Put the Power Cord to the Test

Today we’ll be discussing the various “testing” cords must go through in order to be 100% ready to go and meet the requirements for the UL standards (or international safety agency approvals) of cord sets and power cord supplies.

UL generates standards and test procedures for products and equipment focusing on product safety. Power cords undergo some of the most common tests:insulation

  1. A grounding test. The purpose of a grounding test is to protect the consumer from hazards that can be caused by a faulty ground connection. A ground bond test is a high current AC test that measures resistance of the ground path under high current conditions.
  2. The continuity test is carried out under high current, simulating a fault to earth. This test is performed by applying an AC or DC current between the conductive surface and protective earth.
  3. There is a hi-pot test. This is a stress test of the insulation of a device under test DUT (Device Under Test). This means the voltage used in a hi-pot test can either be AC or DC.

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The Auto-Lock Family Keeps Growing!

We’ve recently introduced the Auto-Lock® in colors, vibrant red, green, and blue!

Now, this time, we’re bringing in the Auto-Lock® with angles! Not only can you color code your devices, but you can also organize even better with these angled jumper cords.

The Auto-Lock® now comes in several angled cord configurations, shown in the tables below.

C13 Auto-Lock®

The first configuration in the standard IEC C14 to IEC C13 Auto-Lock® jumper cable. You can choose between 10 Amps to 15 Amps depending on the amount of power you need. These Auto-Lock cords are used in network applications such as servers and PDU’s.

ANGLED SERIES
up 6280 AL
down 4929 AL
left 5244 AL
right 3514 AL

 

c13 up angle c13 down angle
c13 left angle c13 right angle

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Coiled VS. Coiled

Picture this: you’re in need of some power cords. You call Quail Electronics requesting a coiled cord. The sales representative asks you, “would you like a coiled cord or for your cords to be packaged in a coiled form?” Well, now you’re confused, thinking ‘what’s the difference?’ Today I will be explaining coiled vs. coiled.

First, we have coiled as in the way it’s packaged. For example, you can have your cords packaged in a form which can either be hanked (often described as a figure 8 wrapping) see Image 1,   hanked

OR you can have them coiled as a “loop,” as shown in Image 2image 2

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What’s the Difference Between C13 and C15 Cord Connectors?

IEC Power Cables Explained

IEC cables are cords that meet standards for power connectors set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). C13 cords and C15 cords are approved by the IEC under the IEC 60320 standard. This standardization helps to ensure safety, uniformity, and compatibility across different manufacturers and applications. IEC cables are commonly used for equipment designed for international use, such as datacom equipment, medical devices, audio/visual equipment, and commercial appliances.

C13 Power Cables vs C15 Power Cables

Feature

C13 Power Cords

C15 Power Cords

Physical Appearance

Lightweight, no notch opposite ground pin.

Heavy-duty, has a notch opposite the ground pin.

Compatibility

Fits with C14 inlets only. Not compatible with C16 inlets.

Compatible with both C14 and C16 inlets. More versatile.

Heat Tolerance

Up to 150°F (65°C).

Up to 250°F (120°C).

Safety

Safe when used within the rated temperature range.

Safe when used within the rated temperature range.

 

C13 and C15 Uses and Applications

C13 Power Cord Applications

IEC-60320-C13_BLACK.jpgC13 power cables are commonly used for applications including:

  • Desktop computers and monitors
  • Printers
  • Networking devices and routers
  • Office and consumer electronics
  • Audio and video equipment
  • Medical devices

C15 Power Cable Applications

IEC-60320-C15_BLACK.jpg

C15 cables are used for high-temperature applications, such as:

  • Server rooms
  • PoE switches (Power over Ethernet)
  • Telecommunications gear
  • High-performance computing equipment
  • Industrial food service ovens

Pros and Cons of C13 and C15 Power Cords

C13 Power Cords

  • Pros: More widely used and readily available, inexpensive, suitable for most standard electronics.
  • Cons: Limited to low-temperature applications, not compatible with C16 inlets.

C15 Power Cords

  • Pros: Excellent for high-temperature applications, compatible with both C14 and C16 inlets, heavy-duty build.
  • Cons: Less common, often more expensive, unnecessary for low-heat devices.

Get C13 and C15 Power Cables from Quail Electronics, Inc.

At Quail Electronics, Inc., we supply a wide range of IEC power cables, including C13 and C15, to meet your specific needs:

With low minimum order requirements, competitive pricing, and same-day shipping on in-stock items, we get you the right electronic components at prices and times that work for you.

Contact us for more information or with any questions. Request a quote to get started on your order today!

Continue reading What’s the Difference Between C13 and C15 Cord Connectors?