How Much Do You Know About Power Cord Types?

Network engineers who work around the world are well aware of the many different plugs and sockets in use in data centers. But the first-time experience in a foreign data center might be hard if you don&#;t know which power cord is used there. There is more than one standard being used in the world. A different country may use different power cord types, different plugs, and connectors, especially the plug types.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

IEC is a set of standards specifying power cord appliances up to 250 volts. Though different country owns different power cord types and standards, the IEC is recognized as an international standard used by most countries in the world. The &#;C&#; represents the code standard for connectors made by IEC . Different types of connectors are specified for different combinations of current, voltage, and temperature.

Among the connector types, C13, C15, and C19 are the most commonly used ones in data centers. Details are listed in the table below:

IEC power cords use an even number for the plug and an odd number for the mating receptacle, and usually, the male appliance inlet is 1 higher than the sheet for the corresponding female cable connector. Therefore the most commonly used power cord types are C14 to C13 and C20 to C19. Other common power cord types also include C14 to C15 and C16 to C15.

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

The NEMA standards are commonly adopted in most North American countries and some countries that follow the NEMA standards. Among the NEMA 5-15P plugs 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 plugs include NEMA 5-15P to C13 and NEMA 5-15P to C15.

CEE 7/7 is now the de facto plug standard in many European countries, and in some countries that follow the CENELEC standard. European countries that do not use CEE 7/7 are Denmark (AFSNIT 107-2-D1), Ireland, Italy (CEI&#;23-50), Malta (BS ), Cyprus (BS ), Gibraltar (BS&#;), and Switzerland (SEV&#;). 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.

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

Related Articles:

Advanced Tips for Ensuring Maximum Safety with IEC Power Cords

Explore the Evolution and Importance of Power Cords in Modern Technology

India is a developing country, and wherever the work is in progress, there will be a demand for electricity. The demand is increasing rapidly, and to cope with it, industries have raised the production of electrical wires and cables. These electrical power cables are the foundation of the distribution and transmission of electricity throughout the nation.

Several sorts of cables are used to support our electric supply requirements &#;

• Control cables
• Local cables
• Various types of power cables

The selection of power cables is crucial not only for the proper supply of electrical energy but also to keep the people surrounding them safe and minimize the loss of assets.

Components of Power Cables

A power cable has three main parts:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Mingda.

• Conductors
  It is part of the cable responsible for transmitting electricity. High-conductive metals such as aluminum and copper are used to make these wires. They show low resistance and are utilized for high-voltage applications

• Insulators
  It is that part of the power supply cable where the conducting wires are separated by insulating materials. It averts any irregularities in the current flow. Because they are poor electrical conductors, they prevent short circuits and undesired current flow routes. Initially, insulating materials like rubber, paper, or cloth were used. But these days, they have been replaced by various synthetic polymers depending on their usage. Some examples are 

  • Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Rubber
  • Cross-linked Polyethylene

• Sheath
   It&#;s the outer protection given to the wire to prevent any damage caused by environmental factors like fire attacks, chemical reactions, or high moisture content in the air. PVC is the chosen material for making the sheath.

Different Types of Power Cables

There are four types of power cables based on the power of transmission. They are:

• HT (High Transmission) Power Cables
  When we need to transmit high-voltage power, then these cables are used. Their size can stretch up to sq.mm and conduct between to volts of current.

• HT (High Transmission) Aerial Bunch Cables
  These are the wires that we observe at huge towers that supply power to various regions. As they are extremely productive, they are made using appropriate materials to meet the needs of the situation. These cables distribute electrical power to different urban neighborhoods. 

• LT (Low Transmission) Power Cables
  They are used for low voltages and are usually designed for less power supply, hence the name &#;low transmission cables.&#; They can transmit voltages of up to volts. They are mostly used for small areas and low voltage supply.

• LT (Low Transmission) Aerial Bunch Cables
  These are the most intriguing ones and are commonly seen in India. They are sheathed with PVC material, which is extremely productive and thus appropriate for Indian climate changes. 

Properties of Electric Power Cables

Some of the most common features of power cables are as follows:

• Flexibility and strength
  Wires must possess good insulating strength against external forces and must be flexible enough that they do not hinder the installation process.

• Fire resistant 
  They have to be fire resistant as fires and exhaust fumes can cause significant wire damage.  

• Durable and heat-resistant
  It is not possible to maintain wirings in either private or public facilities on a regular basis. Wiring materials must therefore be heat resistant and functional according to specifications.

• Non-toxic in nature and environment friendly
  Depending on the installation site, wire materials should not contribute to the rise of pollutants that might harm anyone&#;s life or property. 

• Simple to use
  If the wiring possesses complex circuits, it limits their usage as it would be hard for us to comprehend. So, the wiring used for commercial and domestic purposes are easily understandable. 

• Reasonably priced 
  A highly priced product will not be used by the mass. As cables are the core components of electrical circuits, they should be available to the public at a reasonable price.  

How to Identify Power Cables

Without accurate knowledge, it is very difficult to identify power cables. But studying the markings on them is the most common way to discriminate their different kinds. They provide us with valuable information like

• the manufacturer&#;s logo or name
• voltage rating
• conductor size
• amperage rating
• jacket type
• insulation type

These cables are also color-coded which indicates their voltage rating.

KEI Industries &#; The One-Stop Solution to All Your Power Cable Needs

Now that you have gained an in-depth knowledge of power cables and their various types, you must also know from where you can purchase such power cables. KEI Wires & Cables has been one of the most trusted names in the electrical cable industry since . It has top-notch facilities located at different locations and is well-equipped to fulfill all the nation&#;s demands. KEI Industries even exports goods worldwide. So, next time you have to purchase electrical cables and wires, you know whom to trust. To know further and understand our products better, you may visit our website https://www.kei-ind.com/. And for any query, you may mail us at .

The company is the world’s best Portable Power Cable supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.