A power cord, also known as a mains cable, is the primary cable used to power a computer. It may also be used for peripheral devices. Because the cords carry electricity, they must be of a specific voltage rating, wire gauge, and meet the regional electrical standards. This article will give you an overview of the different types of power cords. When shopping for power cords, you may want to consider the type of plug and adapter you need.
Modern power cords have undergone several changes over the years. Edison first designed a power cord in 1882 by wrapping jute around a copper rod and placing it in a pipe filled with a bituminous substance. His device served as a blueprint for power cords that we use today. Today, most American homes are equipped with three-wire PVC insulated cords. They are designed to work with a power adaptor.
Cord construction differs greatly. A cord may be made of copper or a different metal. The wire used for laptop power supplies is a clover-leaf plug corresponding to a C6 receptacle. Other cords may be S grade or SJ grade, or insulated with two wires of PVC. If it is oil-resistant, it will have an additional insulating jacket. There is a wide range of cords in the market today, allowing you to choose the one that works best with your needs.
Besides the safety factors, power cords must also meet the regulations imposed by various countries. UL 498 is the standard for cord plugs in North America, and CAN/CSA C22.2 No 42 specifies the standards for the plug and receptacles in Canada and the United States. These standards are based on the conductor size, which is measured in AWG (American wire gauge) and mm2 (millimeters). In North America, different cables have different nema 5 15 nomenclatures, such as SVT, SJT, UL 817, etc.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has set standards for the types of power cords used for appliances. Different countries may use different cords but the majority will recognize the requirements of IEC 60320. Cords with different connectors and voltages are usually labeled with a “C” for easy reference. They also differ according to temperature and voltage. In the United States, the C14 connector is used for computer power cords.
Some cords can be fixed to the appliance, while others are removable. Those that can be detachable are made with a female connector that avoids the risk of a live pin sticking out. They may also have other attachments, such as twist-locking or locking mechanisms. Cords may come with accessories, including fuses for overcurrent protection, a pilot light that indicates the voltage, and a leakage current detector.
There are several types of power cords, and the most common ones are NEMA 5-15P and NEMA 5-15R. These are three-wire circuits and can supply up to 15 A at 250 volts. A typical NEMA 5-15P cord connects a plug to a socket that uses NEMA 5-15P plugs. Another type is NEMA 5-15R to C13 or C15 power cord. A power cord made from these two types of connectors is commonly used in North America.