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.

Continue reading What is Piggybacking an Outlet?

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

Mounting Snap-On Inlets vs. Screw-On Inlets

If you want a complete electrical circuit, you need an inlet. Inlets, or appliance couplers, are the input power connection that helps guide the flow of electricity from a source to a plugged-in device. In other words, you can’t connect power sources without them. However, the type of inlet you need may vary based on application and use.

There are two different ways to mount a power connector. In this blog, we compare snap-on inlets and screw-on inlets so you can choose the best mounting type for your needs. Keep reading to learn more, and contact us with any questions.

Electrical Inlets: The Basics

Before differentiating between styles of inlets, there are a few pieces of shared information that hold true for all electrical inlets:

  • Male: Inlets are used with connectors, often the outlet end of power cords. Most inlets are male or have prongs for female connectors to join with them.
  • Identification: Every inlet type is labeled with a “C” followed by a number. The inlet’s number is always one more than its corresponding connector. For example, C19 connectors match with a C20 inlets.
  • Power Supply: Inlets serve as a stable access point for receiving and transferring power to plugged-in devices and appliances.

Snap-On Inlets

One mounting method for power connecters is using snap-on inlets. These inlets have plastic grooves or clips for secure mounts, providing fast and easy installation. Soldered ends or quick disconnect terminals connect from metal tabs at the back of the inlet to your equipment’s live wire. Additionally, snap-on inlets can be quickly removed and reattached if necessary. While the grooves can reliably hold the inlet in place for many standard applications, snap-on inlets may not be secure when exposed to high-stress environments.

Common Mountings for Snap-On Inlets

Snap-on inlets can be used for low-impact projects, including:

  • Data servers and server rooms
  • Home appliances
  • Indoor lighting systems
  • Office equipment
  • And more!

Screw-On Inlets

Screw-on inlets are another popular mounting style for power connectors. These inlets have built-in holes on the sides, where screws can be inserted and tightened for added security. The screws create permanent holds, reducing the risk of accidental disconnections and reinforcing reliable attachments. Screw-on inlets offer durability and stability to power connections in high-stress environments.

Common Mountings for Snap-On Inlets

Screw-on inlets are ideal for various heavy-duty applications, such as:

  • Power distribution units
  • RVs, boats, and mobile vehicles
  • Outdoor lighting systems
  • Industrial machinery
  • And more!

Choose Quail Electronics, Inc. for Electrical Mounting Inlets

With over 30 years of industry experience and expertise, Quail Electronics is your best supplier of electrical accessories, power cords, and more. We offer same-day shipping on in-stock products, competitive pricing, and low minimum order requirements to get you exactly what you need. Contact us with any questions or to speak with a team member and find your best solutions. Request a quote to get started today.

The Importance of Plenum Cables

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.

What Are Plenum Cables?

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.

When to Use Plenum Cables

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.

Why Use Plenum-Rated Cables?

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.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. Today

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.

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

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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