Tag: international

international 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

Your Best Guide to IEC 60309 Plugs

IEC 60309 plugs (International Electrotechnical Commission) are internationally certified for industrial purposes. The 60309 specification identifies these plugs as compatible with high voltages and high-powered connections. However, these industrial plugs are often referred to under a different name, making shopping for them more difficult than it needs to be.

Read below to learn more about IEC 60309 plugs and how they can best serve your applications.

What Are IEC 60309 Pin and Sleeve Plugs?

Also known as pin and sleeve plugs, IEC 60309 plugs feature male “pins” for plugging into corresponding sockets and are surrounded by a female “sleeve” for protection and safety. Often, the sleeve is made from impact-resistant plastic to reduce the risk of electrical shock and promote safe handling. The male and female pin and sleeve design reinforces electrical connections and makes them ideal for industrial high-voltage applications.

IEC power adapters are designed to accept IEC 60309 plugs and safely power various industrial applications. These plugs are compatible with IEC power cords and universal power strips.

Commando Plugs vs IEC 60309 Plugs

If you’re in the market for IEC 60309 plugs, you may be searching for them under the popular brand name Commando. When IEC 60309 plugs began gaining worldwide popularity for industrial and high-voltage uses, various countries began adopting it and slightly changing the name for their own standards or colloquial terminology.

Just like how the Kleenex brand name took over facial tissues and the Xerox brand name took over copiers, the MK Commando brand took over IEC 60309 plugs. However, when searching for an industrial plug, the correct term is still the IEC 60309.

Benefits of IEC 60309 Pin and Sleeve Plugs

IEC 60309 plugs are known for their extreme strength and durability. Built to handle high voltage levels and extreme amperages, these plugs can reliably power large machinery in various industries. Additionally, these plugs can continue to provide power with complete safety even when submerged underwater. IEC 60309 plugs have an IP rating guaranteeing their ability to withstand water and foreign objects, protecting them from dirt and dust.

Applications

IEC 60309 pin and sleeve plugs can be used for a wide range of industrial applications, including but not limited to:

  • Cameras & Video Displays
  • Communications & Laboratory Machinery
  • Computing Equipment
  • Cooking Units
  • Data Servers
  • Industrial Lighting & Machinery

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Leading Supplier of IEC 60309 Plugs

With over 30 years of experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is your trusted source of standard and custom power cords for a variety of applications. We proudly offer competitive pricing, no minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on all in-stock products. Contact us to get started on your order today!

Continue reading Your Best Guide to IEC 60309 Plugs

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.

Continue reading Different Wire Termination Styles for Power Cords

International Cord Regulations

EUROPEAN_SEV_OVE_KEMA_CEBECInternational approvals can be difficult to understand. Especially when you see a drawing or a specification sheet and only one end of the power cord is approved and not the other. I mean, how can only one part of a cord be approved while the rest is not? To me, that does not make much sense.

If you look into it, in most cases, a power cord is not approved as a whole but in different sections. The plug, the wire, and the connector are all approved separately. They each have a different set of rules they need to follow. But when all countries are using the same IEC standard connector each approval agency will treat things differently. Such as China and Argentina approving the whole cord set instead of separate pieces.

International_Electrotechnical_Commission_LogoIt all comes down to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and what they consider as standards. While there are many different approval agencies per country they all use the same IEC connectors. That means they all have to follow IEC regulations. According to IEC 60799 5.2.2., it states “The rated current of the plug shall be not less than the rated current of the connector.” This means the connector cannot have a higher rating than the plug attached. Continue reading International Cord Regulations

The Auto-Lock Family Keeps Growing!

We’ve recently introduced the Auto-Lock® in colors, vibrant red, green, and blue!

Now, this time, we’re bringing in the Auto-Lock® with angles! Not only can you color code your devices, but you can also organize even better with these angled jumper cords.

The Auto-Lock® now comes in several angled cord configurations, shown in the tables below.

C13 Auto-Lock®

The first configuration in the standard IEC C14 to IEC C13 Auto-Lock® jumper cable. You can choose between 10 Amps to 15 Amps depending on the amount of power you need. These Auto-Lock cords are used in network applications such as servers and PDU’s.

ANGLED SERIES
up 6280 AL
down 4929 AL
left 5244 AL
right 3514 AL

 

c13 up angle c13 down angle
c13 left angle c13 right angle

Continue reading The Auto-Lock Family Keeps Growing!

The Difference between C13 and C15

The power cord industry can be confusing. But the more you know, the better. Today we will discuss the differences between IEC-C13 and C15 connectors.

First, the obvious difference is the notch on the C15 connector. It is similar in form to the C13, except with a notch opposite the earth in the C15 connector. IEC-C15 connectors will work in the C14 inlets however,
IEC-C13 connectors won’t fit into C16 inlets. Think of it like this: an electric kettle cord can be used to power a computer, but an unmodified computer cord cannot be used to power the kettle.

c13blog      c15blog

Second, the Ic15bloggEC-C15 differs from the C13 because of the temperature rating. These C15 connectors are specifically designed for higher temperature devices, for example: electric kettles, computing networking closets or server rooms, and PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches with higher wattage power supplies. The temperature rating for these connectors is 120°C. Continue reading The Difference between C13 and C15

International Travel For The Holidays

funnyholidayplaneAhh, the holidays.  A time for celebrating the important things in life with the people we cherish the most.  Even if that means traveling far and wide, we do so without question, because we know that’s what really matters.  Often, this even involves international travel.  And low and behold there will be some planning involved, especially if you plan to capture memories and maybe take care of some business on the side by bringing your electronics and accessories.  For the uninitiated, or those with limited experience, we’ve come up with a handy step by step guide to making sure you have an (electronically) seamless holiday, and more time to spend with your loved ones.

Continue reading International Travel For The Holidays

How to Protect Your Electronics

summerheatpalmtree-587117Ahh, Summer.  It’s already  one of the hottest years on record for much of California, and in light of  soaring temperatures, it’s an important time to closely monitor your valuable electronics and data centers.  You’ll want to make sure air-conditioning and water-cooling systems are working properly, but there are more steps you can take to ensure your electronics survive the heat.

Fact:  Electronic devices tend to run 10-20 degrees higher than room temperature. If temperatures become too hot, outside cooling and ventilation is needed to prevent overheating.  While air-conditioning may fit the bill, in some cases you may want invest in an environmental monitoring system to ensure your electronics keep safe. Continue reading How to Protect Your Electronics

Most Common IEC Terms

IEC

With over 110 years of electronics industry standardization, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. IEC’s “electrotechnology” provides a platform to companies, industries, and governments for developing the required international standards for powering electronics. Continue reading Most Common IEC Terms

Australia’s New Power Cord Marking

RCM jpgTo all our customers from down under: you may have noticed something a little different about Quail’s Australian power cord plugs. There is a new marking on the plug that supplements the Australian standard for approving electronics in Australia and New Zealand. 

As of March 1, 2013, The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) and the New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) consolidated regulatory certifications for electrical equipment to the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). On that same date, Continue reading Australia’s New Power Cord Marking