Whether you’re buying a cord for your home, office, or even your car, you’ll want to make sure it meets all the necessary standards. There are various types of cords, each with a unique construction and application. In addition to the voltage and current ratings, you’ll need to pay attention to the cable’s jacket material, receptacle type, and wire gauge. Most cords are built with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but increasingly, these regulations are limiting the use of PVC and limiting its export. Be sure to ask to see RoHS and REACH declarations.
In 1882, Thomas Edison invented a system that transferred DC power to homes and businesses within a mile of each other. He later designed a similar system for London. Edison’s system relied on jute-wrapped copper rods and rigid pipes. Later on, he switched to PVC-coated cables. These cables are tough and heat-resistant and are available in a variety of sizes and insulations.
The most common types of power cords are C14, C17, and C20. These cords feature three prongs and are often detachable. The detachable lead usually features a female connector to prevent the risk of a live pin extending from the appliance. They can also be equipped with twist-locking features or other types of attachments to prevent accidental disconnection. Some cord sets contain accessories such as fuses for overcurrent protection and hand lights a pilot lamp to display voltage. Some cords are also equipped with leakage current detectors.
While most products come with power cords, not all of them require one. Your selection will depend on the voltage and the location in which you plan to use it. Safety should always be the priority. Different power cords have different standards and certifications, and you’ll want to choose the highest-quality ones if you want to protect your appliances. This will save you money in the long run and keep you safe from electrical hazards. A power cord with a high quality rating is an investment in your appliances and your home.
IEC 60320 is an internationally recognized standard for power cords. Power cords are available in various sizes and are standardized by countries around the world. The IEC 60320 standard specifies the voltage, current, and temperature ratings. There are several different types of power cords, but the main ones are C14 and C15. These cords come with different connectors. For example, a C13 cord is used mostly for computers and laptops. The C13 power cord comes with a C13 coupler connector.
Amperage and wire gauge are two important factors to consider when choosing a power cord. They are related, but only by their basic guidelines. If you are buying a cord for your car, you should make sure that it has the correct voltage and amperage rating. A higher AWG number means that the wire is thinner, while a lower AWG number indicates the wire is thicker. Generally, the longer the power cord is, the greater the voltage drop, and the lower the capacity.