Tag: electrical standards

electrical standards

The Importance of Using High-Quality Power Cords: Avoiding Electrical Hazards

Power cords are an integral part of everyday life. Consumers and businesses alike rely on electricity for various applications. As such, knowing the dangers of power cords and how to determine the quality of a cable is necessary to ensure the safe handling of electrical cords.

Dangers of Low-Quality Power Cables

With great power comes great responsibility! Along with all the benefits of electricity, there are a host of dangers to be aware of. It’s important to understand the hazards of dealing with power cords and cables so you can be sure to avoid them and promote safety habits.

Electrical Fire Hazards

Poor-quality power cords may have substandard insulation or inadequate wire gauge, increasing the risk of electrical fires. Damaged or fraying cords can also lead to electrical fire hazards. These cords may overheat or short-circuit, potentially igniting nearby flammable materials.

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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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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:

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  • 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.

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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:

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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