Category: Voltage & Wiring

Understanding Shielded Wire in Power Cords

wire 2Shielded wire describes specialty casings for cables, surrounding the cords and acting as a “shield” or protectant. The wire protects data transferred through the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI). The shield wraps around a wire, all encased within the cord’s jacket. Different styles of shielded wire casings, including foil and braided casings, are designed for use in different circumstances. Understanding shielded wire and its function will help you choose the best action for your cable needs.

Shielded wire cables offer excellent solutions to protect your cables from EMI disruption. Read below for more information about shielded wire, or contact Quail Electronics, Inc. today with questions and we will happily assist you.

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Selecting the Right High Voltage Cords

high voltage

High-voltage cables are found in virtually all environments, powering high-intensity equipment safely and securely. From households and consumer uses to industrial machinery, these cords ensure electrical safety while providing reliable power to strong equipment. There are many styles of high-voltage electrical cords, each designed for distinct uses and to fulfill specific demands. Understanding the various types of cables will help you make the best selection for your needs.

If you need to operate powerful electrical equipment, a high-voltage cable is the solution for you. Read below to learn more about high-voltage power cords, or find answers to any questions by contacting Quail Electronics, Inc. today.

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Power Supply Voltage Drops: The Basics

If you’re noticing decreased efficiency in your electronic systems and equipment, they may be experiencing what’s known as voltage drop. While power supply voltage drops can be damaging, understanding the basics and how to combat them can help you prevent future harm and protect your equipment. Keep reading to make sure you understand what a voltage drop is, common causes, and how to reduce the risk of voltage drops.

What is a Voltage Drop?

A supply voltage drop describes how the energy of a power supply decreases as the electrical current flows through passive elements in an electrical circuit. The potential for voltage drop increases with the length of the circuit. The further the electricity travels from the power supply, the higher the risk of voltage drop, resulting in weaker currents and decreased power.

Excessive voltage drop can be damaging and may lead to disruptions, inefficient electrical systems, and even mechanical harm. These issues can negatively impact your electrical equipment, potentially resulting in higher operating costs and decreased productivity. Understanding some of the most common sources of voltage drops can help you better prepare for and prevent damage to your electrical systems.

Common Causes of Supply Voltage Drop

  • Length of the power cable
  • Cable gauge size
  • Using AC power over DC power
  • Amount of current at the power supply
  • Power line resistance

How to Measure Voltage Drop

While small amounts of voltage drop are expected―especially for lengthy electrical circuits―monitoring for excessive voltage drop can help protect your equipment and prevent harm.

Ohm’s law describes a formula to calculate the proportional relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. The formula to calculate voltage drop is:

V = I x R

Where V represents voltage, I represents current, and R represents resistance. For further assistance in calculating voltage drop, contact a team member at Quail Electronics, Inc.

Minimize Voltage Drop in Your Power Supply

You can use various techniques to compensate for the effect of voltage drop on long circuits or where voltage levels must be accurately maintained.

  • Appropriate Wire Size: The most important factor in avoiding excessive voltage drop is selecting the correct wire size. Choose a wire gauge appropriate for the distance and current you require to best reduce resistance in your system.
  • Increase Conductor Size: One of the simplest ways to reduce voltage drop is to increase the diameter of the conductor between the source and the load, lowering the overall resistance.
  • Routine Inspection: Regularly examining your power cables and electrical systems will help you quickly identify any significant voltage drop. Make any necessary repairs as fast as possible to avoid lasting damage or costly maintenance.
  • Specialized Power Supply Design: Custom-made power cords and connectors can help you easily balance power loads and regulate voltage levels for improved performance.
  • High Voltage Power Cables: Using high-voltage power cords increases the amount of voltage flowing through a circuit and minimizes the amount of current. Higher voltage levels result in decreased voltage drop.

Learn more about global voltage standards with our helpful International Voltage and Frequency Guide.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. Today with Any Questions

With over 30 years of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is a leading expert in all things electronic. We offer competitive pricing, convenient same-day shipping, and minimal order requirements to get you precisely what you need for your applications. Our trained specialists can answer any questions and help you choose the best types of power cords for your requirements.

For more information about supply voltage drop and how to protect your electrical equipment, contact Quail Electronics, Inc. today, and our team will assist you with any questions.

Different Wire Termination Styles for Power Cords

Wire termination refers to the end style of a power cord. The way a cable is terminated affects its applications and determines how it can be used.

In this blog, we talk about the different ways to terminate a power cord, various wire termination methods, and types of electrical terminals for creating new cable connections.

Types of Power Cable Ends

The end of a power cable determines the available wire termination methods for that specific application. The most common cord end styles for power cables are:

  • Standard Ends
  • Stripped Ends
  • Custom Ends

For standard power cords, both ends can be plugged in or unplugged, and the cord is ready to use. All internal wires are hidden, meaning wire termination is contained in the plug or connector. However, for stripped and custom power cable ends, there are different ways to terminate a cord’s exposed wires.

Wire Termination Methods for Stripped End Power Cords

Stripped end power cords feature exposed wiring, where the insulation has been removed or “stripped” away from one end of the power cord. Also referred to as removed outer jacket cords or ROJ cords, the wire termination methods for these cords are permanent and result in reliable results.

Crimped Wire Termination

Crimped wire termination is named for the crimping tool required. A contact or terminal is “crimped” to the stripped wire, forming a permanent attachment. Crimp termination is the most common type of wire termination and forms a mechanically strong, reliable connection between the power cord and the attached terminal.

Soldering Wire Termination

Soldering wire termination is often used for direct hard-wiring applications. The stripped wires are treated with Flux and the desired contact or terminal is soldered directly to the exposed wires. Soldered wire termination is often used for simple applications or when a wire is too small for crimping tools.

Terminals for Stripped & Custom Cable Termination

Stripped and custom-end power cables use electrical terminals to create new ends for connections. Available in insulated styles, terminals come in a range of connection options:

  • Ring Terminals: Used to ground a wire in a device.
  • Locking Ring Terminals: Offer a more secure connection for grounding wires.
  • Fork/Spade Terminals: Allows for fast wire connections.
  • Quick Disconnect Terminals: Used when wires require fast disconnection.
  • Flag Terminals: A left-angle version of quick disconnect terminals.

When selecting a terminal, ensure the sizing matches your wire gauge.

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Expert in Power Cords & Electronic Supplies

Got questions? With over 30 years of experience and a team of knowledgeable experts, we can answer any question and assist you with any inquiries. With competitive pricing, convenient same-day shipping, and minimal order requirements, we supply you with precisely what you need. Contact us with any questions or to get started on your order today.

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Understanding the Overall Rating of a Power Cord

electricity-1-1024x768When it comes to understanding the rating of a power cord, there are a handful of factors to consider directly related to the amperage and voltage of the cord. Each element of a power cord has a maximum rating as an individual component. The elements are the plug, the wire, and the connector.  The overall rating of a power cord is effectively the weakest link out of these ratings.  Here, we take our popular 2500.072 power cord as an example:

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Wire Harmonization

singerBefore you start warming up your vocal cords, let me set the record straight; wire harmonization has very little to do with a capella groups and barber shop quartets. Instead, wire harmonization focuses on a standard developed in Europe to bring together wires from different companies.

Wire harmonization refers to a European process where several European standards are merged into one. Since Europe is densely populated, as well as divided into many countries, harmonization was developed in order to bring together standards, making it easier to wire electrical devices across the continent. Continue reading Wire Harmonization

Conductor Colors

wiresI’ve already declared my unbridled love for color, so there is no more of an appropriate time than the present to talk even more about colors.  However, in this post, we are discussing conductor colors.  In every standard cord, there are three conductors connecting the wires to the proper slot; ground, neutral or live, and providing inner insulation.  Matching up each wire to the proper conductor is very important to ensure electrical safety, so each conductor is color coded! Continue reading Conductor Colors

Amps in Relation to Wire Gauge

SJT wire blueAs my philosophy professor once told me, logic is a fickle thing.  What we often think makes perfect sense never actually does. Those who’ve toiled with justice, love, and the American Wire Gauge system know exactly what I’m talking about.  But no worries; Quail Electronics will explain it all, from wire gauge to the right amperage.  In a previous post, I addressed how the larger the AWG number, the smaller the wire actually is.  This also influences how much amperage is allowed through a wire. Continue reading Amps in Relation to Wire Gauge

Difference Between Jacket Types – Brrrrrr!

wiresWell, we all know you have your parkas, pea coats, or even your 80’s stylish windbreakers but do you know the difference between the jackets on your wire? Choosing a cable jacket for your wire can be just as important as choosing a jacket for the snow, the rain, or even one to protect you from a fall on your motorcycle. There are many different types of jackets used for the outside of the wire, all helping it stay protected from different elements. It could be oil, fire or even the nasty weather.

Materials

Let’s start with the material used for wire jackets. They can go mainly into two categories:  the Thermoplastics and the Thermosets. Thermoplastics are more popular as they are lower in cost to produce and lighter in weight.  Thermosets are more flexible and offer heat resistance.  The most commonly used is PVC which is part of the Thermoplastic category. It offers great flexibility for your cord and are typically used for general purpose wire.  Next we have silicone rubber which offers great flexibility and heat resistance up to 2500°. Silicone rubber belongs to the Thermoset category. Continue reading Difference Between Jacket Types – Brrrrrr!