electrical power cords
When deciding on a power cord, common considerations include plug and connector styles, cord length, and voltage. However, another important factor is determining whether you need a molded or a mechanical power cord. Here, we discuss the differences between these types of power cords, their benefits, and how to choose the best style for your needs.
Continue reading Choosing Between Molded Power Cords & Mechanical Power Cords
Power cords were made to be plugged in and unplugged at will. In fact, controlling when and how electricity is conducted using power cords is one of humanity’s greatest inventions. However, not all electrical operations go as planned. Power cords get unintentionally unplugged all the time—accidental tripping, moving equipment, vibrations, you name it. Maybe you’ve accepted accidental unplugging as a fact of life. But it doesn’t have to be!
With patented Auto-Lock® power cords from Quail Electronics Inc., you can trust your devices and equipment to stay plugged in—until you decide to unplug them. These power cords feature internal locking mechanisms and sliding tabs that keep power cords securely in place. Maintain control over your machinery with an Auto-Lock® power cord.
Accidentally unplugged power cords are an inconvenience at best and a severe problem at worst. From a draining laptop to disconnected critical equipment like servers or medical machines, ensuring power cords stay plugged in is crucial for successful electrical operations.
There have been many attempts at developing solutions to help keep cords plugged in. Perhaps you’ve even attempted a few yourself—taping cords in place, knotting them together, or purchasing longer cords for extra slack. But none have the same success rate and reliability as Auto-Lock® power cords.
Our locking power cords feature built-in locking mechanisms on the connectors to prevent accidental disconnections. To unplug, simply pull the sliding mechanisms on either side of the connector. Auto-Lock® power cords were designed to keep your cables securely in place, even when pulled or tugged. Unplug cables on your terms with locking power cords!
Every power application has unique requirements for voltage, cord length, connector style, and industry specifications. No matter your industry, you can find the right locking power cord for your needs at Quail Electronics, Inc. Our selection of Auto-Lock® power cords includes but is not limited to:
We pride ourselves on having the best locking power cords for any application. Stop getting unplugged and regain control over your electrical operations with Auto-Lock® power cords today!
Quail Electronics, Inc. has over 30 years of experience as a premier supplier of power cords and electrical accessories. We proudly offer competitive pricing, no minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on all in-stock products. Contact us with any questions and a team member will assist you. Find the right Auto-Lock® power cord for your application and request a quote today.
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.
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.
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.
You can use various techniques to compensate for the effect of voltage drop on long circuits or where voltage levels must be accurately maintained.
Learn more about global voltage standards with our helpful International Voltage and Frequency Guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IEC 60309 pin and sleeve plugs can be used for a wide range of industrial applications, including but not limited to:
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!
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.
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:
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.
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 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 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.
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:
When selecting a terminal, ensure the sizing matches your wire gauge.
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
While standard power cords are excellent for nearly all applications, making secure connections in angled spaces can be difficult or near impossible. When it comes to navigating tight spaces or awkward angles, angled power cords are the perfect space-saving solution.
These power cords are designed to make reliable connections without bending or damaging the plug, allowing cables to lay flush and secure. Available in numerous configurations and styles, angled power cords can be used for all types of angled-space applications.
In terms of functional specifications, angled power cords are nearly identical to their standard counterparts. The defining and obvious difference, of course, is the angle of the plug or connector. While standard power cables do not have specific angles, angled power cords have a 90° bend in one of four directions: up, down, left, or right.
Angled power cords:
Angled power cords are identified by the location of the ground pin and the direction the cord is trailing from the vantage point when connected to a power source. Right-angle power cords and left-angle power cables are among the most popular styles, although different angles are available for other needs.
North American (NEMA) cords and IEC cables are the most popular angled power cords. While the power cord angle is based on when the plug or connector is connected to a power source, NEMA and IEC cords have different specifications for naming angled power cords based on cord direction.
For NEMA cord configurations, the type of cord is based on when the power cord ground pin is facing down, or in the 6 o’clock position. The angles are determined by the position of the power cord when plugged into a power source or socket. For example, if, when looking at a wall outlet, the power equipment is plugged in with the ground pin down and the wire is trailing toward the left, it is a left-angle power cable. If the cord is trailing right, it is a right-angle power cord. The same logic applies to up and down angles.
North American angled power cords can have either NEMA to NEMA connectors or NEMA to IEC connectors. The most common type of NEMA angle power cord is a 5-15P cable. Here, we illustrate Below is a diagram all four NEMA 5-15P angled power cord configurations.
| ANGLE | NEMA 5-15P |
| UP |  |
| DOWN |  |
| LEFT |  |
| RIGHT |  |
For IEC angled power cords, the angle of the cable is determined by the ground pin facing up, or in the 12 o’clock position. For example, for a plugged-in IEC cable with the ground pin oriented upwards, if the cable trails to the left, it is a left-angle power cable. If the cord is trailing right, it is a right-angle power cord. The same logic applies to up and down angles.
IEC 60320 C13, C14, C19, and C20 cables are among the more popular styles of IEC angled power cords. The following chart displays the various configurations for IEC C13 angled power cords.
| ANGLE | IEC |
| UP |  |
| DOWN |  |
| LEFT |  |
| RIGHT |  |
Any angled power cord can be used in place of a standard cord of the same specifications. This means that these cables are excellent space-saving solutions for both consumer and commercial applications. Common uses for angled power cords include:
Quail Electronics, Inc. is proud to be your top supplier of the best services and electronic products. We offer low minimum order requirements, competitive pricing, and convenient same-day shipping to help you receive precisely what you need. With a team of industry experts, an extensive inventory, and over 30 years of experience, we are your leading source of reliable power cords, power strips, and additional electronic accessories.
Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. or request a quote to find the right solutions for your needs.
Choosing the proper power cord is essential for safety and success. However, not all power cords are created equal. Understanding the differences between various cables will help you make the best decision for your application and needs. Below, we explore different types of power cords and their uses. Keep reading to learn about the specific functions of common cord styles for various applications!
Also known as NEMA power cords, these cords are the standard design in North America. While various configurations are available for different outlets and equipment, all North American power cords feature a NEMA plug type on one end and an IEC connector on the other. As the most common type of power cable in North America, these cords are used for a virtually immeasurable number of applications, with standard uses including:
At Quail Electronics, Inc., we supply standard and custom configurations to provide you with the right North American power cords for your requirements. All NEMA cables are UL and CSA approved. Contact us to learn more.
As their name implies, international power cords are designed for international usage. Because power standards and outlet styles vary between different regions, a power cord that works in one country may be inadequate in another. International power cords feature unique plug styles and voltage ratings to ensure compatibility and optimal performance for specific countries. Quail Electronics, Inc. supplies international power cords for over 15 countries, including:
Choosing power cords with the correct voltages and plug styles for international electrical uses is essential to proper functionality and safety.
Hospital-grade power cords, also called medical cords, are specially designed for the health and medical industry. These cords are built to fulfill strict safety standards for medical equipment, featuring large plug bodies, three grounded prongs, and excellent resistance to electrical arcs and corrosion. All medial-grade power cords undergo stringent testing procedures, and approved cords are marked with a “green dot” to verify certification. Typical uses for hospital power cords include:
As durable and resilient cables, hospital power cords protect staff, patients, and equipment from electromagnetic interference, shocks, or accidents.
Our patented Auto-Lock® power cords feature built-in locking mechanisms on the connectors. Designed to prevent accidental disconnections, the locking device keeps these cords plugged in even when tugged or pulled. Only intentional unlocking will disconnect Auto-Lock® cables, ensuring consistent and stable power until manually unplugged. Auto-Lock® power cords can be used in place of their standard counterparts, making them beneficial for a large range of applications including but not limited to:
North American power cords, international power cords, and hospital power cords are all available in Auto-Lock® configurations. Find the right Auto-Lock power cord for your needs at Quail Electronics, Inc.
With our extensive inventory of electrical products, Quail Electronics, Inc. is your trusted provider for all power cord needs. Competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and convenient, same-day shipping set us apart from the crowd. We are your leading supplier of power cables and accessories.
Contact us with any questions or request a quote to get started today.
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 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 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).
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. 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.
When using power cords, safety is the most important factor. In fact, many cables have built-in safety measures as extra precautions: ground pins, Auto-Lock® mechanisms, and surge protection, for starters. These components help manage the flow of electricity within the cord… but what about the cable itself? What protects the power cord from stress and damage?
Cable strain relief.
But how? What is it? How does it work? Why does it matter? We answer these questions and more below. Keep reading to learn more about cable strain relief!
Strain relief describes the component at the base of a cable, just before the connector. This part of the cable often experiences the highest levels of stress, whether from pushing, pulling, bending, flexing, or twisting. Over time, continuous strain may cause the cord to deteriorate or break, leading to exposed wires and dangerous handling. That’s where cable strain relief comes in.
The strain relief acts as a hard shell, protecting the vulnerable portion of the cord from excessive stress. Different types of strain relief can be used depending on the style of cord and its application. However, all cable strain reliefs serve the same purpose: to protect power cords from damage.
Standard cable strain relief components are pre-installed on the cord and are molded to the jacket and part of the plug. This style of strain relief is designed to avoid any damage to the conductors and prevent the separation of the plug from the cord.
Cable glands, also known as cord grips or cable connectors, are independent fittings that must be manually installed over the connector and the cable joint. These fittings serve as sealing devices, ensuring a secure and effective enclosure where the cable meets the connector.
There are different styles of cable glands, including 90° angled snap elbows, which can be used for specific applications. These designs help minimize wire strain and prevent rubbing against sharp edges when the cord passes through the equipment panel.
While nearly all power cords are equipped with standard cable strain relief, cable grips are separate mechanical components that must be manually added. Cord grips are available in a wide range of materials, including:
The right material for your cable gland will depend on your application. For example, stainless steel and nylon are beneficial for environments with liquid or freezing temperatures, while cords exposed to chemicals or high temperatures would benefit from PVC or nickel-plated aluminum cable glands. In these cases, not only does the cable strain relief protect the cord against damage from bending or pulling, but also against harsh operating spaces.
We have over 30 years of experience and expertise in power cords, plugs and receptacles, and electrical accessories. With competitive pricing, same-day shipping on in-stock products, and low minimum order requirements, we are proud to be your go-to source for electrical components. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote to get started.
Have you ever stepped into the server room at your business? I’m sure it looks a little something like spaghetti – which can actually be a lot messier than dinner. If you’re wondering how to prevent this mess, I’m here to help!