Category: Specialty Power Cords

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.

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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.

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Snap-On and Screw-On Inlets

Snap-On and Screw-On Inlets

For today’s “how-to” topic, we will be discussing how to mount a power inlet/outlet onto a device.

There are two different types of ways to mount a power connector. One way is referred to as a Snap-On inlet (as the IEC-C20 inlet shown below). For example, in the data center located in your office building, the Snap-On inlet would be mounted on by inserting into the server rack. Soldered ends or quick disconnect terminals connect to your equipment’s live wires to the metal tabs at the back of the inlet. The “lips,” (highlighted below) which are small pieces of plastic on the sides, holds the inlet in place once connected to the server.

snap-on c20 - lips

 The second type is called a Screw-On inlet. Continue reading Snap-On and Screw-On Inlets

Plenum Cables. What Are They and Why Are They Useful?

Plenum Cables

Plenum cables are laid in the plenum spaces of buildings with computer installations which is often used to house connecting communication cables. The plenum is the space that is used for air circulation in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) typically between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling or under a raised floor.

plenum cables

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Best Locking Extension Cord: The Q-Lock®

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®!

Q-Lock 1How does this magical piece work? Continue reading Best Locking Extension Cord: The Q-Lock®

Electric Vehicle Part 1

EV plug 1

Electric vehicles have become a way of life. To prove that is true is the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard put into place by the Obama Administration. By 2025, every new vehicle sold in the United States will need to reach at least 54.5 mpg. In order to operate, the plug-in hybrid EVs that function on batteries need to be charged occasionally. No more trips to the over-populated, busy gas stations. You can fill up right at home overnight or at work during the day. The car simply plugs in while it is immobile for a given period of time. It can also charge while being driven – once the car is coming to a stop and the brakes are applied, kinetic energy is transformed into chemical energy in the battery.

In order to operate, the plug-in hybrid EVs that function on batteries need to be charged occasionally. No more trips to the over-populated, busy gas stations. You can fill up right at home overnight or at work during the day. The car simply plugs in while it is immobile for a given period of time. It can also charge while being driven – once the car is coming to a stop and the brakes are applied, kinetic energy is transformed into chemical energy in the battery.

Continue reading Electric Vehicle Part 1

Quick-Release Power Cords

QUICK-RELEASEHave you ever found yourself recklessly yanking out a power cord from an outlet, and afterwards realized that you a) broke something, b) nearly broke something, or c) caused unnecessary physical strain on yourself or your power cord?  If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions then there’s a solution to your problem.

The Quick-Release power cord series offers an alternative way to unplug your valuable electronics.  A simple pivoting release tab on each connecting end of the power cord makes it easy to disconnect your device without the physical strain or electrical hazard of yanking a plug from a wall outlet or power strip.  It also eliminates the “yanking” problem, thus the deterioration/split of the conductors inside the cord. Continue reading Quick-Release Power Cords