North American Cords

Understanding Power Cords

Power cords are electrical cables that connect appliances and devices to a power supply. Typically built with one male end (a plug) and one female end (a receptacle), power cords transfer power directly from a power source to an electrical device. However, not all power cords are created equal!

There are many different uses for power cables, and with a variety of power cord standards and connectors, determining which style of cord is appropriate for your needs can be challenging. Here, we cover the basics of power cords and explore important information to help you get started on your search for power cables. Keep reading to learn more!

Using Universal Power Cords

Power cords provide electricity to both commercial and domestic equipment. Because of this, universal power cords can be found in nearly every industry, power devices including:

Commercial Appliances
Electronic Equipment
Entertainment Systems
Industrial Manufacturing
Residential and Home Appliances
Retail Kiosks and Vending Equipment
And more!

No matter your industry, you need power cords to power your equipment. Find the right power cords and electrical cables for your needs at Quail Electronics, Inc.!

What Are the Common Power Cord Standards?

The two most common standards or ratings for power cords in North America are IEC and NEMA:

IEC: A set of standards specifying power cords that the International Electro-Technical Commission has standardized; these are used in most countries.
NEMA: Referring to cables that follow standards set by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, typically used in North American and some Central and South American countries.

IEC and NEMA power cords are AC (alternating current) cables, meaning they are designed to carry electrical current that reverses direction periodically. These cords connect to outlets and electrical systems, allowing them to be used for a wide variety of electronic devices and machines.

On the other hand, DC (direct current) cords maintain consistent electrical currents flowing in one direction and are commonly used to power battery-operated equipment.

Types of Power Cord Connectors

Power cord connectors are what attaches a power cable to an appliance, inlet, or other coupler. Connectors such as plugs and receptacles are defined for different current, voltage, and temperature combinations.

IEC connectors are used all over the world for international power cords. IEC-60320 is an international standard that uses a “C” to indicate different connectors, with even numbers representing plugs and odd numbers representing mating receptacles. For example, a C13 plug is designed to connect to a C14 socket, commonly used in data centers.

NEMA connectors are used in North America and are identified by a two-part code followed by a “P” or “R” that indicates whether it’s a plug or a receptacle. The first numbers in the code establish the voltage, while the following numbers describe the amperage. The NEMA 5-15P, for example, is a standard plug style used in North America for small residential appliances like toasters or hairdryers.

Specialty adapters can be used to convert devices with NEMA connectors to IEC connectors.

Specialty and International Power Cords

Specialty power cords are those designated for specific or unique applications. Styles include:

Hospital-Grade Power Cords: These cables are used to power medical equipment. Designed to meet medical requirements, hospital-grade power cords are identified with a “Green Dot” to certify approval.
Auto-Lock® Power Cords: Quail Electronics, Inc. supplies Auto-Lock power cords designed to prevent accidental unplugging and reduce the risk of electrical hazards.
Server Power Cords: These cords connect PDUs and other appliances or networking equipment, offering increased organizational and operational capabilities.
International Power Cords: We provide a large selection of international power cords for use all over the world, so no matter where you conduct your business, you can safely power and use your equipment.

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Leading Expert on Universal Power Cords

Can’t find the power cord you’re looking for? We can help. At Quail Electronics, Inc., we offer convenient same-day shipping to get you what you need when you need it. Low minimum order requirements and competitive pricing allow us to provide you with precisely what you need at a price that works for you.
Contact us or request a quote to get started on your order today!

Avoiding Electrical Hazards with High-Quality Power Cords

As you know, power cords are the backbone of society: powering equipment, connecting machines, and supplying power to virtually all industrial and consumer devices. However, there are certain risks involved with using electricity and power cables. Thankfully, one of the best (and easiest!) steps you can take to protect yourself, others, and your equipment from electrical harm is to use a high-quality power cord.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common electrical hazards, how high-quality power cords reduce the risk of those hazards, and how to identify ideal power cables. Keep reading to learn more!

Common Electrical Risks and Dangers

While electricity itself offers many benefits to society, these benefits come at the risk of several dangers. When it comes to power cords, there are many different types of hazards; however, the most common include electrical shock, electrical fires, and overloading.

Electrical Shock

Electrical shock can occur when a person touches exposed wires or has direct contact with live electricity. Faulty power cords, poor cable jacketing, or worn cord insulation can expose live wires and increase the risk of electrical shock. Additionally, improper cord placement or inadequate care can create a high-risk environment for electrical shock.

Electrical Fire

Electrical fires can occur for many reasons, including frayed cables, exposed live wires, or low-quality materials. When damaged cords overheat or arc, they can ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to potentially devastating fires.

Overloading or Overheating

All power cords are designed to handle specific electrical loads. Low-quality power cords cannot support devices drawing excessive power, which can result in overloading or overheating. Overloading a power cord can lead to internal cord damage and increase the risk of electrical shock or fire.

How Do High-Quality Power Cords Reduce the Risk of Electrical Hazards?

High-quality power cords are designed with reliable materials, including durable insulation, properly rated wire gauges, and stable connectors. This reduces the risk of electrical shock and fire, as these cables prevent fraying and are reinforced with top-quality insulation. High-quality power cables are also designed to handle appropriate electrical loads, creating an increased resistance to overheating and promoting reliable ongoing performance.

No matter your industry, investing in high-quality power cords is critical for workplace safety: for you, for others, and for your operations.

Identifying High-Quality Power Cables

So, we know that using high-quality power cords is key to avoiding common electrical hazards. But with so many power cords on the market today, how can you identify the quality ones? Look for these signs that a power cord is of high quality for your operations.

UL Safety Standards

Only use cords that are certified by Underwriter Laboratories, marked with a “UL” symbol. These cords have been tested and officially meet US safety standards. Using UL-certified cords ensures higher protection against common electrical hazards and risks.

Jackets and Insulation

Jackets are used to protect a power cord’s insulation. Jackets have different features and vary based on the specific cord and its intended application. Jackets can be oil-resistant, coated in PVC, weather-resistant, and more. The qualities of a cord’s jacket are stamped directly on the jacket.

Insulation is non-conductive and covers the wire in power cables. It is critical for keeping electricity within the wire while protecting the wire from harsh outer environments. Insulation is typically made either of plastics or rubbers. Ensure you are using power cords with durable jackets and insulation to reduce the risk of electrical hazards.

NEMA Power Cords and IEC Power Cords

North Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) cords are popular in North America and are available in straight-blade and locking styles. All NEMA cords are UL- and CSA-approved (Canadian Standards Association). IEC power cords are those that have been standardized and approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Avoid electrical hazards by using high-quality NEMA or IEC power cords for your operations. At Quail Electronics, Inc., we offer a large selection of NEMA power cords and IEC power cords to provide you with the best solutions for your needs.

Protect Your Power Cords

Using a high-quality power cable is only part of the battle against electrical hazards. Make sure you’re protecting your cords to ensure they maintain their quality! Follow these steps to keep your high-quality power cords in top shape:

Keep all power cords away from risks and replace any damaged or fraying cords to avoid safety hazards.
Use power cord accessories like cord covers and cable clips to keep cables out of the way and reduce the risk of tripping or harm.
Perform routine cord inspections to examine your cables for any signs of wear, loose connectors, or exposed wires.
When not in use, properly store power cords in a clean, cool, and dry area. Avoid coiling power cords tightly, as this may lead to damage over time.

Using high-quality power cables will help prevent early deterioration and increase overall safety.

Choose Quail Electronics, Inc. as Your #1 Source of High-Quality Power Cords

Ready to upgrade to a high-quality power cord? You can find the right cable at Quail Electronics, Inc. We pride ourselves on our wide selection of industrial power cords for any industry. With convenient same-day shipping, low minimum order requirements, and competitive pricing, we get you what you need at a price that works for you.

What is Piggybacking an Outlet?

Piggybacking an outlet describes passing power from one plug into another. The piggyback plug has both male pins and a female receptacle. The male connecter is plugged into an outlet or power source, and an additional source can then plug into its female receptacle. Piggybacking involves adding extra electrical plugs or devices to the original outlet’s receptacles to expand the number of available electrical connections.

Piggybacking Benefits For Outlets & Wall Sockets

Piggybacking uses an additional electrical device by plugging into an existing outlet, usually by an adapter or power strip.
Piggyback designs are space-saving features that allow devices to be powered while leaving the outlet or receptacle free to power other appliances. This is crucial when your equipment must not power down or requires ongoing electricity. It’s quick, easy, and space-efficient.
A piggyback cord allows you to tap into the AC power outlet and an additional piece of equipment while maintaining a usable AC power outlet.

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
DOWN
LEFT
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
DOWN
LEFT
RIGHT

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.

NEMA Locking Power Cords for High-Voltage Applications

Whether you’re powering devices at work, a construction site, or even home appliances, a secure connection is vital for high-voltage applications. If a cord accidentally disconnects, the exposed conductors can cause severe electrical hazards. Power cords used for heavy-duty projects need plugs and connectors that stay attached no matter what.

The solution? NEMA locking power cords. These industrial-grade power cords lock into place with a single twist, giving you a secure connection to the receptacle.

Why Use Locking Power Cords?

While traditional power cords are excellent for many general uses, they are often susceptible to unintended disconnections. For high-voltage applications, accidental unplugging can lead to severe electrical hazards or create equipment failure. Locking power cables are the best solution to prevent unwanted disconnections. These cords feature mechanisms that, when twisted, securely lock the connection between the cord and the power source.

There are many benefits of NEMA locking power cords:

Decreased downtime
Improved safety
Increased reliability
Lowered maintenance
Uninterrupted power supply

Locking power cables can only be connected and disconnected by intentionally twisting the locking mechanism, making accidental unplugging impossible. Ensure your high-voltage applications are secure with NEMA locking power cords.

Using Locking Power Cords for Secure Connections

Designed for heavy-duty use, NEMA locking power cords are ideal for harsh environments or where vibrations may cause standard cables to disconnect. This can be in both commercial and consumer settings, with applications ranging from Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) backup hardware to residential appliances. Additional common uses for locking power cables include:

Data servers
Generators
Lighting, sound, and video equipment
Medical devices
Offices
Pool pumps
And more!

Common Types of Locking Power Cables

Because there are many different types of high-voltage applications, there are just as many types of locking power cables to go with them! Popular types of locking power cables include:

These cables are highly versatile, with various lengths and connection styles available to suit unique application demands. Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. today to find out which locking power cable is best for your needs!

Voltages for NEMA Locking Power Cords

When selecting a power cord, choosing the right voltage for the equipment you’re powering is critical. NEMA locking power cords are offered with different voltage options and plug types, with the most common being:

125V

L5-15P
L5-20P
L5-30P

250V

L6-15P
L6-20P
L6-30P

Quail Electronics, Inc.: Your #1 Source for Power Cords!

At Quail Electronics, Inc., we supply high-quality power cords for any application. We stand apart from the crowd with fast shipping, low minimum order requirements, and competitive pricing. Talk to our experts for help finding the best power cords for your needs. Contact us or request a quote to get started today.

Understanding North American Cord Markings

Power cords come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the functionality, they can be used from powering standard household devices to large-scale applications in enterprise or hospital settings. Knowing only the plug type and length of your power cord, however, gives a marginal grasp of your overall powering demands.

Even a technophile would agree that understanding the inner workings of electronic components can be quite complicated. This is also true in the power cord industry. Etched into our cord jackets display markings that refer to several characteristics that embody the powering solution to keep your products powered seamlessly. In an effort to explicate Quail’s worldwide-leading products, we have presented an exposition Continue reading Understanding North American Cord Markings

National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association – NEMA

You may be looking for a plug wondering, what is NEMA? What does it mean? Is it the name of Nemo’s long lost sister? Quail Electronics is here to explain all the ins and outs of NEMA, what it means, why it’s significant, and why it matters in the world of power cords.

NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association. As an association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, NEMA’s goal is to create and promote safe electrical products and standards. NEMA’s work includes standards for motors and generators, magnet wire, and, of course, plugs. Continue reading National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association – NEMA

Polarized: It’s Not Just for Sunglasses

Polarization often reminds people of sunglasses, but it’s actually an electrical term as well! Who knew? (Well, I did, but I’m the exception, not the rule). My knowledge of polarization was particularly useful the other day. I was playing a casual game of croquet with my friend, Quincy Quail, when he started complaining about plugs to me, of all things.

“What’s the point,” he asked, “of having those 2 little prong things different sizes? I always try to plug lamps and things like that in, and I end up doing it backward! It’s so frustrating!”

I realized that many people must have this problem and that as a power cord blogger, I have a responsibility to the world to make sure people are getting the most out their sockets, and understand why their plugs are the way they are.

Continue reading Polarized: It’s Not Just for Sunglasses

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Category: North American Power Cords