It is crucial to practice electrical safety. Especially during the holidays! Here is an easy way to remember to be extra cautious this year, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” style!
On the first day of Christmas, my true love said to me, “Check for bare wires… before you wrap the tree!”
On the second day of Christmas, my true love said to me, “Avoid overloading outlets… only plug one device… into each!” Continue reading Don’t Be Shocked What The Holidays Bring!
The plug and receptacle ends of power cords are the connector components that make a cord function. And almost all connector components are assigned a gender: male and female. This helps easily distinguish connectors and match them for safe power flow.
Plugs are also known as the “male ends” of a cable and are responsible for delivering power, while receptacles are called the “female ends” of a cable and receive signals from a male end. Understanding and being able to identify male and female cord ends is necessary to ensure proper connections and help regulate cables for power and digital signals.
Keep reading to learn key identifying factors for male and female power cords and connectors.
Male connectors, or plugs, have two or more exposed pins, including live, neutral, and an optional ground pin. Separated by insulation, the pins from a male plug directly connect with a female socket or inlet to create an electrical link. One easy way to identify a male connector: If it has Pins, it’s a Plug.
When selecting a power cord, make sure you’re choosing the right end connector for your needs. For IEC power cables, male power cords have even numbers (for example, C14). Male plugs on NEMA power cords are labeled with a “P” (for example, NEMA 5-15P).
Female connectors, or receptacles, have two or more sockets designed to perfectly receive a male plug from a separate cable or device. The recessed holes are necessary for creating a safe and consistent electrical link between male and female ends.
For IEC power cables, female power cords have odd numbers (for example, C13). Female receptacles on NEMA power cords are labeled with an “R” (for example, NEMA 5-15R).
Almost always, the cable with a permanent connection to a power source is a female power cord. This is to protect users and equipment from the live, exposed prongs on a male plug end. However, if you need to alter a connection point, additional components may be necessary.
At Quail Electronics, Inc., we offer various electrical plugs and receptacles in both IEC and NEMA connections to help you safely connect and power any electronic device. Find the electrical connectors and accessories you need today.
Quail Electronics, Inc. has over 30 years of experience as a top supplier of power cords and electrical accessories. We offer competitive pricing, no minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on all in-stock products to stand apart from the crowd. Contact us with any questions and a team member will happily assist you. Find the right power cords for any project and request a quote today.
Plenum cables are those laid in the plenum spaces of buildings. These areas, which are the spaces used for air circulation in HVAC systems, are typically located between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling, or under a raised floor. However, plenum spaces often contain very few fire barriers, making it essential to properly coat and protect any cables in the area.
That’s where plenum cables come in! But what exactly are plenum cables, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn more about plenum-rated cables, including when, where, why, and how to use them.
Plenum cables, or plenum-rated cables, are so named for their specific use in plenum spaces. What sets plenum cables apart from standard power cords is their fire-resistance design. Because plenum spaces often contain very few fire barriers, cables must be coated with a material that won’t contribute to creating or spreading flames.
Cable fire rating tests determined that PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) materials offered superior resistance to flames and minimized smoke generation. As such, plenum cables are coated with Teflon (PTFE), a fire-resistant coating that, in case of a fire, does not give off toxic gases or smoke as it burns. These cables have a very high fire-resistance rating from NEC guidelines and are the only cables suitable for plenum spaces and air ducts.
Many building codes only permit plenum-rated cables to be used for HVAC systems and plenum spaces. Because these areas have high rates of airflow, Teflon-coated plenum cables must be used to reduce the risk of fire.
PTFE has a high melting point and superior insulation characteristics, making it ideal for plenum spaces and high-voltage applications. In the event of a fire, these cables are excellent at stopping the spread of fire along the cord and preventing it from spreading throughout a system or building. Always use plenum-rated cables in plenum spaces and HVAC systems.
Using the right cables for ducting systems is essential for safety. By nature, plenum spaces are at a higher risk of fire: they have minimal fire barriers, ongoing airflow, and many cables running through them. Together, these factors can create hazardous environments without proper precautions.
Plenum cables, coated in fire-resistance materials, are specifically designed to reduce the risk of fire in plenum spaces. If a fire were to occur, these cables would not emit toxic fumes or generate smoke, diminishing excessive risk to the building and occupants.
Additionally, because many building codes uphold strict standards for safety regulations, using plenum cables is essential to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
Quail Electronics, Inc. is your leading source of electrical components. We have over 30 years of industry experience, and with competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on in-stock items, we stand apart from the crowd. From standard to specialty power cords, from adapters to plugs and receptacles, we are your best partner for all things electrical.
Contact us to learn more about our products and services. Request a quote to start your order today.
Power adapters are electrical components that convert power from a wall outlet to a form that works with your plugged-in device. Often, these adapters only have one plug type and can, therefore, only be used in specific locations. However, universal power adapters are compatible with multiple plug types and voltage standards, so no matter where you are in the world, you can use and charge your devices. Take your business on the road with universal adapters!
Read below to learn more about universal adapters and the many different types. Contact us or request a quote to order the right power adapter for your needs.
If you’re traveling or conducting international business, staying connected and keeping your devices charged and powered is crucial. However, no matter your plug style, your go-to power adapters will often be incompatible with foreign outlets, as standard adapters only have one type of plug and are incompatible with varying outlet shapes and voltages. Universal adapters solve this problem.
These adapters offer numerous configurations and plug styles, letting you plug into outlets worldwide. There are many types of universal adapters, so you can select the component that best suits the needs of your devices and your travel itinerary. Universal power adapters are must-have components for travel and successful internal business operations.
Because various countries use different designs and require different standards for electrical outlets, plug attachments are needed in order to use your device without relying on battery power. Compatible international power adapters allow you to plug in your devices to any outlet. At Quail Electronics Inc., we offer a wide range of international power adapters for many countries and locations, including:
IEC adapters are designed to meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. We offer IEC universal adapters with the IEC-60320-C14 plug on one side, and a universal receptacle on the opposite side. Available with an amperage rating of 10A and a voltage rating of 250V, IEC universal adapters can be used to power many devices in countries around the world.
NEMA plugs and adapters are standard for North American applications. Our NEMA universal adapters can adapt various NEMA plugs into universal receptacles and are rated at either 10A—125V or 15A—250V. These adapters help ensure safe and reliable power connections between NEMA configurations and foreign plugs.
For increased flexibility and more port options, corded universal power adapters are an excellent solution. Our adapters feature two USB ports and four outlets along with a 5 ft. cord to increase the range of use. Rated at 15A-250V, our corded universal power cube adapter has NEMA receptacles for North American use and two USB ports for international use, supporting a range of devices.
USB ports are found around the world, making it easy to charge your USB-compatible devices. We offer a selection of USB universal power adapters to allow you to power up to five devices with one outlet, depending on your adapter model. USB adapters are a convenient and universal power solution for frequent travelers.
Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is proud to be a leading supplier of power cords, power strips, plugs, adapters, and all things electrical. We offer competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on in-stock items to get you the products you need when you need them. Contact us with any questions and our team will assist you. Request a quote to begin your order today.
When using power cords, safety is the most important factor. In fact, many cables have built-in safety measures as extra precautions: ground pins, Auto-Lock® mechanisms, and surge protection, for starters. These components help manage the flow of electricity within the cord… but what about the cable itself? What protects the power cord from stress and damage?
Cable strain relief.
But how? What is it? How does it work? Why does it matter? We answer these questions and more below. Keep reading to learn more about cable strain relief!
Strain relief describes the component at the base of a cable, just before the connector. This part of the cable often experiences the highest levels of stress, whether from pushing, pulling, bending, flexing, or twisting. Over time, continuous strain may cause the cord to deteriorate or break, leading to exposed wires and dangerous handling. That’s where cable strain relief comes in.
The strain relief acts as a hard shell, protecting the vulnerable portion of the cord from excessive stress. Different types of strain relief can be used depending on the style of cord and its application. However, all cable strain reliefs serve the same purpose: to protect power cords from damage.
Standard cable strain relief components are pre-installed on the cord and are molded to the jacket and part of the plug. This style of strain relief is designed to avoid any damage to the conductors and prevent the separation of the plug from the cord.
Cable glands, also known as cord grips or cable connectors, are independent fittings that must be manually installed over the connector and the cable joint. These fittings serve as sealing devices, ensuring a secure and effective enclosure where the cable meets the connector.
There are different styles of cable glands, including 90° angled snap elbows, which can be used for specific applications. These designs help minimize wire strain and prevent rubbing against sharp edges when the cord passes through the equipment panel.
While nearly all power cords are equipped with standard cable strain relief, cable grips are separate mechanical components that must be manually added. Cord grips are available in a wide range of materials, including:
The right material for your cable gland will depend on your application. For example, stainless steel and nylon are beneficial for environments with liquid or freezing temperatures, while cords exposed to chemicals or high temperatures would benefit from PVC or nickel-plated aluminum cable glands. In these cases, not only does the cable strain relief protect the cord against damage from bending or pulling, but also against harsh operating spaces.
We have over 30 years of experience and expertise in power cords, plugs and receptacles, and electrical accessories. With competitive pricing, same-day shipping on in-stock products, and low minimum order requirements, we are proud to be your go-to source for electrical components. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote to get started.
If you are like me and experience disconnection with extension cords, then you know how frustrating it is when the cords keep unplugging themselves! For example, I was rearranging my living room but couldn’t really decide where to place the TV. Well, it turns out every time I tried scooting the TV, the cord kept unplugging! It happens almost frequently and it drives me insane! Who has the time to be disconnected? Thank goodness Quail has a new solution for this reoccurring problem. Now introducing the Locking NEMA receptacle, the Q-Lock®!
How does this magical piece work? Continue reading Best Locking Extension Cord: The Q-Lock®
