As you are all aware, the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA), also known by its full name, is the body responsible for creating international standards for different equipment components and the connections between them.
In today's blog post, we'll talk about IEC power cables and provide some advice on what to consider before making an online purchase.
Power Cord Types And Arrangements
Examining a power cord will reveal that it is made up of a single cable with two couplers terminating it on either end. These ends are detachable from both the device and the power supply.
It enables the power line to be connected to a portable electronic gadget. Furthermore, it may inadvertently slide through an extension cord or wall outlet. Now let's go on to a more thorough analysis of its anatomy. The two most important parts of an electrical cord are the male connection and the cable plug. To produce energy, one can plug their appliance into an AC outlet.
Making a connection to the device is accomplished via the female connector, which is the container on the other end. One can find a wide variety of connections and interfaces by conducting an internet search. Conversely, IEC and Power Cords, such as the ones we are discussing, are often available for purchase in North America.
The National Electrical Manufacturing Association is responsible for certifying different types of cords in North America and other countries. These cables have voltages ranging from 125 to 600 and amperages between 15 and 60.
It is also possible to design certain plug types that are non-interchangeable according to the needed voltage or amperage. There are many different types of plugs available in North America, but the most widely used ones are the 1-15-P and 5-15P plugs, as well as power cords that use a C14 connection to connect to five 15 outlets. A Type 5 grounding connector has a third pin that is used for grounding, whereas a Type 1 grounding connector has a prong or a circular pin beneath the two flat prongs.
Let us introduce you to the two different types of power cords that are being discussed here.
Power Cord (5–15 p)
North American applications were taken into consideration when developing the 5-15 standard. As per the nomenclature adopted by the UL and CSA, a 5-15 is limited to voltages under 125 volts.
The voltage rating and, more precisely, the voltage arrangement are indicated by the number 5. You must use a different configuration than the standard 5-15, such as the 6-15, if you wish to utilize a plug-in North America approved by UL and CSA at 250 volts. Only 120 volts are suitable with the conventional 5-15. Businesses should exercise caution if they decide to operate in nations like the Philippines, where electrical regulations have not yet been established, even if the 5-15 can be utilized at 220VAC.
Therefore, businesses that move equipment should use extreme caution when evaluating the power connection to determine whether using it at 220V might have any negative health impacts. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association () has created a number of standards to guarantee uniformity and safety in the electrical sector. With the implementation of a new system, plug and socket patterns and their ratings have been standardized in description.
The 5-15-P is a three-prong, grounded device. Its connector's blades are parallel and flat, with a spherical ground pin situated between and above them. Wall outlets that operate on the common 110 VAC voltage can use it. The female output on the 5-15-P is referred to as the 5-15-R.
Power Cord IEC 60320
IEC Power Cords are available for a range of applications, operating temperatures, and earthing configurations. They are also referred to as IEC 320 Power Cords or IEC 60309 Power Cords.
Worldwide, one of the most widely used types of power cords is the IEC C13 to C14 cable. IEC extension cords and jumper cords are other common names for these wires.
All you have to do to utilize these connecting couplers is swap out the power cord for one that meets the standards. You can ensure that it is compatible with systems around the world if you take this action. A number of nations worldwide have pledged to follow the international standard IEC 60320. The number "320" stands for the different specifications for the power connector.
The IEC 60320 standard covers twenty-four different power cables, each with a different combination of voltage, temperature, and current.
IEC C13
One of the first and only truly universal power cords in the world is this one. Numerous countries, including the United States of America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and many more, have ratings and certifications for it.
C13 cables are capable of carrying up to 250 volts of electricity. They have three different rating options: 10 amp, 13 amp, and 15 amp. They have more country certifications than any other product now available on the market, therefore you may get deals on them.
IEC C13 power cords are most commonly used for the following purposes:
1.Desktop computers.
2.Computer displays.
3. Extension cords for printers.
4. Power cords for power distribution units.
5. Game consoles such as the Playstation 3 "fat" version and the Xbox 360.
REACH and RoHS2 regulations, including the most recent version of REACH, which screens for more than 132 substances deemed banned, have been tested and proved to be complied with by all C13 power cables.
These different types of power cords come in six different colors, with lengths ranging from three to 10 feet and ten or fifteen amp ratings. There are numerous low-profile connector molds, wire gauges, and plug and receptacle angles that can be used with different orientation choices.
By creating the cleanest, most accurate, and most optimized installation experience imaginable, users can streamline identification and maintenance. They have these options at their disposal. The possibility of inadvertently cutting electricity when removing cords is eliminated by being able to distinguish between the various power lines.
The C13 To 5-15p IEC
The majority of North American nations as well as a few nations in other standard-following regions have put the standards into practice. The plugs that are most commonly used in sockets are the 5–15P ones. These kinds of circuits consist of three wires: a ground wire, a neutral wire, and a hot wire.
Although they are rated for 15 amps at 250 volts, in actual use, they only carry 110 volts. A 5-15P to 5-15R connection is the most popular type of power cord configuration. The plug is 5-15P, while the receptacle is 5-15R. These are both shortened to as.
Two of the most popular versions of power cords that use a 5-15 plug are the 5-15P to C13 and the 5-15P to C15 power cord types. With regard to C13 to 5–15P, the following points are crucial to remember:
1. It is strongly advised to use it to power suitable peripheral devices, servers, and PCs.
2. You have greater flexibility in where you can place devices if you increase the length of your power connection by three feet (0.9 meters).
3. The 5-15P plug is connected to the AC power, and the C13 plug is plugged into the device's C14 inlet.
4. Colored wire is meant to make it easier to identify different components in high-density data situations.
5. Multipurpose SJT (PVC) jacket that is strong and resistant to abrasions.
The problems with the power connector can be resolved by combining these two power cords, which have the perfect lengths and different-intensity colors. They can cut down on the extra cords needed between power distribution units (PDUs) and active equipment by swiftly identifying different types of devices. Every kind of connector, every application configuration, and every international standard should be supported.
Make Sure Your Power Cables Are Safe
It would be beneficial if you consistently kept in mind to create an arrangement for your cords. Never put more cables in a cable tray or other cable management device than it can hold.
You run the risk of breaking the cable, generating crosstalk, harming the insulation, or, more seriously, if you're handling power cables, overheating and starting a fire. Next, confirm that you are consistently using the proper power line length.
Utilizing excessive amounts results in disarray and the development of air dams, which harm your wires.
The list of useful reminders is as follows:
Refrain From Overtightening Your Cords
There are many different types of cable ties that are useful for organizing your connections. Push mount cable ties, high duty cable ties, mounting cable ties, and all in between. This covers mounting cable ties, heavy-duty cable ties, and anything else.
1. Take care not to twist your knots too tightly as this may lead to their breaking.
2. There's a chance that the insulation on the cables will get destroyed, which could be dangerous.
3. Overly tight cable ties may obstruct the proper flow of signals across the cables.
4. As a result, your equipment's performance and efficiency will deteriorate.
Preserving Your Pass-Through's Security
There may be times when you need to drill holes in furniture, server containers, or other objects in order to pass wires through them. Grommets are essential if cables need to pass through metal, plastic, or wood.
This is due to the possibility that the holes in these materials frequently have sharp edges, which could damage the insulation around cables or even cut the cord. Grommets stop this from occurring. Grommets shield the electrical line as it passes through this opening.
Each cable has a maximum bend radius beyond which the signal it carries begins to deteriorate. This can have a significant impact on your business and the efficiency of its staff when it comes to equipment, including HVAC system components, and network connections, like those found in rack mount cabinets.
1. If cables are routinely bent over their limits over an extended amount of time, they may sustain irreversible damage.
2. As a result, regular maintenance and replacement may become essential, which can have an impact on the business's budget and operations.
3. You will need a fitting room for cables; make sure you don't overpack and go beyond the bend radius.
Apply Electrical Tape
A simpler and more affordable alternative is to wrap your frayed cord in electrical tape. To prevent additional damage, wrap the previously frayed section and then repeatedly wrap the wire in an outward orientation along its whole length.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of considerations to make when making a power cord purchase, but the most crucial one is selecting a cable that is both quick and durable. Next, choose a plug adaptor appropriate for your nation. If you take out the power chord, a North American cord paired with a North American socket and a European plug (CEE 7/7 power cord) won't be standardized in Europe. Additionally, it is advisable to check the voltage standards before plugging in your device because an incorrect voltage could result in harm.
