There are three basic components of a power cord: the plug, the cable, and the power outlet. A power cord serves as a universal conduit for the transfer of electricity from a power outlet to a product. These cables are subject to various international standards and regulations. Some are detachable, while others are fixed to the appliance. The plug is a fixed component, while the cable may be detachable or twist-locked.
There are different types of power cords, which have varying voltages and uses. It’s best to first think about safety when buying a power cord, as there are different grades of cords available in the market. Choosing the highest-quality cord will protect your appliances from damage and save you money in the long run. Also, it will protect you from the potential dangers of electrical shocks and fires. The following are some examples of different types of power cords.
– Environmental regulations. Global regulations on the use of hazardous substances have impacted power cords. Many cords contain PVC, and growing world-wide regulations have affected this material’s use and exportability. To ensure safety, ask for RoHS or REACH certifications from your power cord vendor. This certification ensures that the cord you choose meets the standards of many countries. It is also worth asking about a manufacturer’s environmental history, so that you know their products are safe and environmentally-friendly.
Types of power cords. Power cords are commonly Streamer Lights classified according to voltage and receptacle type. For example, laptop power supplies use a clover-leaf plug, which corresponds to a C6 receptacle. Other classifications are S grade, SJ grade, and P grade. PVC-coated cords are highly resistant to heat, so they’re a good choice for most devices.
Type of plug. Some power cords are NEMA type A, which is most common in North America. Its current rating is 20 amps. Alternatively, you can opt for a NEMA type B cord or a hospital-grade cord. These cords have higher quality standards than non-hospital-grade power cords. If you’re looking for a hospital-grade cord, you should look for a hospital-grade power cord with an IEC 60320 C13 plug.
Grounding. The earth pin is connected to the ground by a third pin in some cords. This connection keeps the device grounded. A ground pin protects the user and medical staff from electric shock and failure of insulation. A ground pin isn’t necessary in all cases. Some white goods and double-insulated equipment don’t need a ground connection. Lastly, a ground pin is not necessary for all power cords. This is just a standard for cords.
Standardization. IEC 60320 defines the standard for power cord appliances. Different countries have different standards, but they generally follow this one. If your device has a connector in a C13 standard, you’ll want to look for one that meets that standard. The IEC 60320 standard specifies different types of connectors for different voltages and currents. The C13 connector, for instance, is commonly used in computer desktops.