Power cords are necessary for a number of reasons. They are used in consumer products and information technology equipment, as well as in outdoor or hazardous locations. They are often made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is subject to growing global regulations. To avoid violating these regulations, always purchase power cords with RoHS or REACH certifications. If you’re not sure if a power cord is compliant, read the label on the power source carefully.
Cords can be categorized according to their voltage. NEMA 5-15P is the highest-voltage cord, while the C18 is a lower-voltage cord with a receptacle with the C6 designation. There are also two other types of cords: NEMA 5-15R cords and NEMA 5-15P. NEMA 5-15P is a common cord type for most electronics, while SJ cords are 600-volt-rated. Other options include T grade, P-grade, and O-grade cords. Choosing the right cord for your use is crucial, and you’ll want to select a high-voltage cord that matches the current usage.
Another important feature of power cords is their versatility. While some are fixed to the appliance, others are detachable. Detachable leads have a female connector instead of a male connector, which eliminates the construction string lights risk of a live pin protruding from the plug. They may also be equipped with twist-locking features or other attachments. Power cord sets may include accessories such as fuses for overcurrent protection, a leakage current detector, and a pilot lamp to indicate voltage. Additionally, cords for sensitive equipment may feature a shield over the power conductors.
The IEC 60320 standard is a global standard that describes the electrical requirements of a power cord. Power cords made according to this standard have different connectors for different countries. The “C” designation represents the code standard for connectors made according to IEC 60320. The standard defines different combinations of voltage, current, and temperature. You can choose between different types depending on what your needs are. And make sure you know what the plugs and receptacles are before buying a power cord.
Depending on the type of outlet and amperage of the connected devices, you may need to use different kinds of power cords. While extension cords are convenient, they should not be used permanently. The wire gauge is also important for safety. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. The thicker the wire, the more electrical power it can carry, but also less resistance. A good quality power cord will save you time and money in repair costs and keep you safe from electrical hazards.
Different types of power cords are designed to meet different needs. Some are dual-locking while others have locking clips for added security. Regardless of the purpose, they can help protect your technological infrastructure. These cords can be used to connect a computer with a PDU. And the locking clips are ideal for connecting two or more computers. They can be easily locked when not in use. This makes them a convenient option for many applications.
