricity is the flow of electrons through a conductor. Now, to align that flow of electrons, we need a metal conductor sheathed inside a poly vinyl chloride insulator (PVC). This equipment typically known as a power cord.
Power cord, power connector, mains cable or line cord – call it with any of those names but the purpose it serves would not change. These power cords let you connect your electrical appliance through itself with one of its ends plugged in the wall socket or a wall extension board and its other end is plugged in the receptacle installed on the appliance, to build a system of temporary connection.
Appliances which are purely power backed, need these power cords to get connected with the main electrical supply line for powering and energizing itself. Few appliances are battery backed and they majorly need the connection only to recharge the batteries. These cords are capable of carrying alternating current as well as direct current.
One end of the power cords has the plug and the other end has a connector. The connector is inserted in the receptacle and the plug is plugged in the wall socket. Both these ends can be of male or female origin.
NEMA Power Cords
Back in 1926, National Electrical Manufacturing Association was established in North America which developed the NEMA 1 connector. The connector itself dates back to roughly the same time period. Today NEMA connectors are generally used all over the North American Continent and in countries which have specified the NEMA standards.
The basic NEMA 1 power cord has 2 flat pins which are almost 5 inches apart from each other. If it also consists of round pin right below the two flat pins, it is NEMA type 5. The third pin is generally used for grounding purposes and this kind of NEMA plug is often called “grounded plug”.
Computer Power Cord
Most of the computer desktops and some instrument amplifiers, printers, monitor and other portable devices use the c13 power cord which has a standard specified under IEC 60320. A power cord with a country specific standard power plug attached on one end and a c13 power cord coupler to the other is generally called an IEC cord or computer power cord as it is majorly used in computer applications.
Standards And Specifications
The computer power cord, c13 is described by International Electrotechnical Commission with the 60320 standard. The standard determines the electrical, mechanical, thermal requirements and safety operations of the specified power cable cord. The selection of the coupler connector also depends upon the shape, dimensions and size of the appliance to be connected with the power cord.
The c13 power cord is rated at 15A/250V and 10A/250V With the temperature rating up to 65° Celsius. This maximum temperature rating is the pin temperature. The c13 power cord contains Earth Contact and it also allows rewirable connector.
Buying electronic accessories is as much a job as buying an electronic device. That’s because along with its utility, a great deal of your safety and that of your gadget’s, depends on these accessories. While people often take extra care while buying accessories like power adapters and plugs, the quality and specifications of power cords is often ignored.
It’s really important that you select your power cord carefully because ultimately all your connections are based on that. If you do not know how to choose, we are here to help. Let’s have a brief discussion on how you can choose the right power cord for your connections:
Country Specific Cord Patterns
Most countries follow their own plug patterns which could be different from other countries in some way or the other. So, it’s not a very wise to import your power cords from international sellers. Yes, in spite of lucrative offers.
If you are living in America, only NEMA power cords will sync with your power sources. Even though you might come across products similar in looks, they vary significantly in specifications. It is very unlikely that an exporter from another country is certified to manufacture products for your region. So, buy from local manufacturers, if not your neighbourhood store.
Cord Set
The cord set is the power plug along with a certain length of cord to facilitate connections. While it’s important to buy only power cords that align with your country standards, equally, or even more important is to consider the same for power plugs. If you try replacing a NEMA power plug into another cord set (with plug and cable both of foreign standards), your connection won’t work as desired.
The cable length is also a matter of consideration. While manufacturers decide their own lengths for power cords, there are online stores which provide extensive options of cord lengths for you to choose from. Choose the one that most closely matches with your requirements.
Price
Though the price normally doesn’t matter much when you are buying a couple of power cords, it does make a difference while bulk shopping. Quality is something you can’t compromise and to buy your supplies within a stipulated budget is another challenge.
The answer to the dilemma is smart shopping. When you know you will need many power cords, buy them in bulk. Manufacturers who directly sell their produce online often come up with great offers on bulk shopping. And that’s how you can get quality cords at much discounted rates.
Voltage
Voltage is what pulls the electrical energy to your device from the power source. And it is really important to get power cords that are capable enough to transmit the required voltage your device demands.
Not considering the voltage can damage the cord instantly and in worse cases can also harm the device to which it is connected. Therefore, ensure that the power cord you are buying is powerful.
These are just a few points but matter the most while buying power cords either from your local store or any online store. If you are buying online, always make it a point to rely only on certified manufacturer who sell electronics according to your country’s code and regulations.
The Waynesboro Fire Department warned all its citizens about the danger extension cords can pose if overloaded. The warning was issued after an accident that took place in the city recently. This incident happened in a camper in an alley behind a residential complex, 300 block of the Market Avenue. An extension cord caught fire at the night as it overheated itself after an overload. As a result, the quilt upon which it was set caught the fire and it spread further causing a major damage to the property according to the fire department’s reports.
The quilt was on the ground underneath the camper’s backend which let the fire to stretch to the rear underside of the camper. Though the firefighters were informed immediately and the fire was controlled on time, the fire and smoke had caused loss of property and belonging worth more than $4,000 by the time it had subsided. Luckily, no life was lost in the accident. This incident has raised a concern amongst the residents in the area and strict precautions have been advised while using multiple plugs into extension cords.
Unfortunately, it’s not the only accident that has taken place due to overloaded extension cords. Many mishaps in the past were also recorded on the same lines. Minor accidents with no noticeable damage are also on the rise but as most of them go unreported, the graveness of the situation isn’t much talked about.
Keeping in view the recent accident and similar dangers, the fire department asked the citizens to be careful while using extension cords, considering the capacity of such cords before deploying them to use.
One should keep the following points in mind to avoid any such happenings at their homes or workplaces:
Moreover, you should avoid using covered extension cords as the cord can overheat causing serious fire hazards. Citizens are therefore recommended to use only the items manufactured by registered industries and check the quality of the electronic products, accessories and appliances that they employ for use at their homes and work premises.
Often when you go to purchase a power cord for your electronic device; be it online or offline, you have to choose one out of both mechanical and molded power cords. A molded cord (also known as over-molded cord) is designed by using an injection molding process which uses a combination of two or more materials along with plastic to build a single part. The materials become more flexible and robust when they undergo this type of molding process. Also, they enhance the reliability of the product.
A mechanical cord (also known as an assembled one), on the other hand is made out of elements that should be hard wired before putting them to use. This connector is then manually connected to the cord. While making assembled cords, labour intensive procedures are applied. Tools are also used to open the casing as well as other electrical assemblies like wiring.
Utility and purpose of both power cords1. Molded Power Cords
Molded Power Cords are quite flexible. Hence it becomes extremely easy for the customers to personalize or make changes with it. A combination of different colours and customized wires can be used to come up with a personalized power cord. As the molded design is flexible, it works great for plug-and-play accessibility and doesn’t get damaged with frequent usage.
The best part about molded connectors is that they are designed to protect electrical components from environmental turbulences. For eg, A connector having a rating of IP68 can work smoothly even after it is submerged in 6 feet of water for 24 hours. The other part of molded connector remains concealed. So these power cords will work fine even in the worst environmental conditions.
2. Assembled Power Cords
Assembled Cords can come of use in various situations. Also, their utility remains exclusive for certain purposes. You can use Assembled Power Cords when:
Molded Cords remain to be the most popularly used power cords due to the flexibility and customization they offer. They are available at cost effective rates and are used in medical appliances, portable electronics as well as technical applications. In controlled weather conditions and with size limitations, assembled cords might prove to be the right choice. Now that you know the difference between the two, you can choose your power cord according to your needs. Make sure you conduct enough amount of research before purchasing one of these power cords.
Do you have any confusion regarding the usage of Molded and Mechanical Power Cords? Have you had any experience that you are willing to share? Feel free to write to us or get in touch with one of the experts now!
Power cords are an inevitable part of our life. No matter where we go, we always find them around us. This is because they are used to connect and power different equipment, appliances, gadgets and electrical supply. As we often deal with power cords, we must know how to handle them safely. If an electrician or a professional comes across a power cord hanging loosely in your house, it is quite likely that they will reprimand you about the same.
You must follow certain steps when it comes to handling power cords. Take a look at some of the dos and don’ts we have enlisted for your safety.
Dos
1. You must secure the cords in the right place so that they don’t remain dangling on the walls. This way, you can prevent accidents from happening. Use different equipment to make that possible.
2. It is very important to keep them away from the resources of heat and water. This is because, these two elements can cause damage to the insulation of the cord and it can become a shock hazard for you.
3. Keep the area around power cord spacious as thrusting too many of them in a small area can cause pressure and crumpling which leads to insulation damage.
4. Make sure you keep the power cord away from the crowded areas. By doing so, you can prevent people from tripping and also prevent the cord from overheating and fraying.
5. When you pull out the power cord, do it by holding it from the plug area. Pulling it from the wire part will decrease the life and efficiency of the cord.
6. Power cords when placed outside the house should ideally be placed under a shade. This keeps them prevented from the direct rays of sun or sudden change in weather. Also, make sure you put them in their place after they are used.
Don’ts
1. You must not start using coiled power cords as soon as you unbox them. Make sure you release and unwind them before using as they can cause overheating in a coiled position.
2. Don’t put the cords under rugs or carpets. This is because cords cannot release heat when confined or kept under pressure. Also, people can trip and fall if they do not have idea about them being underneath the carpet.
3. Don’t stack up the plugs as it can lead to overloading of power point resulting into fire.
4. It is not advisable to go for Octopus connections as they can cause fire hazards. So make sure you follow the permitted figure of wattage.
If you spend maximum number of hours around power cords, you must keep this list of dos and don’ts handy with you or attach it to the wall nearest to your workplace. We all know that prevention is better than cure. Hence, by following these dos and don’ts, you will be able to save your family and peers from electrical accidents. Keep safe!
As a part of this technological era, you must be familiar with the computer, especially the desktop computer. This computer was very popular before the invention of laptops. When you use desktop computer, you need to replace your CRT monitor with the LCD one. While replacing the monitor, you would realize that monitor cable plays an important role in connecting the monitor and CPU. Even for your TV set, you would need this cable to connect your TV and the video player. Owing to the development of gadgets and computers, you will find different types of this cable in the market. Computer Cables include HDMI connector, VGA cable, USB cable, and many other similar cables.
USB Cable: USB cables are commonly used to connect the computer with other devices like digital cameras, cell phones, and so on. However this cable can also be used to connect a computer with the secondary display. However, it is advisable not to connect the CPU with the main monitor using USB. This is because the resolution of the USB cable is limited (1024x768). Besides that, such cables are also used to replace a laptop screen if you want to use another display or when your laptop display is broken or dead. HD 15 Monitor Cable: HD 15 cable is the most common connector for monitor. Commonly, people know that this cable is the standard VGA cable and it is easily recognizable being blue in colour. It works by communicating the image data to the monitor processor directly. This cable is commonly used in many devices, but usually for technology of desktop computer and other devices that are popular in the same area. However, this VGA cable has a limited resolution feature. It only supports 640x480 resolution. As a result, it cannot support the newest devices and gadgets that require greater resolution. DVI Cables: This type of cable is more complete since it can transfer both digital and analog video data. This is the most common monitor cable used today for connecting digital monitor since it supports up to 1920x1200 image resolution and even more. It also supports 2560x1600 video resolutions. When used in LCD monitor, it can considerably reduce the digital noise. At one glance, it looks quite similar to VGA cable. The only difference being that its flat pins are comparatively longer than that of the VGA cable. HDMI Cable: HDMI monitor cable is the most popular cable for monitors today since it is compatible with many devices like home theatre or LCD television. However, now you would find that all the computers and gadgets are featured with the HDMI port. It means the current computers can be connected with the LCD Television or your LCD TV can be used as the computer monitor. There is an array of power cords available in the market. It can get quite perplexing to choose the one that will fit your needs. In order to know more about them, you must have more information about these cords. This article will acquaint you with IEC C13 and IEC C15 power cords and how they are different from each other. But before that, let us understand what IEC is. IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission. Every cord is standardized by IEC before it is introduced in the market. These cords use the letter “C” which is followed by the number in their cords. Let’s get back to understanding the difference between IEC-C13 and C15 connectors. Some of them are mentioned below. Difference of a Notch
One of the most apparent differences between the two connectors is the notch on C15 connector. Although C15 looks quite similar to C13, it has a little groove opposite the earth. The IEC-C15 connectors also work in the C14 outlets. But the IEC-C13 connectors do not fit in the C16 inlets. Temperature rating This is an important factor that makes IEC-C15 different from C13. C15 connectors are designed in such a way that they can handle high temperature devices like electric kettles, server rooms, computing networking closets and Power over Ethernet switches having high wattage power supply. These connectors work on the temperature rating of 120°C. IEC-C13 connectors are rated at 15A/250V locally and at 10A/250V internationally with the temperature rating of 65°C. So when you need a power cord device having high temperature, you can use C15 instead of C13. Uses C13 and C14 power cords are usually utilized with personal computer. They are often known as “Kettle Cord”. However, kettles need C15/C16 power cords. C15 power cords are used in high temperature surroundings like electric kettle and computer networking closet. They are also used in Cisco MDS9500 series rack-mounted SAN switches, Early Xbox 360 power supplies and HP Procurve Switches. We hope this article must have brought a lot of clarity in understanding the difference between C13 and C15 power cords. Before buying one of these, you can get in touch with the company you are buying from and ask for all the information about these power cords. These cords can also be purchased online. Apart from getting the information, make sure you know the exact purpose of ordering one of these cords. |
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