Thinking of buying a power cord? Here are the main factors to consider:
Cord Length: Determine the distance between the device and the outlet and choose a cord with the appropriate length to minimize the risk of tripping over a cord that's too long or not being able to reach the outlet with a cord that's too short.
Voltage & Current: Make sure the cord's voltage and current rating match the requirements of the device you're using it with.
Plug Type: Ensure the plug type of the cord matches the receptacle or outlet that you'll be using it with. Different countries have different plug types, so make sure to choose a cord with the right type of plug for your region.
Equipment Class: For certain equipment, such as medical devices, the power cord must meet specific safety standards and certifications. Make sure to choose a cord that meets the appropriate standards for your device.
In the United States and Canada, wire size or thickness is expressed as an AWG value. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire. The largest wire size in the AWG system is AWG and the smallest is 40 AWG. Note that 12-gauge and 12 AWG are the same thing.
Most other countries, notably European countries, measure the cross-section of the wire in square millimeters. IEC defines a set of standard metric gauges.
When you know the length and current rating you need, you can select a power cord with the right gauge.
The current or amperage rating for a power cord depends on the device it will power. The amperage rating is the maximum amount of current it can safely carry. The device's specifications should state the required amperage, and the cord should be rated for at least that amount.
To determine the amount of current required by a device, you can use one of the following methods:
Gauge refers to the thickness of the wires inside the cord, which determines its electrical conductivity and maximum current carrying capacity. A lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire, and a higher gauge number indicates a thinner wire. Common gauges for power cords range from 18 to 10 gauge. As a rule, higher current and longer lengths will require a cord with a lower gauge number.
Usage Cord Length (ft.) Cord Length (m) Max. Current (amps) AWG OD (mm2) Light Duty 50 15 13A 16 - 18 0.82 - 1.31 100 30 10A 16 - 18 0.82 - 1.31 Medium Duty 50 15 15A 14 2.08 100 30 13A 14 2.08 Heavy Duty 100 30 15A 12 3.31 Extra Heavy Duty 100 30 20A 10 5.26The voltage used in a country depends on the electrical grid and infrastructure in that region. In the United States, the standard voltage is 110-120V. In most European countries, the standard voltage is 220-240V. In some countries, such as Japan, Australia, and parts of South America, the standard voltage is 100-127V.
The voltage rating of a power cord is the maximum voltage it can safely handle. The device's specifications should state the required voltage, and the cord should be rated for at least that voltage.
It is important not to exceed the voltage rating of the cord, as this can cause it to overheat, become damaged, or pose a fire risk. If the device requires a higher voltage than the cord can safely handle, it may be necessary to upgrade to a cord with a higher voltage rating.
There are 15 plug types in common use around the world. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has assigned a letter to each, ranging from Type A to Type O, and created a handy tool to help travelers select the right power adapter or exporters to know if a device can be powered in a particular country.
The United States, Canada and Mexico use the two-prong, ungrounded Type A (also known as NEMA 1-15P) and the three-prong, grounded Type B (NEMA 5-15P).
In Europe, Britain uses a three prong Type G plug, also referred to by the British Standard BS . In mainland Europe, most countries use the ungrounded Type C and grounded Type F.
Two-prong plugs (NEMA 1-15P) come in two varieties: polarized and non-polarized. A polarized plug is easy to recognize because the prongs are different widths, ensuring that they can only be plugged in one way. The wider prong/slot is the "neutral". The other is "hot".
Three-prong plugs (NEMA 5-15P) have an extra ground pin in addition to hot and neutral wires.
The maximum length of a power cord is determined by safety and performance standards, as well as the specifications of the device it is connected to. As a rule, the maximum length for an indoor power cord is around 100-150 feet, and 50-75 feet for outdoor use. However, this can vary based on the cord's gauge and amperage rating.
There are three main considerations:
Link to TDX
Never plug a power strip or surge protector into an extension code. Power strips and surge protectors should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Yes, you can plug an extension cord into a power strip. However, it's important to consider the combined amperage rating of the devices being used with the power strip, to ensure that the power strip is able to handle the total current load and prevent overloading and potential fire hazards.
For outdoor use, choose an extension cord rated for outdoor use. These cords are made from durable materials that can resists UV rays and stays flexible in sub-zero temperatures. It is also important to select a cord that is rated for the amount of electrical power you will be using, in order to prevent overloading and fire hazards. Look for cords with a "SJTW" or "STOW" rating, which indicate that they are suitable for outdoor use. Additionally, be sure to use an extension cord with a proper grounding plug if you will be using electrical devices that require a grounded connection.
Yes, there is a fire rating for power cords. The rating indicates the cord's resistance to fire, heat and/or smoke. The most common fire ratings for power cords are:
Additional ratings cover use in riser and plenum spaces, but these should not apply to a pre-terminated power cord.
A grounded power cord has three prongs: a neutral wire, a hot wire, and a ground wire. The ground wire provides a safe path for electricity to follow in case of an electrical fault, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire. An ungrounded power cord has only two prongs - a neutral wire and a hot wire. It does not have a ground wire, so it does not provide the safety benefits of a grounded cord.
Yes, you can extend the length of a power cord by using an extension cord. An extension cord is a cable with a plug on one end and a receptacle on the other end that allows you to connect a device to a power source from a greater distance. However, it's important to note that using an extension cord can also decrease the safety and performance of the device, as the cord's gauge (thickness) and length may not be able to handle the full power demands of the device. It's recommended to use the shortest cord possible and choose an extension cord with a gauge that is appropriate for the power needs of the device.
The maximum wattage a power cord can handle is determined by the wire gauge (thickness) and length of the cord. Generally, the thicker the wire gauge and shorter the cord, the more power it can safely handle. As a rule of thumb, a standard 16 gauge power cord can handle up to 13 amps, which is equivalent to about watts for a 120V circuit (13A x 125V = 1,625W). However, it's important to check the specifications of the specific power cord you are using to confirm its maximum wattage handling capacity. Overloading a power cord can pose a fire hazard and potentially damage the cord or the connected device.
In the US, a power cord rated for 125V can handle voltages higher than the standard 120V to account for voltage fluctuations that may occur in the electrical grid. The standard voltage range in the US is between 110V and 120V, but in practice, the voltage may vary slightly due to factors such as changes in demand on the grid, power outages, or other conditions. By rating the power cord for 125V, the cord is designed to handle these voltage fluctuations without failing or posing a safety hazard. This allows for a margin of safety and helps ensure reliable and safe operation of the connected device.
A polarized power cord has one blade that is wider than the other. The wider blade is the neutral prong, and the narrow blade is the hot prong. The idea behind polarization is to ensure that the electrical device is always connected to the power source in the same way, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire. Polarization also helps to reduce electrical interference from other devices connected to the same power source. In general, lamps, appliances, and other devices that use a polarized plug must be used with a polarized outlet for safety.
A power cord is a cable that connects an electrical device to a power source. It typically has a plug on one end that goes into an electrical outlet, and a connector on the other end that goes into the device. A power cable, on the other hand, is a more general term that encompasses any cable used to transmit electrical power, including power cords. So, a power cord is a specific type of power cable. The term "power cable" can also refer to heavier-duty cables used for industrial or commercial power applications, such as high-voltage electrical transmission cables.
Typically, no. Most laptops are designed to work with a specific voltage range and cannot safely handle voltage that is different from their design specification. If a laptop is designed for 120V, it may not work properly or can be damaged when connected to a 230V power source. However, if your laptop is equipped with a dual-voltage AC adapter, you can safely connect it to any voltage in the supported range.
Another challenge is the input plug on your laptop's AC adapter. If you are traveling, you may need to purchase a power cord with a plug that matches the outlets in your destination country.
The number of amps supplied by outlets in a home or office varies depending on the country and the type of electrical system in use. In the US, standard electrical outlets typically supply between 15 and 20 amps. Power-hungry devices like air conditioners and large laser printer may require a dedicated circuit with a higher current.
When you purchase a PDU, you need to plan for the number of C13 and C19 outlets you will need. This can be problematic when you later need to add or upgrade equipment (for example, newer, more powerful servers have adopted the C19 power cord rather than the lighter gauge C13). Designed by Eaton, the C39 outlet accepts both C14 and C20 plugs, providing future flexibility and avoiding the cost and inconvenience of ordering a new PDU when outlet requirements change.
Harmonized power cords refer to electrical cables that have been standardized according to the specifications of international safety and performance standards. These standards ensure that power cords can be used safely and reliably in different countries and regions, and reduce the risk of compatibility issues and potential damage to electronic equipment. Harmonized cords are often marked with a harmonized code such as H05VV-F or H03VVH2-F to indicate that they meet the required standards.
There are several ways to hide power cords:
Regardless of the method used, always ensure that cords are not a tripping hazard or impede safe movement in the space.
Using an extension cord can reduce the amount of power that is delivered to the device connected to it. This occurs because an extension cord adds resistance to the circuit, causing a drop in voltage. The length of the extension cord and the gauge (thickness) of the wire both play a role in how much the voltage and power are reduced. Using a shorter and/or thicker gauge extension cord will result in less reduction of power.
It's also important to note that overloading an extension cord can cause it to heat up and potentially start a fire. It's always best to use an extension cord that is rated for the amperage required by the device you are connecting to it.
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