Tag: electrical standards

electrical standards

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.

Contact us to learn more. Start your order and request a quote today!

Continue reading Avoiding Electrical Hazards with High-Quality 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.

CEI 23-16 ITALIAN_BLACK.jpg

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

Flame Rating Tests for Power Cords. Feel the Burn

Ensuring your power cord meets fire prevention requirements for a device is a safety measure you cannot ignore. In a previous blog discussing test procedures, we mentioned multiple tests that power cords must undergo before being approved by safety agencies. To refresh your memory, some of the tests we talked about were:

ul94-testing

  • Grounding test
  • Continuity test
  • Hi-pot test
  • Polarity test
  • Insulation test
  • Pull-test

This post will cover another important test: flame rating, or flame resistance.

Continue reading Flame Rating Tests for Power Cords. Feel the Burn

Universal Adapters 101: What You Need to Know

Power adapters are electrical components that convert power from a wall outlet to a form that works with your plugged-in device. Often, these adapters only have one plug type and can, therefore, only be used in specific locations. However, universal power adapters are compatible with multiple plug types and voltage standards, so no matter where you are in the world, you can use and charge your devices. Take your business on the road with universal adapters!

Read below to learn more about universal adapters and the many different types. Contact us or request a quote to order the right power adapter for your needs.

Why Do You Need a Universal Adapter?

If you’re traveling or conducting international business, staying connected and keeping your devices charged and powered is crucial. However, no matter your plug style, your go-to power adapters will often be incompatible with foreign outlets, as standard adapters only have one type of plug and are incompatible with varying outlet shapes and voltages. Universal adapters solve this problem.

These adapters offer numerous configurations and plug styles, letting you plug into outlets worldwide. There are many types of universal adapters, so you can select the component that best suits the needs of your devices and your travel itinerary. Universal power adapters are must-have components for travel and successful internal business operations.

Types of Universal Adapters

International Power Adapters

Because various countries use different designs and require different standards for electrical outlets, plug attachments are needed in order to use your device without relying on battery power. Compatible international power adapters allow you to plug in your devices to any outlet. At Quail Electronics Inc., we offer a wide range of international power adapters for many countries and locations, including:

  • Continental Europe
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Denmark
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Africa
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • UK
  • And more!

IEC Universal Adapters

IEC adapters are designed to meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. We offer IEC universal adapters with the IEC-60320-C14 plug on one side, and a universal receptacle on the opposite side. Available with an amperage rating of 10A and a voltage rating of 250V, IEC universal adapters can be used to power many devices in countries around the world.

NEMA Universal Adapters

NEMA plugs and adapters are standard for North American applications. Our NEMA universal adapters can adapt various NEMA plugs into universal receptacles and are rated at either 10A—125V or 15A—250V. These adapters help ensure safe and reliable power connections between NEMA configurations and foreign plugs.

Corded Universal Power Adapters

For increased flexibility and more port options, corded universal power adapters are an excellent solution. Our adapters feature two USB ports and four outlets along with a 5 ft. cord to increase the range of use. Rated at 15A-250V, our corded universal power cube adapter has NEMA receptacles for North American use and two USB ports for international use, supporting a range of devices.

USB Power Adapters

USB ports are found around the world, making it easy to charge your USB-compatible devices. We offer a selection of USB universal power adapters to allow you to power up to five devices with one outlet, depending on your adapter model. USB adapters are a convenient and universal power solution for frequent travelers.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. for Universal Adapters and Electrical Solutions

Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is proud to be a leading supplier of power cords, power strips, plugs, adapters, and all things electrical. We offer competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on in-stock items to get you the products you need when you need them. Contact us with any questions and our team will assist you. Request a quote to begin your order today.

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.

Put the Power Cord to the Test

Today we’ll be discussing the various “testing” cords must go through in order to be 100% ready to go and meet the requirements for the UL standards (or international safety agency approvals) of cord sets and power cord supplies.

UL generates standards and test procedures for products and equipment focusing on product safety. Power cords undergo some of the most common tests:insulation

  1. A grounding test. The purpose of a grounding test is to protect the consumer from hazards that can be caused by a faulty ground connection. A ground bond test is a high current AC test that measures resistance of the ground path under high current conditions.
  2. The continuity test is carried out under high current, simulating a fault to earth. This test is performed by applying an AC or DC current between the conductive surface and protective earth.
  3. There is a hi-pot test. This is a stress test of the insulation of a device under test DUT (Device Under Test). This means the voltage used in a hi-pot test can either be AC or DC.

Continue reading Put the Power Cord to the Test

The CE Marking

CE rating 1All electronic devices sold in Europe carry an additional feature, the CE Marking. However, the power cord does not require the marking because it is an electrical component, not the finished product. This mark is the “European Conformity”, or in French known as the “Conformité Européenne.” It is essentially the electronic devices passport that allows it to gain access to Europe. Continue reading The CE Marking

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:

Continue reading Understanding the Overall Rating of a Power Cord

Brazil Standard

FlagBrazil is a wonderful, beautiful country filled with rich history and culture.  However, previous to 2010, the country was lacking in one major area; electrical standardization. There was no formal Brazil standard for any electrical sockets or plugs.  Since there was no standard, that led to a total of eight different kinds of plugs.  That’s right; eight!  The multitude of options caused Brazilian citizens and tourists alike to have a difficult time connecting different plugs and wires for numerous electronic devices. Continue reading Brazil Standard