In the modern age, out of all the wires and cables, extension cords stand out. Although they aren’t power cables, the majority of us nevertheless use them daily in our homes.
Extension cords are considered an absolute must-have by many. Although almost everyone uses these wires, few know that several kinds are designated for specific tasks. The following are a few distinguishing features of the various varieties of extension cords.
Because of safety considerations, selecting a suitable type of extension cable for your equipment is crucial. To choose suitable extension cords, read this through.
Power Cord: What Is It?
One way to connect electronic gadgets to a wall outlet is by using a power cord, also known as a line cord or electrical cable. Power cords, which can supply electricity in various environments thanks to their construction from insulated copper wire and a protective covering of non-conductive material, come with plugs designed for use in different countries.
One type of power cable has a plug on one end and conductor wires on the other; another has a connector on one end and conductor wires on the other; and another is the plain power cord.
Types of Power Cords
While compared to talks of other systems or equipment, the approach taken while analyzing the various power cables is different. Typically, one nation can identify industrial and household goods. There is an exception to this rule of thumb concerning power cables, which differ depending on their place of origin.
1. AC Power Cords
Appliances and electronics that run on alternating current can be powered by a power cable. Tools for work and play, illumination, home appliances, musical instruments, tools for the workshop, and everyday life all make use of them.
Various AC connection cables are constructed with a cable assembly comprising wires, insulation, a polymer or rubber sheath around the wires, and plugs with voltage ratings that contain prongs, a housing, and wire terminals.
2. NEMA Power Cords
Plugs, cable voltage capabilities, and receptacle designs in North America are all standardized by NEMA power cords. Previously, Type A plugs with two prongs or blades for conducting electricity were the most popular. Type B plugs have an extra third grounding rod and superseded Type A plugs. Many nations use a variant of type A plugs; however, the worldwide arrangement of plugs varies greatly.
In general, NEMA power cable connectors can be either straight blade or locking. The metal conductive prongs of the straight blade connectors are common in consumer goods. The ground pin is spherical and straight, while the prongs or blades are flattened or folded metal bits.
3. NEMA 5 15p Power Cords
The range of NEMA products is 15–60 amps and 125–600 volts. The way they are categorized distinguishes them. There are two prongs on every NEMA 1 power cord and three on every NEMA 5 power cord. Three-wire grounding devices with a maximum voltage rating 125 are known as NEMA 5.
In particular, the 5-15p rating is an earthed adaptation of the NEMA 1 15 standards. Large machinery or home appliances usually have their power directed by NEMA 6 or above devices.
4. Power Supply Power Cords
Connecting an electrically powered device to an electrical power source is the job of a power supply cord, often known as an electric cord. Appliances, lights, audio systems, and power tools all rely on power supply connections to function. Copper wires, encased in rubber or another polymer, can be permanently attached or removed.
5. Cord Sets
A conductor, such as copper wire, insulation, and a protective covering, are the components that make up a cord set, which is used to transmit electricity. In addition, there is a way to monitor voltage, a component that detects current leaks, and electrical fuses to avoid voltage spikes. Protective material is used to lessen the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on sensitive electronics.
6. Custom Power Cords
Knowing the application’s constraints and difficulties is a prerequisite to contacting a custom power cord maker when making a custom power cord selection. An individual’s needs and workflow are considered while crafting a custom power cord. Their one-of-a-kind design means they may not meet NEMA requirements, but their meticulous engineering ensures they work perfectly under specified conditions.
7. Electric Power Cords
Machines, home appliances, and personal computers all need electric cords, which can be either flexible or semi-rigid, to connect to power sources. Tightly fitting the plug into the receptacle is essential for an electric power cable to transport electrical energy from the power source to the device safely and efficiently.
Let’s discuss extension cords
Equipment that requires electricity but does not have easy access, such as power tools, emergency medical defibrillators, and construction sites, often uses extension cables. They may be used as power adapters or “adapter cords” because of the lengthy cable that contains a power plug and receptacles on both ends.
- Light Duty Extension wires—Similar to lamp wiring wires, light-duty extension cords are the most affordable option among extension cords. They usually have an amperage of less than 7 amps and are used to connect things like chargers, lights, and clocks.
- The wiring of medium-duty extension cables is identical to that of light-duty extension cords, with a ten-amp amperage rating. They go into audio systems, video players, laptops, and speakers. With the 16 AWG version, the maximum length of the chord is 25 feet, and with the 14 AWG version, it’s 50 feet. The 12 AWG variants provide the longest medium-duty extension cords, which may reach up to 100 feet.
- Heavy-Duty Extension Cords—These extension cords are available in three sizes: 14 AWG for 25 feet, 12 AWG for 50 feet, and 10 AWG for 100 feet. They have an amperage of 15 amps. They link appliances and space heaters.
In the end!
One way to connect electronic gadgets to a wall outlet is by using a power cord, also known as a line cord or electrical cable. The International Commission on Rules for the Approval of Electrical Equipment (CEE), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and the International Standards (IEC) have all worked together to set the standards for the various power cables. The three essential components of every electrical cable are the plug, the socket, and the cord itself.
