Category: IEC Power Cords

A Guide to International Power Cords and Plug Types

At Quail Electronics, we supply commercial and industrial customers worldwide with premium electronic products. As an electronic component manufacturer, we produce high-performance power cords, adapters & converter plugs, and other electronic resources that meet international requirements. This guide will provide insight into the various international power cords and plug types styles.

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Plug Types for Each Global Region

There are 15 different models of plugs in the international market. It’s important to note that while most countries have primary plug styles, other plug types may also be utilized due to variations or exceptions in specific regions or electrical installations. Always double-check the power requirements and plug types for the location you are visiting to ensure compatibility with your devices.

Continue reading A Guide to International Power Cords and Plug Types

Your Best Guide to IEC 60309 Plugs

IEC 60309 plugs (International Electrotechnical Commission) are internationally certified for industrial purposes. The 60309 specification identifies these plugs as compatible with high voltages and high-powered connections. However, these industrial plugs are often referred to under a different name, making shopping for them more difficult than it needs to be.

Read below to learn more about IEC 60309 plugs and how they can best serve your applications.

What Are IEC 60309 Pin and Sleeve Plugs?

Also known as pin and sleeve plugs, IEC 60309 plugs feature male “pins” for plugging into corresponding sockets and are surrounded by a female “sleeve” for protection and safety. Often, the sleeve is made from impact-resistant plastic to reduce the risk of electrical shock and promote safe handling. The male and female pin and sleeve design reinforces electrical connections and makes them ideal for industrial high-voltage applications.

IEC power adapters are designed to accept IEC 60309 plugs and safely power various industrial applications. These plugs are compatible with IEC power cords and universal power strips.

Commando Plugs vs IEC 60309 Plugs

If you’re in the market for IEC 60309 plugs, you may be searching for them under the popular brand name Commando. When IEC 60309 plugs began gaining worldwide popularity for industrial and high-voltage uses, various countries began adopting it and slightly changing the name for their own standards or colloquial terminology.

Just like how the Kleenex brand name took over facial tissues and the Xerox brand name took over copiers, the MK Commando brand took over IEC 60309 plugs. However, when searching for an industrial plug, the correct term is still the IEC 60309.

Benefits of IEC 60309 Pin and Sleeve Plugs

IEC 60309 plugs are known for their extreme strength and durability. Built to handle high voltage levels and extreme amperages, these plugs can reliably power large machinery in various industries. Additionally, these plugs can continue to provide power with complete safety even when submerged underwater. IEC 60309 plugs have an IP rating guaranteeing their ability to withstand water and foreign objects, protecting them from dirt and dust.

Applications

IEC 60309 pin and sleeve plugs can be used for a wide range of industrial applications, including but not limited to:

  • Cameras & Video Displays
  • Communications & Laboratory Machinery
  • Computing Equipment
  • Cooking Units
  • Data Servers
  • Industrial Lighting & Machinery

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Leading Supplier of IEC 60309 Plugs

With over 30 years of experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is your trusted source of standard and custom power cords for a variety of applications. We proudly offer competitive pricing, no minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on all in-stock products. Contact us to get started on your order today!

Continue reading Your Best Guide to IEC 60309 Plugs

Understanding Every Angle

While standard power cords are excellent for nearly all applications, making secure connections in angled spaces can be difficult or near impossible. When it comes to navigating tight spaces or awkward angles, angled power cords are the perfect space-saving solution.

These power cords are designed to make reliable connections without bending or damaging the plug, allowing cables to lay flush and secure. Available in numerous configurations and styles, angled power cords can be used for all types of angled-space applications.

Angled Power Cords: What Are They?

In terms of functional specifications, angled power cords are nearly identical to their standard counterparts. The defining and obvious difference, of course, is the angle of the plug or connector. While standard power cables do not have specific angles, angled power cords have a 90° bend in one of four directions: up, down, left, or right.

Angled power cords:

  • Take up less space than standard connectors
  • Are easy to route through tight spaces and corners
  • Offer strain relief to eliminate cable stress
  • Minimize protrusion and save space in tight areas
  • Prevent cord damage and maintain secure connections

Angled power cords are identified by the location of the ground pin and the direction the cord is trailing from the vantage point when connected to a power source. Right-angle power cords and left-angle power cables are among the most popular styles, although different angles are available for other needs.

What Are the Different Configurations for Angled Power Cords?

North American (NEMA) cords and IEC cables are the most popular angled power cords. While the power cord angle is based on when the plug or connector is connected to a power source, NEMA and IEC cords have different specifications for naming angled power cords based on cord direction.

NEMA Angled Power Cords

For NEMA cord configurations, the type of cord is based on when the power cord ground pin is facing down, or in the 6 o’clock position. The angles are determined by the position of the power cord when plugged into a power source or socket. For example, if, when looking at a wall outlet, the power equipment is plugged in with the ground pin down and the wire is trailing toward the left, it is a left-angle power cable. If the cord is trailing right, it is a right-angle power cord. The same logic applies to up and down angles.

North American angled power cords can have either NEMA to NEMA connectors or NEMA to IEC connectors. The most common type of NEMA angle power cord is a 5-15P cable. Here, we illustrate Below is a diagram all four NEMA 5-15P angled power cord configurations.

ANGLE NEMA 5-15P
UP NEMA UP
DOWN NEMA DOWN
LEFT NEMA LEFT
RIGHT NEMA RIGHT

IEC Angled Power Cords

For IEC angled power cords, the angle of the cable is determined by the ground pin facing up, or in the 12 o’clock position. For example, for a plugged-in IEC cable with the ground pin oriented upwards, if the cable trails to the left, it is a left-angle power cable. If the cord is trailing right, it is a right-angle power cord. The same logic applies to up and down angles.

IEC 60320 C13, C14, C19, and C20 cables are among the more popular styles of IEC angled power cords. The following chart displays the various configurations for IEC C13 angled power cords.

ANGLE IEC
UP IEC-60320-C13 UP ANGLE_N Model (1)
DOWN IEC-60320-C13 DOWN ANGLE_N Model (1)
LEFT IEC-60320-C13 LEFT ANGLE_I Model (1)
RIGHT IEC-60320-C13 RIGHT ANGLE_N Model (1)

When to Use Angled Power Cords

Any angled power cord can be used in place of a standard cord of the same specifications. This means that these cables are excellent space-saving solutions for both consumer and commercial applications. Common uses for angled power cords include:

  • Monitors
  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • TVs
  • Sound Systems
  • And more!

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. to Find Your Best Angled Power Cords

Quail Electronics, Inc. is proud to be your top supplier of the best services and electronic products. We offer low minimum order requirements, competitive pricing, and convenient same-day shipping to help you receive precisely what you need. With a team of industry experts, an extensive inventory, and over 30 years of experience, we are your leading source of reliable power cords, power strips, and additional electronic accessories.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. or request a quote to find the right solutions for your needs.

International Cord Regulations

Understanding international cord regulations can be difficult. Part of this is due to the cord approval process. In power cords, the plugs, wires, and connectors are approved as separate components rather than as a whole cable. They each have unique rules and standards they must follow. However, while nations are required to use the same regulations for connectors, the approval standards vary from country to country, making it challenging to understand international cord regulations.

It may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! In this guide, we examine international standards, different approvals and ratings, and how to adapt cables to various international requirements. Keep reading to learn more!

International Standards and Approvals

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the global association that sets standards for electrical technology, including power cords and cord components. All countries must follow IEC regulations, however, there are many different approval agencies for individual countries. Although IEC standard connectors and power cords are used worldwide, their approval standards vary by country.
For example, Underwriter Laboratories (UL) is a North American approval agency that determines the approved ratings for North American power cords. While approval agencies can have their own ratings, they must comply with IEC international cord standards.

IEC Regulations for Power Cords

The IEC 60799 5.2.2 states, “The rated current of the plug or plug connector shall be not less than the rated current of the connector.” This means the connector cannot have a higher rating than the plug attached. While rarely an issue for standard or domestic cords, this can create compatibility issues when trying to use specific cables internationally.

There are situations where a power cord’s plug and wire may be approved while the connector is not. For example, many international power cords do not have approval for the IEC-60320-C19 connector. In North America, the C19 connector is rated up to 20A. However, that same connector is rated at only 16A in the United Kingdom. Not only are the ratings different, but because the C19 has a higher rating than the 13A UK plug, the IEC will not approve the connector. For the connector to be approved, the cord would require a plug rated no less than 16A.

Adapting to International Standards

There are a couple of options to make your power cables compatible with international cord regulations. Familiarize yourself with the international standards of the country you’re visiting. If your cord’s connector is not approved, you can either use an adapter or choose a cord with a higher-rated plug. Using a cord that is compatible with a country’s approved standards and IEC regulations is an easy way to safely avoid preventable risks like shock, fire, or damage to devices.

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Expert Source on Power Cords and Electronics

With over 30 years of industry experience, we are proud to be your go-to source of premier power cords, adapters, and electrical components. We offer a wide selection of international power cords to keep you and your devices protected anywhere in the world. With competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on in-stock items, we stand apart from the crowd.

No matter your electrical needs, we have the right components for you. Contact us for more information or request a quote to get started on your order today.

The Difference between C13 and C15

The power cord industry can be confusing. But the more you know, the better. Today we will discuss the differences between IEC-C13 and C15 connectors.

First, the obvious difference is the notch on the C15 connector. It is similar in form to the C13, except with a notch opposite the earth in the C15 connector. IEC-C15 connectors will work in the C14 inlets however,
IEC-C13 connectors won’t fit into C16 inlets. Think of it like this: an electric kettle cord can be used to power a computer, but an unmodified computer cord cannot be used to power the kettle.

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Second, the Ic15bloggEC-C15 differs from the C13 because of the temperature rating. These C15 connectors are specifically designed for higher temperature devices, for example: electric kettles, computing networking closets or server rooms, and PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches with higher wattage power supplies. The temperature rating for these connectors is 120°C. Continue reading The Difference between C13 and C15

Most Common IEC Terms

IEC

With over 110 years of electronics industry standardization, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. IEC’s “electrotechnology” provides a platform to companies, industries, and governments for developing the required international standards for powering electronics. Continue reading Most Common IEC Terms