Power Cable Types-A Comprehensive Guide

best power cables supplier

The modern world operates on electricity, meaning it runs on power cables. Be it the grounding kettle chord in the United Kingdom, the uniquely angled Australian plug, or a variety of other cables worldwide, there is an array of distinct power cords. Each with its own significant variation in standards.

As the world gradually transitions to USB-C power devices, the differences on the other end of the cable will diminish. However, until then, a significant number of different sized cylindrical power cables, traditional thunderbolt connectors, older USB standards and Ethernet power connectors still exist across vast networks.

Most of the time, the power cord you receive with your device or electronic system is sufficient to power and operate it without any issues. Nonetheless, if you find a need for a replacement, face an issue with the existing one, or aim to ensure the use of a safe and reliable power cord, then you must be equipped with the knowledge to identify the best-suited power cable for the task. This is precisely what we aim to facilitate with this guide.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect power cable for your electronics. We’ll explore different power cable types, their capabilities, and how to select the best one for your device.

Table of Contents

Understanding Power Cable Basics

The seemingly unassuming power cable might appear simpler than the various data cables employed for file transfer, streaming video and audio, and establishing network systems. However, owing to the wide range of power cables available worldwide, notable differences abound. Therefore, a substantial amount of knowledge is necessary to understand varying power cable types.

Standard Power Cables

Standard power cables, also known as kettle leads or simply power cords, are required for devices such as desktop computers, space heaters, air conditioning units, televisions, large monitors and numerous kitchen appliances. This vastly differs from the USB-C cables used for charging smartphones, which further differs from the range of tube-like connectors tasked with powering small devices and electronic devices. Again, these are not the same as the ethernet power cables used for operating security cameras and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

3 Pin AC Power Cord Cable

IEC World Plugs Interactive Map

Every plug, designed to directly fit into a wall socket, also widely varies based on the location. While the US mostly uses Types A and B power cords, different plug types are common in the remaining parts of the world. For instance, the UK utilizes its unique Type G plug, whereas most regions in Europe and South America employ a combination of Types C, E, and F plugs.

If you don’t know what type of power cord is required in your country, you can click on the above picture, adjust the country selection, and you will be given the most accurate answer for the power plug.

Power Cable Types

Power cables can be broadly divided into three groups: Polarized, Non-polarized, and three-pronged (grounded). Polarized and non-polarized power cables feature only two prongs on the power plug meant for wall insertion, but a polarized power cable has a shorter power/live prong and a longer one, linked to the white neutral wire. Some polarized plugs also have circular prong ends for easy distinction.

In a non-polarized design, it’s not apparent which of the two prongs is live, whereas in a three-prong design, you’ll find a third prong connected to the grounding wire.

power cable connector types

Given the above, making an appropriate power cable selection is crucial when purchasing a new power cable for a variety of electronic devices. The power cable should correspond with the device and the wall socket it’s intended to be plugged into. It must also meet the device’s power demands, including voltage and current rating. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the power cable adheres to, or surpasses the local, national (and even international) certifications of safety standards. This helps safeguard your device from damage, and your house from potential electrical fires.

Though we’ll delve into the specific standards soon, for now, the important organizations to comply with include the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

NEMA 1-15 / NEMA 5-15

NEMA serves as an organization made up of hundreds of companies that use, produce, and distribute electrical products. Over many years, it has laid out thousands of standards related to electrical work, many of which are now the backbone for power supply in products produced and sold within the United States. These standards are generally divided into grounded and ungrounded types. The most common plug and socket configurations in America are the NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15 connections.

NEMA 1-15

The NEMA 1-15 is among the most prevalent power plug and socket standards in North America, predominately utilized for domestic appliances. It’s a single-phase, ungrounded connector with a rated voltage of 125V and a rated current of 15A. It typically features two flat, parallel prongs that measure ¼ inch in width, 0.06 inch in thickness, and 5/8 inch in length, with a distance of 1/2 inch between each. It’s suitable for a variety of small appliances, table lamps, computers, and other devices. The polarized version of the plug has a longer neutral blade, while the 1-15R socket type has a deeper grounding port. Nonetheless, due to the absence of grounding, this standard is gradually being phased out.

NEMA 1-15P to C7 Notebook Power Cord

NEMA 5-15

Commonly referred to as the “3-prong grounded plug,” the NEMA 5-15-P boasts a neutral white wire and grounded blade, with the grounding element being round and the other elements being blade-like. It fits perfectly into a standard 110 VAC wall socket. The connector features two parallel flat blades with a round grounding pin sandwiched between them and on top. The corresponding receptacle for the 5-15-P connector is referred to as the 5-15-R (R stands for “receptacle”). They feature a three-prong design, and the 5-15P plug is engineered to support 125V and 15 amperes. They serve as the foundation for the design of other international grounded plug designs under the IECs 60906-2 standard.

NEMA 5-15 Power Cord Connector

International Standards IEC 60320

IEC 60320 is a standard that governs power cords for electrical appliances up to 250 volts. While there are variations in power cord types and specifications across different nations, it’s widely recognized that the majority of countries rely on IEC 60320 as a universal standard. The “C” in the standard name refers to the code for connectors manufactured under the IEC 60320 guidelines. Different types of connectors are designated for various combinations of current, voltage and temperature.

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

Other countries also have their own plug standards. For instance, the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3112 (Type I), Brazilian Standard NBR 14136, and Japanese Standard JIS C 8303 (Type A, B), and so on. However, a common factor is that they may all adopt the IEC 60320 connector standard.

country power plug standard

Power Cable Length And Guage

Aside from the type and quality of manufacture, the length and gauge of the cable can greatly influence its power transmission ability. The longer the power cord, the greater the inherent resistance of its structural materials. This results in lower voltage as the length of the cable increases.

When using thinner wires (higher gauges), the likelihood of a voltage drop is even more pronounced. However, by using thicker wires with a lower gauge, the cable can withstand higher levels of current transfer before overheating, with a lesser chance of voltage loss over its length.

Relationship between speaker wire length, AWG, and impedance

When using thinner wires (higher gauges), the likelihood of a voltage drop is even more pronounced. However, by using thicker wires with a lower gauge, the cable can withstand higher levels of current transfer before overheating, with a lesser chance of voltage loss over its length.

For a more detailed understanding, can read Speaker Wires Guide – Gauge, Length, and Type.

Choose the right power cord

In order to choose the right power cord for your needs, be sure to consider all important factors:

Voltage And Current Requirements Of The Equipment

The NEMA 1-15 is among the most prevalent power plug and socket standards in North America, predominately utilized for domestic appliances. It’s a single-phase, ungrounded connector with a rated voltage of 125V and a rated current of 15A. It typically features two flat, parallel prongs that measure ¼ inch in width, 0.06 inch in thickness, and 5/8 inch in length, with a distance of 1/2 inch between each. It’s suitable for a variety of small appliances, table lamps, computers, and other devices. The polarized version of the plug has a longer neutral blade, while the 1-15R socket type has a deeper grounding port. Nonetheless, due to the absence of grounding, this standard is gradually being phased out.

Environmental Conditions

The working environment of the power cord also has a great impact on the selection of cables.

  • Temperature: In a high temperature environment, the insulation performance of the cable will decrease and it is easy to age. In a low temperature environment, the flexibility of the cable deteriorates.
  • Humidity: A high humidity environment easily causes the insulation layer of the cable to become damp, reducing the insulation performance.
  • Corrosion: In a corrosive environment, the outer sheath of the cable is easily corroded, affecting the service life.
  • Mechanical Damage: The cable is easily subjected to mechanical damage such as extrusion and stretching by external forces.

According to different environmental conditions, select cables with corresponding corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance and other properties.

Cable Quality And Safety Standards

The quality of the cable is directly related to the safety of electricity use.

  • Conductor Material: The purity and cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor material directly affect the conductivity and current carrying capacity of the cable.
  • Insulation Material: The quality of the insulation material determines the insulation performance of the cable and prevents leakage.
  • Sheath Material: The sheath material protects the internal conductor and insulation layer to prevent mechanical damage.
  • Safety Certification: Select qualified products with national certification to ensure the safety of the cable.

Conclusion

Choosing a suitable power cord is a systematic project, which requires comprehensive consideration of many factors such as equipment characteristics, environmental conditions, cable quality and safety standards. Only by choosing a suitable power cord can the normal operation of the equipment be guaranteed and the safety of electricity use be improved.

Audio Video Connecrtor Factory Sales Engineer_pixian_ai

Hi, I am the author of this article, I have been in this industry for more than 5 years. If you want to wholesale audio plug cables or audio accessories related products, please feel free to ask me.

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