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Power Cord

Shenzhen Jinhuicheng Technology: a Professional Power Cord Manufacturer Supplier

We can not only provide high-quality products and competitive prices, but also ensure fast delivery time and good after-sales service.
Variety of Products
We mainly research and produce customized cable assemblies, such as coaxial cables, control cables, connecting wires, XLPE cables, cables and other customized special cables. We can also provide LCD LED panel connection cables, wiring harnesses, power cables, coaxial cables, FFC FPC cables, and waterproof cables.

Advanced Production Equipment
We have 10 sets of domestic first-class plastic extrusion production lines and three-layer co-extrusion foaming machines. We are also equipped with an online detection system that can monitor and adjust the capacitance, outer diameter, and eccentricity of the cable to ensure the high quality of the cable.

Multiple Professional Certifications
We have a complete quality assurance system, and our products comply with CCC (China Compulsory Certification), US UL certification, ISO9001, and ETL certification. Our raw materials comply with RoHS, REACH and SGS standards.

OEM ODM Available
Our company has 18 years of manufacturing experience. At the same time, we are an OEM ODM power cord factory for many well-known brands around the world, such as ASUS, Sceptre, DELL, KONKA, LG, VIZIO, etc. We can also manufacture products according to your design.

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Brief Introduction to Power Cords

A power cord, line cord, or mains cable is an electrical cable that temporarily connects an appliance to the mains electricity supply via a wall socket or extension cord. The terms are generally used for cables using a power plug to connect to a single-phase alternating current power source at the local line voltage (generally 100 to 240 volts, depending on the location). Power cables may be either fixed or detachable from the appliance. In the case of detachable leads, the appliance end of the power cord has a female connector to link it to the appliance, to avoid the dangers from having a live protruding pin. Cords may also have twist-locking features, or other attachments to prevent accidental disconnection at one or both

How Power Cords Work

Power cords are essential components in the transmission of electrical energy from a power source to electrical devices and appliances. They consist of several key elements that work together to enable the safe and efficient flow of electricity. At the core of a power cord is one or more conductors, typically made of copper or aluminum. These conductors serve as pathways for the electrical current to travel from the power source, such as a wall outlet or a power supply unit, to the device it’s intended to power. Surrounding the conductors is an insulating material, usually made of rubber or plastic, which serves to protect the user from coming into direct contact with the live electrical wires. Additionally, power cords often feature an outer sheath for further protection and durability. At each end of the power cord, there are connectors, such as plugs and sockets, that allow for easy and secure connection to both the power source and the device. The connectors are designed to ensure a proper electrical connection and to prevent accidental disconnection. The functionality of power cords is based on the principles of electrical conductivity, insulation, and mechanical durability. When plugged into a power source, the conductors within the cord allow electrons to flow from the source to the device, providing the necessary electrical power. The insulating material surrounding the conductors prevents electrical leakage and ensures that the current follows the intended path. Power cords are designed to handle various voltage and current levels, which is why you’ll find different types and sizes of cords for different applications. Power cords are a fundamental component of modern electrical systems, enabling us to power our electronic devices safely and conveniently.

Advantages of Using Custom Power Cords for Your Facility

Custom Power Cords Work for Your Specific Equipment
If you’re like most businesses, you probably have invested in laptops and desktops, and potentially servers, firewalls, network appliances, and printers. All of these pieces of equipment require connection to an outlet, and some may have specialty outlet needs. With custom power cords, you have the chance to get the right combination of outlets and spots to plug in your equipment to keep your facility running as it’s meant to.

No More Tangled Cords
One issue with generic power cords is that you may have to use a combination of too many of them just to get the right number of outlets needed for your equipment. You may also need a number of extension cords if your equipment isn’t located close to an outlet, and having too many can really clog up your facility’s space and even can be a potential tripping hazard. With custom cords, you have the chance to design a power cord that works best for the equipment that you have in the way that you need it.

Made to Fit Your Needs
Whatever types of outlets or plugs you need for your electrical equipment, there’s a custom power cord that can be used. Whether you need custom power cables or a drop down power outlet, you can be sure that you’re getting the right power equipment for your facility. With a custom cord, you’ll have all of the outlets you need for your equipment in the best possible configuration to meet your facility’s needs.

Types of Power Cords

AC Power Cords
AC power cords supply alternating current from a power source to electrical equipment or appliances. They are used with applications like electrical power tools, lighting, household appliances, musical instruments, shop equipment, and for personal uses. The structure of AC connecting cords include a cable assembly with wires, wire sheathing of polymer or rubber, insulation, and plugs that include prongs, casing, and wire terminals and have different voltage ratings. Manufacturers of AC power cords have exacting specifications for their construction that include voltage rating, current rating, wire shape and size, length, sheathing material, types of plugs, and connectors. The connector attaches to the appliance or electrical equipment while the plug connects to the electrical receptacle or power supply. Since countries use different voltages and frequencies in their AC power, cords must fit those standards to perform correctly. AC plug types go from A through O and break down into further categories with slight variations.

NEMA Power Cords
NEMA power cords are the standard for North American electrical plugs, cord voltage capacities, and electrical receptacle configurations. The most common NEMA plugs used to be Type A with two conducting blades or prongs. Type A plugs have been replaced by Type B, which has an additional third grounding rod. The international configuration of plugs varies extensively with many countries using some form of type A plugs. Devices approved by NEMA are typically engineered to be one wire or two wire devices depending on whether or not a device is polarized or grounded. Different considerations to keep in mind when purchasing electrical components include the intended use of the power cord, plug or connectors, the intended energy load and the required transfer a device may need. NEMA standards are exclusive to North America and do not apply to other countries. When traveling outside of North America, it is important to have an adapter for the country to be visited.

NEMA 5 15p Power Cords
NEMA products range from 15 to 60 amperes and 125 to 600 volts. They are differentiated by their classifications. All NEMA 1 power cords have a two-prong design, while NEMA 5 power cords have a three-prong configuration. NEMA 5 devices are three-wire grounding devices that are rated for a maximum voltage of 125. The 5 15 rating, specifically, is a grounded version of a NEMA 1 15 device. Devices that are classified as NEMA 6 and up are typically used to direct power to large machines or household appliances. While all NEMA 5 15P power cords have three prongs, some are designed with different ends. For cords that are used behind furniture, the head of the cord turns sideways so that it can be flush with the wall. Others have a traditional head that goes straight into the wall. Some NEMA power cords have multiple outlets so that one power source can be extended and used to power several devices at the same time.

Generator Power Cords
Generator power cords are available in a wide range of styles that include 15 amp ratings to 30 amp ones along with a series of different connectors. The most common types of generator power cords are 5, L5, L14, 14, TT and CS, which are related to the receptacle labels where L14-30P means that it is a twist lock, 30 amp plug. There are several options when looking for a generator power cord with different connectors from generator power cord manufacturers, who can produce custom power cords in order to ensure the exact wire sizes and minimize voltage losses for a desired wire length. When selecting a generator power cord, it is important to understand that generators are measured in watts, while generator power cords are measured in amps. Generator power cords with higher amps are able to handle more electricity. In addition, higher amp generator power cords are thicker, which enables them to handle more wattage. Most generators have several receptacles with each receptacle being able to handle different amps.

Power Supply Power Cords
A power supply cord, or electric cord, serves as a connector between an electrically powered piece of equipment and an electric power source. Power supply cords are used to power lighting and sound equipment, power tools, and household appliances. They consist of copper wire protected and insulated by rubber or some form of polymer and can be detachable or permanently connected. Depending on the application, power supply cords can be flat or rounded and available in coiled or a retractable form for convenience. As with all forms of power cords, power supply cords are available in various lengths to make connection and storage easy. In the majority of cases, power supply cords tend to be short and close to the device for which they provide power. As with all forms of power cords, the voltage rating for power supply cords vary in accordance with the country where they are used with the standard voltage for the United States being 110V or 120V while European countries have standard voltages of 220V to 240V. Other nations have standard voltages of 100V to 127V.

Cord Sets
Cord sets conduct electricity and involve a conductor, such as copper wire, insulation material, and a protective covering. Other components include electrical fuses to prevent surges in voltage, a current leak detection component, and a method for monitoring voltage. With sensitive equipment, protective material is included to minimize the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI). The structure of cord sets consists of a molded plug and a country appropriate molded connector. Cord sets are designed to connect directly to the power supply and provide power to an appliance, application, or process. An essential aspect of cord sets is ensuring that they have the proper plug pattern for where they are used. As with all forms of power cords, the amperage and voltage rating should match the requirements of the equipment to be powered. Cord sets are used wherever electrical equipment and appliances are including retail, commercial, industrial, and residential locations and normally use AC power. Extension cords are longer cord sets that provide electricity up to hundreds of feet away from a main power source.

Custom Power Cords
When choosing custom power cords, it is important to know the limitations and challenges of an application before consulting a custom power cord manufacturer. Custom power cords are designed for a specific application and process. They are minutely engineered to fit a set of predetermined conditions and may not adhere to NEMA standards due to their unique design. Typically, custom power cords include the heaviest wire and grounding pin. Wet applications require custom power cords with a sealed plug to prevent moisture from getting into the receptacle. The color of custom power cords are a safety measure that is used to indicate certain types of cords. Brightly colored cords reduce hazards and make it easy to identify the location of a power cord. Some custom power cord designs include surge protectors to protect tools or machines. Custom power cords provide customers with a wide range of options for producing power cords with the exact length, amperage, strength, durability, and number of outlets. Manufacturers work closely with their customers to precisely match the design requirements for a custom power cord. The key factor in the process is the use of a custom power cord such that the final product perfectly matches the needs of a customer.

Electric Power Cords
Any piece of electrical equipment that requires connection to a power source, such as machinery, domestic appliances, and computers, has an electric cord, which can be flexible or semi-rigid. For the cord to transfer electrical energy successfully and safely between the power source and the appliance, the connection between the plug and the receptacle of an electric power cord are tightly fitted. Electrical receptacles, or females, are fabricated from insulating materials such as nickel, silver, galvanized steel, or plastic. Receptacles run on standard 120-volt systems, while electrical equipment, such as industrial machinery that require a higher voltage, have heavy duty 240-volt receptacles. The majority of modern electric power cords have a ground pin for polarization. Non-detachable electric power cords are hard wired into equipment or appliances and are not intended to be removed. They consist of a plug and strain relief connector attached to the piece of equipment using a double crimped lug or ring terminal. The nature of non-detachable electric power cords varies in accordance with the type of equipment to which they are attached. This aspect of their nature has to be carefully monitored to ensure that they are not damaged. Detachable electric power cords are one of the most common forms of power supply tools and have residential and industrial use. They are referred to as line cords and consist of flexible cord with male and female electrical connectors. The male end is attached to a molded plug with prongs or blades while the female end has a molded electrical receptacle. The molding of the ends of an electric power cord is to ensure that the ends are sealed such that the prongs or blades are not exposed.

Different Standards for Power Cords

International Standards IEC 60320

IEC 60320 is a set of standards specifying power cords appliances up to 250 volts. Though different country owns different power cord types and standards, the IEC 60320 is recognized as an international standard used by most countries in the world. The “C” represents the code standard for connectors made by IEC 60320. Different types of connector are specified for different combinations of current, voltage and temperature. IEC 60320 power cords uses even number for plug and odd number for the mating receptacle, and usually male appliance inlet is 1 higher than the sheet for the corresponding female cable connector. Therefore the most common used power cord types is C14 to C13 and C20 to C19. Other common power cord types also include C14 to C15 and C16 to C15.

Besides IEC 60320: Different Country Has Different Standards

Though IEC 60320 standard is used by most countries in the world, in fact it mainly aims the connectors types (C13, C15, C19). For plugs types, it differs from country to country.

*North American: NEMA 5-15P (Type B)

The NEMA standards are commonly adopted in most North American countries and some countries that follow NEMA standard. Among the NEMA 5-15P plug are the most widely used in sockets. They are three-wire circuits (hot, neutral and ground), and are rated at 15 A at 250 V, although they usually carry 110 V. NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R power cord is the most common type. The NEMA 5-15P stands for the plug, and the NEMA 5-15R stands for the receptacle. Other frequently used power cord types that use NEMA 5-15 plug include NEMA 5-15P to C13 and NEMA 5-15P to C15.

*Europe: CEE 7/7 (Type E, Type F)

CEE 7/7 is now the de facto plug standard in many European countries, and in some countries that follow CENELEC standard. European countries that do not use CEE 7/7 are Denmark (AFSNIT 107-2-D1), Ireland, Italy (CEI 23-50), Malta (BS 1363), Cyprus (BS 1363), Gibraltar (BS 1363) and Switzerland (SEV 1011). The most popular power cords that adopt CEE 7/7 plug include CEE 7/7 to C13, CEE 7/7 to C15, and CEE 7/7 to C19.

*Other Standards: JIS C 8303, AS/NZS 3112 etc.

Some other countries also have their own plug standard. For example, Australian standard AS/NZS 3112 (Type I), Brazilian standard NBR 14136 and Japanese standard JIS C 8303 (Type A, B), etc. But one common thing is that they might all adopt the IEC 60320 connector standard.

Applications of Power Cords

The applications of power cords include:
Building Applications
*Church equipment
*Public outdoor lighting
*Libraries
*Public service buildings
*Data centers
*Airports
*Home appliances

Industrial Applications
*Refineries and oil platforms
*Chemical facilities
*Heat treatment of materials
*Pharmaceutical plants
*Foundries
*Nuclear power stations

How to Choose the Right Power Cord

Thinking of buying a power cord? Here are the main factors to consider:
Cord Length
Determine the distance between the device and the outlet and choose a cord with the appropriate length to minimize the risk of tripping over a cord that’s too long or not being able to reach the outlet with a cord that’s too short.

Voltage & Current
Make sure the cord’s voltage and current rating match the requirements of the device you’re using it with.

Plug Type
Ensure the plug type of the cord matches the receptacle or outlet that you’ll be using it with. Different countries have different plug types, so make sure to choose a cord with the right type of plug for your region.

Equipment Class
For certain equipment, such as medical devices, the power cord must meet specific safety standards and certifications. Make sure to choose a cord that meets the appropriate standards for your device. When you know the length and current rating you need, you can select a power cord with the right gauge.

Current Rating
The current or amperage rating for a power cord depends on the device it will power. The amperage rating is the maximum amount of current it can safely carry. The device’s specifications should state the required amperage, and the cord should be rated for at least that amount.
To determine the amount of current required by a device, you can use one of the following methods:
*Check the device’s specifications or manual for the rated current (in Amps).
*Use an ammeter to measure the current drawn by the device while it is in use.
*Your device’s nameplate or manual may specify wattage instead of current. Calculate the current using the formula Watts/Volts = Amps (e.g. 3600W / 240V = 15 Amps).

Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the wires inside the cord, which determines its electrical conductivity and maximum current carrying capacity. A lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire, and a higher gauge number indicates a thinner wire. Common gauges for power cords range from 18 to 10 gauge. As a rule, higher current and longer lengths will require a cord with a lower gauge number.

Voltage Rating
The voltage used in a country depends on the electrical grid and infrastructure in that region. In the United States, the standard voltage is 110-120V. In most European countries, the standard voltage is 220-240V. In some countries, such as Japan, Australia, and parts of South America, the standard voltage is 100-127V. The voltage rating of a power cord is the maximum voltage it can safely handle. The device’s specifications should state the required voltage, and the cord should be rated for at least that voltage. It is important not to exceed the voltage rating of the cord, as this can cause it to overheat, become damaged, or pose a fire risk. If the device requires a higher voltage than the cord can safely handle, it may be necessary to upgrade to a cord with a higher voltage rating.

Plug Type
There are 15 plug types in common use around the world. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has assigned a letter to each, ranging from Type A to Type O, and created a handy tool to help travelers select the right power adapter or exporters to know if a device can be powered in a particular country. The United States, Canada and Mexico use the two-prong, ungrounded Type A (also known as NEMA 1-15P) and the three-prong, grounded Type B (NEMA 5-15P). In Europe, Britain uses a three prong Type G plug, also referred to by the British Standard BS 1363. In mainland Europe, most countries use the ungrounded Type C and grounded Type F.

Power Cable Jackets
If you look closely at a power cord jacket, you’ll see an alphabetic code. A common example is “SJTW”. The combination of letters defines the specific type and properties of the cable jacket. Each of these letters designates a usage rating derived from the National Electrical Code. The most common power cord jacket ratings in North America are:
*SJT (Service Junior Thermoplastic)
*SJTW (Outdoor-Rated Service Junior Thermoplastic)
*STOW (Service Oil Resistant Thermoplastic Overall Wiring)

Color-Coding
In a recent study, 42% of data center outages were caused by human error. One way to reduce this number is to color-code power cords. For example, red cords cannot be disconnected under any circumstances, but green cords can be disconnected without causing downtime. Colored power cords are often more attractive than the standard black. For instance, if you have a white kitchen or white desk in your office, a white cord might blend better than another color.

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Ultimate Guide

Q: What is the difference between a power cord and a power cable?

A: Power cords and power cables are terms often used interchangeably to describe the same product, but there can be subtle distinctions between them depending on the context and the specific characteristics of the cable. A power cord is a term commonly used in consumer electronic and household appliances, like the cord on a laptop charger or the cord on a kitchen blender. A power cable is a more generic term that encompasses a wide range of electrical cables used for power transmission, including thicker, less flexible cables designed to handle higher current or voltage levels.

Q: What is the maximum length of a power cord?

A: The maximum length of a power cord is determined by safety and performance standards, as well as the specifications of the device it is connected to. As a rule, the maximum length for an indoor power cord is around 100-150 feet, and 50-75 feet for outdoor use. However, this can vary based on the cord’s gauge and amperage rating.

Q: What kind of power cord should I use with a portable generator?

A: There are three main considerations:
*Plug: Choose a plug that matches the outlet on your generator.
*Current (Amperage) Rating: Choose a cord capable of safely carrying the maximum current generated by a portable generator.
*Cable Jacket: The cable jacket should be rated for outdoor use (e.g. SJTW).

Q: Can you plug a power strip into an extension cord?

A: Never plug a power strip or surge protector into an extension code. Power strips and surge protectors should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Q: Can you plug an extension cord into a power strip?

A: Yes, you can plug an extension cord into a power strip. However, it’s important to consider the combined amperage rating of the devices being used with the power strip, to ensure that the power strip is able to handle the total current load and prevent overloading and potential fire hazards.

Q: What kind of extension cord should I use outdoors?

A: For outdoor use, choose an extension cord rated for outdoor use. These cords are made from durable materials that can resists UV rays and stays flexible in sub-zero temperatures. It is also important to select a cord that is rated for the amount of electrical power you will be using, in order to prevent overloading and fire hazards. Look for cords with a “SJTW” or “STOW” rating, which indicate that they are suitable for outdoor use. Additionally, be sure to use an extension cord with a proper grounding plug if you will be using electrical devices that require a grounded connection.

Q: Is there a fire rating for power cords?

A: Yes, there is a fire rating for power cords. The rating indicates the cord’s resistance to fire, heat and/or smoke. The most common fire ratings for power cords are:
*VW-1: Vertical Wire Flame Test
*FT1: Flame Test
Additional ratings cover use in riser and plenum spaces, but these should not apply to a pre-terminated power cord.

Q: Can I extend the length of a power cord?

A: Yes, you can extend the length of a power cord by using an extension cord. An extension cord is a cable with a plug on one end and a receptacle on the other end that allows you to connect a device to a power source from a greater distance. However, it’s important to note that using an extension cord can also decrease the safety and performance of the device, as the cord’s gauge (thickness) and length may not be able to handle the full power demands of the device. It’s recommended to use the shortest cord possible and choose an extension cord with a gauge that is appropriate for the power needs of the device.

Q: What is the difference between grounded and ungrounded power cords?

A: A grounded power cord has three prongs: a neutral wire, a hot wire, and a ground wire. The ground wire provides a safe path for electricity to follow in case of an electrical fault, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire. An ungrounded power cord has only two prongs – a neutral wire and a hot wire. It does not have a ground wire, so it does not provide the safety benefits of a grounded cord.

Q: What is a polarized power cord?

A: A polarized power cord has one blade that is wider than the other. The wider blade is the neutral prong, and the narrow blade is the hot prong. The idea behind polarization is to ensure that the electrical device is always connected to the power source in the same way, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire. Polarization also helps to reduce electrical interference from other devices connected to the same power source. In general, lamps, appliances, and other devices that use a polarized plug must be used with a polarized outlet for safety.

Q: What is the difference between a power cord and a power cable?

A: A power cord is a cable that connects an electrical device to a power source. It typically has a plug on one end that goes into an electrical outlet, and a connector on the other end that goes into the device. A power cable, on the other hand, is a more general term that encompasses any cable used to transmit electrical power, including power cords. So, a power cord is a specific type of power cable. The term “power cable” can also refer to heavier-duty cables used for industrial or commercial power applications, such as high-voltage electrical transmission cables.

Q: What are power cord couplers?

A: Power cord couplers play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various electrical and electronic devices. These connectors, often overlooked, serve as the interface between power sources and the equipment they power, enabling the seamless transmission of electrical energy. Their importance lies in their ability to provide a secure and standardized connection, reducing the risk of electrical accidents, ensuring reliable power delivery, and facilitating ease of use. Power cord couplers come in various types and standards to accommodate different devices and voltage requirements, making them a vital component in maintaining electrical safety, compatibility, and overall functionality in both domestic and industrial settings. IEC 320, or IEC 60320, is the standard used in specifying the dimensions and features of appliance couplers. Note that though IEC also created a standard for unifying global appliance coupler regulations, plugs have a different system of standardization.

Q: What’s the difference between IEC and NEC cables?

A: While the NEC in the United States primarily focuses on electrical equipment safety, IEC standards encompass a broader range of electrical systems, components, and equipment internationally.

Q: How do I determine the power cord I need?

A: To ensure compatibility, it’s important to choose an AC adapter that matches your device’s electrical rating. Check the product label or user manual to find the rated voltage and current of your device.

Q: What should you secure power cords from?

A: Keep unprotected cords out of the path of foot traffic and furniture to prevent fraying, overheating, and tripping. Protect flexible cords and cables from physical damage. Check cords for cut, broken, or cracked insulation.

Q: How often do you need to replace a power cord?

A: There is no need to replace an extension cord based solely on age; you would replace it when either the conductors or insulator become damaged. Depending on the cord’s construction and usage, it might last for decades before needing replacement.

We’re professional power cord manufacturers and suppliers in China, specialized in providing high quality products and service. We warmly welcome you to wholesale customized power cord from our factory. Contact us for pricelist and quotation.

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