Tag: NEMA

North American power 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.

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Expert in Power Cords & Electronic Supplies

Got questions? With over 30 years of experience and a team of knowledgeable experts, we can answer any question and assist you with any inquiries. With competitive pricing, convenient same-day shipping, and minimal order requirements, we supply you with precisely what you need. Contact us with any questions or to get started on your order today.

Continue reading Different Wire Termination Styles for Power Cords

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.

Contact Quail Electronics, Inc. or request a quote to find the right solutions for your needs.

Auto-Lock Power Cords: Updated!

Auto-Lock® power cords are a game-changer for secure and reliable connections.

At Quail Electronics, Inc., you’ll find Auto-Lock power cords in an abundance of plug and cable types, with domestic and international approvals. In addition to selecting various plug types, cable types, and lengths, our Auto-Lock series offers multiple color choices, including black, red, green, and blue.

Additionally, Auto-Lock connectors are available in several angled configurations. Our C15 Auto-Lock connectors are available with up and down configurations, while our C13 Auto-Lock connectors and C19 Auto-Lock connectors are available with up, down, left, and right-angled configurations.

With our expansive selection, you can get the Auto-Lock power cords you need in the colors and angles that work best for your application.

Why It Matters

Auto-Lock cords were already an excellent solution for preventing accidental unplugging (or disconnection) from equipment. Their locking mechanism keeps connections secure, even under stress. Now, with added options and configurations, these cables provide:

  • Better Organization: Use colored cables to identify specific cords and organize your cables.
  • Improved Access: The angled connectors make plugging and unplugging easy, even in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Reliable Connection: The proven Auto-Lock locking mechanism ensures your cords stay plugged in unless manually removed.

Different Types of Auto-Lock Power Cords

At Quail Electronics, Inc., we offer a large selection of Auto-Lock power cords for a variety of applications and industries. Our inventory of locking IEC power cords includes:


For assistance in selecting the right IEC Auto-Lock power cord for your devices or operations, contact us today, and a team member will assist you.

Order Auto-Lock Power Cables from Quail Electronics, Inc.

With over three decades of industry experience, Quail Electronics, Inc. is your trusted source for all power cords and electronic accessories. Backed by a team of knowledgeable experts, we can help determine the best solutions for your unique applications. With competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and same-day shipping on in-stock items, we get you the power cables you need at prices that work for you.

Contact us or request a quote to get started on your order today.

How to Protect Your Electronics

summerheatpalmtree-587117Ahh, Summer.  It’s already  one of the hottest years on record for much of California, and in light of  soaring temperatures, it’s an important time to closely monitor your valuable electronics and data centers.  You’ll want to make sure air-conditioning and water-cooling systems are working properly, but there are more steps you can take to ensure your electronics survive the heat.

Fact:  Electronic devices tend to run 10-20 degrees higher than room temperature. If temperatures become too hot, outside cooling and ventilation is needed to prevent overheating.  While air-conditioning may fit the bill, in some cases you may want invest in an environmental monitoring system to ensure your electronics keep safe. Continue reading How to Protect Your Electronics

Understanding North American Cord Markings

Power cords come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the functionality, they can be used from powering standard household devices to large-scale applications in enterprise or hospital settings. Knowing only the plug type and length of your power cord, however, gives a marginal grasp of your overall powering demands.

Even a technophile would agree that understanding the inner workings of electronic components can be quite complicated. This is also true in the power cord industry. Etched into our cord jackets display markings that refer to several characteristics that embody the powering solution to keep your products powered seamlessly. In an effort to explicate Quail’s worldwide-leading products, we have presented an exposition Continue reading Understanding North American Cord Markings

National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association – NEMA

nemaYou may be looking for a plug wondering, what is NEMA? What does it mean? Is it the name of Nemo’s long lost sister? Quail Electronics is here to explain all the ins and outs of NEMA, what it means, why it’s significant, and why it matters in the world of power cords.

NEMA stands for the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association.  As an association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, NEMA’s goal is to create and promote safe electrical products and standards. NEMA’s work includes standards for motors and generators, magnet wire, and, of course, plugs. Continue reading National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association – NEMA

American Wire Gauge vs. International Wire Size

If you grew up in Am1 CONDUCTOR_GREEN_YELLOWerica, meters and millimeters are basically a foreign language.  When I used to read a ruler growing up, I didn’t bother using the centimeter side. Actually, I didn’t even know why it was there. Thinking about it, the one on my desk now doesn’t even have centimeters (I should probably fix that). However, if you grew up on the other side of the pond (or anywhere else for that matter), the metric system is alive and well.

Well with International and North American wire size, it can be just as confusing. For North America, I never understood why as the wire got larger, the number got smaller. Why is 18 AWG smaller than a 10 AWG? Well, back in the day the gauge was determined by how many times the wire had to pass through the drawing dies. The smaller wire, such as 18 AWG, is going to have to pass through more times than the 10 AWG. Actually, makes sense, right? Continue reading American Wire Gauge vs. International Wire Size