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Jumpers cords

Different Wire Termination Styles for Power Cords

Wire termination refers to the end style of a power cord. The way a cable is terminated affects its applications and determines how it can be used.

In this blog, we talk about the different ways to terminate a power cord, various wire termination methods, and types of electrical terminals for creating new cable connections.

Types of Power Cable Ends

The end of a power cable determines the available wire termination methods for that specific application. The most common cord end styles for power cables are:

  • Standard Ends
  • Stripped Ends
  • Custom Ends

For standard power cords, both ends can be plugged in or unplugged, and the cord is ready to use. All internal wires are hidden, meaning wire termination is contained in the plug or connector. However, for stripped and custom power cable ends, there are different ways to terminate a cord’s exposed wires.

Wire Termination Methods for Stripped End Power Cords

Stripped end power cords feature exposed wiring, where the insulation has been removed or “stripped” away from one end of the power cord. Also referred to as removed outer jacket cords or ROJ cords, the wire termination methods for these cords are permanent and result in reliable results.

Crimped Wire Termination

Crimped wire termination is named for the crimping tool required. A contact or terminal is “crimped” to the stripped wire, forming a permanent attachment. Crimp termination is the most common type of wire termination and forms a mechanically strong, reliable connection between the power cord and the attached terminal.

Soldering Wire Termination

Soldering wire termination is often used for direct hard-wiring applications. The stripped wires are treated with Flux and the desired contact or terminal is soldered directly to the exposed wires. Soldered wire termination is often used for simple applications or when a wire is too small for crimping tools.

Terminals for Stripped & Custom Cable Termination

Stripped and custom-end power cables use electrical terminals to create new ends for connections. Available in insulated styles, terminals come in a range of connection options:

  • Ring Terminals: Used to ground a wire in a device.
  • Locking Ring Terminals: Offer a more secure connection for grounding wires.
  • Fork/Spade Terminals: Allows for fast wire connections.
  • Quick Disconnect Terminals: Used when wires require fast disconnection.
  • Flag Terminals: A left-angle version of quick disconnect terminals.

When selecting a terminal, ensure the sizing matches your wire gauge.

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Understanding Every Angle

While standard power cords are excellent for nearly all applications, making secure connections in angled spaces can be difficult or near impossible. When it comes to navigating tight spaces or awkward angles, angled power cords are the perfect space-saving solution.

These power cords are designed to make reliable connections without bending or damaging the plug, allowing cables to lay flush and secure. Available in numerous configurations and styles, angled power cords can be used for all types of angled-space applications.

Angled Power Cords: What Are They?

In terms of functional specifications, angled power cords are nearly identical to their standard counterparts. The defining and obvious difference, of course, is the angle of the plug or connector. While standard power cables do not have specific angles, angled power cords have a 90° bend in one of four directions: up, down, left, or right.

Angled power cords:

  • Take up less space than standard connectors
  • Are easy to route through tight spaces and corners
  • Offer strain relief to eliminate cable stress
  • Minimize protrusion and save space in tight areas
  • Prevent cord damage and maintain secure connections

Angled power cords are identified by the location of the ground pin and the direction the cord is trailing from the vantage point when connected to a power source. Right-angle power cords and left-angle power cables are among the most popular styles, although different angles are available for other needs.

What Are the Different Configurations for Angled Power Cords?

North American (NEMA) cords and IEC cables are the most popular angled power cords. While the power cord angle is based on when the plug or connector is connected to a power source, NEMA and IEC cords have different specifications for naming angled power cords based on cord direction.

NEMA Angled Power Cords

For NEMA cord configurations, the type of cord is based on when the power cord ground pin is facing down, or in the 6 o’clock position. The angles are determined by the position of the power cord when plugged into a power source or socket. For example, if, when looking at a wall outlet, the power equipment is plugged in with the ground pin down and the wire is trailing toward the left, it is a left-angle power cable. If the cord is trailing right, it is a right-angle power cord. The same logic applies to up and down angles.

North American angled power cords can have either NEMA to NEMA connectors or NEMA to IEC connectors. The most common type of NEMA angle power cord is a 5-15P cable. Here, we illustrate Below is a diagram all four NEMA 5-15P angled power cord configurations.

ANGLE NEMA 5-15P
UP NEMA UP
DOWN NEMA DOWN
LEFT NEMA LEFT
RIGHT NEMA RIGHT

IEC Angled Power Cords

For IEC angled power cords, the angle of the cable is determined by the ground pin facing up, or in the 12 o’clock position. For example, for a plugged-in IEC cable with the ground pin oriented upwards, if the cable trails to the left, it is a left-angle power cable. If the cord is trailing right, it is a right-angle power cord. The same logic applies to up and down angles.

IEC 60320 C13, C14, C19, and C20 cables are among the more popular styles of IEC angled power cords. The following chart displays the various configurations for IEC C13 angled power cords.

ANGLE IEC
UP IEC-60320-C13 UP ANGLE_N Model (1)
DOWN IEC-60320-C13 DOWN ANGLE_N Model (1)
LEFT IEC-60320-C13 LEFT ANGLE_I Model (1)
RIGHT IEC-60320-C13 RIGHT ANGLE_N Model (1)

When to Use Angled Power Cords

Any angled power cord can be used in place of a standard cord of the same specifications. This means that these cables are excellent space-saving solutions for both consumer and commercial applications. Common uses for angled power cords include:

  • Monitors
  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • TVs
  • Sound Systems
  • And more!

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. to Find Your Best Angled Power Cords

Quail Electronics, Inc. is proud to be your top supplier of the best services and electronic products. We offer low minimum order requirements, competitive pricing, and convenient same-day shipping to help you receive precisely what you need. With a team of industry experts, an extensive inventory, and over 30 years of experience, we are your leading source of reliable power cords, power strips, and additional electronic accessories.

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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!

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Auto-Lock Power Cords Now Available in Color!

TitlePicOh, the Auto-Lock power cords. They are really a dream come true. They plug into any inlet without the hassle of extra hardware or tools and lock into place so you don’t have to worry about any unwanted disconnection. But wouldn’t it be nice if those handy power cords came in color? I mean, the color offers a great organizational tool and looks pretty amazing. But wait! Now they do! Continue reading Auto-Lock Power Cords Now Available in Color!

Most Common IEC Terms

IEC

With over 110 years of electronics industry standardization, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. IEC’s “electrotechnology” provides a platform to companies, industries, and governments for developing the required international standards for powering electronics. Continue reading Most Common IEC Terms