When it comes to choosing the right power cord for your needs, there are three main factors that you should keep in mind. The length of the cord, the amperage, and the wire gauge are directly related to each other. However, these are only basic guidelines. As the length of the cord increases, so will the wire gauge. For these reasons, wire color-coding standards were developed. While US cords are generally red and blue, European cords may be a bit different.
Power cords can be fixed to the appliance or may be detachable. In detachable leads, a female connector is used instead of the male connector. This avoids the potential danger of a live pin protruding. Other features of power cords include twist-locking features or attachments. Cord sets may include additional accessories, such as fuses for overcurrent protection, a pilot lamp that indicates voltage, and a leakage current detector. For sensitive equipment, they may also have a shield over the power conductors.
Environmental regulations have also become an important consideration for power cords. Increasingly, RoHS and REACH regulations are influencing the manufacturing process. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used to make most power cords, but the growing global environmental regulations are affecting its use and exportability. To ensure your purchase is compliant, make sure to request RoHS or REACH declarations from manufacturers before you buy. So, if you’re buying a cord for a laptop, consider its UL and CSA l1430 standards first.
The IEC 60320 international standard defines a range of power cords for appliances. While different countries have their own standards, most recognize the requirements of this standard. The connectors of power cords that are part of the IEC 60320 standard are labeled with a “C”, while the C13 standard is used for computers. Some countries, however, do not recognize this standard. The IEC 60320 standard specifies a variety of combinations of voltage, temperature, and current.
The NEMA series of plugs is the most common in North America. These have a current rating of twenty amps. The NEMA L14-30P plug fits a NEMA L6-30R receptacle. In hospitals, a power cord with a hospital-grade plug must meet this quality standard. They are also more likely to be safe and reliable, but this is not always the case. If your power cord isn’t hospital-grade, make sure it meets the NEMA standards.
There are many types of power cords available. NEMA 5-15P is the most common. The NEMA 5-15P has a two-prong plug, while the NEMA 15R has three wires. Then, there is the NEMA 5-15R to C13. If you’re looking for something more specific, you can also choose a C15 power cord. You can find power cords with any combination of these, depending on your needs.
A retaining clamp is a safety feature for a power cord. This prevents children from accidentally pulling out the cord and sticking objects in it. Rewireability is another safety feature for most connectors and plugs. This feature is important in certain industries because they may not have convenient power sources. You can even use extension cords hundreds of feet away from an outlet. But make sure you choose the right cord for the job. You’ll thank yourself later.