Tag: how-to

tips on how-to

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.

Don’t Be Shocked What The Holidays Bring!

It is crucial to practice electrical safety. Especially during the holidays! Here is an easy way to remember to be extra cautious this year, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” style!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love said to me, “Check for bare wires… before you wrap the tree!”

moses

On the second day of Christmas, my true love said to me, “Avoid overloading outlets… only plug one device… into each!” Continue reading Don’t Be Shocked What The Holidays Bring!

How to Identify Male & Female Power Cords

The plug and receptacle ends of power cords are the connector components that make a cord function. And almost all connector components are assigned a gender: male and female. This helps easily distinguish connectors and match them for safe power flow.

Plugs are also known as the “male ends” of a cable and are responsible for delivering power, while receptacles are called the “female ends” of a cable and receive signals from a male end. Understanding and being able to identify male and female cord ends is necessary to ensure proper connections and help regulate cables for power and digital signals.

Keep reading to learn key identifying factors for male and female power cords and connectors.

Male & Female Indicators

Male Plugs

Male connectors, or plugs, have two or more exposed pins, including live, neutral, and an optional ground pin. Separated by insulation, the pins from a male plug directly connect with a female socket or inlet to create an electrical link. One easy way to identify a male connector: If it has Pins, it’s a Plug.

When selecting a power cord, make sure you’re choosing the right end connector for your needs. For IEC power cables, male power cords have even numbers (for example, C14). Male plugs on NEMA power cords are labeled with a “P” (for example, NEMA 5-15P).

Female Receptacles

Female connectors, or receptacles, have two or more sockets designed to perfectly receive a male plug from a separate cable or device. The recessed holes are necessary for creating a safe and consistent electrical link between male and female ends.

For IEC power cables, female power cords have odd numbers (for example, C13). Female receptacles on NEMA power cords are labeled with an “R” (for example, NEMA 5-15R).

Connecting & Converting Power Cords

Almost always, the cable with a permanent connection to a power source is a female power cord. This is to protect users and equipment from the live, exposed prongs on a male plug end. However, if you need to alter a connection point, additional components may be necessary.

At Quail Electronics, Inc., we offer various electrical plugs and receptacles in both IEC and NEMA connections to help you safely connect and power any electronic device. Find the electrical connectors and accessories you need today.

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Leading Source of Power Cords & Accessories

Quail Electronics, Inc. has over 30 years of experience as a top supplier of power cords and electrical accessories. We offer competitive pricing, no minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on all in-stock products to stand apart from the crowd. Contact us with any questions and a team member will happily assist you. Find the right power cords for any project and request a quote today.
 

Coiled VS. Coiled

Picture this: you’re in need of some power cords. You call Quail Electronics requesting a coiled cord. The sales representative asks you, “would you like a coiled cord or for your cords to be packaged in a coiled form?” Well, now you’re confused, thinking ‘what’s the difference?’ Today I will be explaining coiled vs. coiled.

First, we have coiled as in the way it’s packaged. For example, you can have your cords packaged in a form which can either be hanked (often described as a figure 8 wrapping) see Image 1,   hanked

OR you can have them coiled as a “loop,” as shown in Image 2. image 2

Continue reading Coiled VS. Coiled

How to Crimp Terminals

I bet you’re wondering what an electrical terminal is. A terminal is the point at which the conductor of an electrical component comes to an end and provides connection to external circuits.

And how do we crimp terminals, you ask?
Let me explain. The word crimping, in this context, means to combine two pieces of metal together by deforming one (or both) to hold the other. It’s called “crimp” because of the deformity.

You’ll need a crimping tool in order to correctly crimp connectors onto the wire. Please remember that pliers are NOT crimpers! To verify that you have the right crimper, the crimper Continue reading How to Crimp Terminals

Label Your Power Cords: Vol. 2

bread-tie-label-for-cordsFact: behind every computer desk lies multiple power cords and connecting peripheral cables.  Usually, not all of them are neat, and in fact- most are a complete mess.  Some may even pose a shock and fire hazard. In Part 1 of this series, we learned how to make useful labels for power cords out of file folder labels. This form of organization works to de-clutter and minimize your workspace, allowing for clarity and peace of mind. In this next installment, we’ll take a look at how to make power cord labels out of even more readily available household items: plastic bread tags and duct tape.

Continue reading Label Your Power Cords: Vol. 2

Halloween Electrical Safety

HalloweenPowerCordIt’s that time of year again, when things get a little spooky.  The stairs creak a louder, there seems to be more sounds in the dark, and even though you know it’s your neighbor’s dog, you can’t help but think “Werewolf” when you hear it howl at night.  The spookiest thing for me, though, is Halloween electrical safety.

With all of your lighting and blow up vampires and ghastly decorations, it’s very easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit.  However, Halloween electrical safety is very important.  The first thing to check when unloading old decorations is that there are no frayed or exposed wires.  Decorations can sit in storage for so long that you never know what little creatures may have chewed through the wire, or what kind of damage they may have suffered. Continue reading Halloween Electrical Safety