The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Switch Power Cord
Today’s manufacturers are learning that, to thrive, and sometimes even to survive, they may need to sell to international markets due to the increased need for electronic equipment. Many considerations come into play when designing for international markets, including the ability to offer equipment that the user may readily modify to suit their needs without requiring any reconfiguration.
Because different people refer to the same product using different phrases, electrical terminology can occasionally be confusing. To name a few, terms that refer to connecting electrical devices to a power source include power supply, connector, appliance cord, removable or non-detachable cord, cable, and cable assembly.
Picking a Power Cord for a Switch
For equipment manufacturers, choosing the right switch power cord or cord set for every overseas market is crucial to ensuring their products are user-friendly for North American and foreign consumers. Selecting a cord requires several steps:
1. Choose the Appropriate Power Cord Plug for the Exporting Nation
The plug design for the exporting nation is the first option. Selecting the appropriate plug pattern is crucial because specific patterns are used globally. Remember that just because two plug patterns seem similar doesn’t always guarantee the cord is appropriate for the piece of equipment. For instance, the Class I plugs from Japan and North America have similar appearances. However, as North American cords lack the Japanese clearance sign, they shouldn’t be exported to Japan for usage there.
The same applies to Japanese cables, which are unacceptable in North America. The similarities between the appearances of Argentinean, Australian, and Chinese plug patterns serve as another illustration. However, Ron Barnett, Product Development Manager at Interpower, clarified that there are still significant distinctions between the three.
2. Find out the Power Cord or Cord Set’s Rating
It is essential to understand the voltage and amperage rating needed for the gadgets being exported to select the correct power cord. Even within the same nation, a plug pattern may vary depending on the amperage. The required amperage has an impact on cable size as well. Remember that North America differs from much of the globe regarding voltage, amperage, and frequency.
3. Select the Appropriate Power Cord Cable
“Once more, the product’s export nation is important to consider when selecting a cable,” Barnett stated. “International and North American cable are not interchangeable; they have variances. International cable rules prohibit the usage of North American cable in those nations and vice versa. For instance, a cord set constructed using North American cable will not be accepted in Europe if the North American connector is removed and replaced with a Western European plug.
4. Aceable is always a good idea!
It’s usually preferable to purchase a longer power cord to allow for some error margin because it’s impossible to predict with precision the length of a power cord for a specific purpose. Longer cables are usually beneficial, safer, and more convenient.
Naturally, connecting one wire to another is always an option. However, you run the danger of increasing the electrical resistance between the outlet and your equipment, which could result in voltage drops and lesser power output for your tools and devices. You can prevent all of this by purchasing a longer cable, as this can ignite a fire, melt your cords, and result in other issues.
5. For greater power, go with bigger wires!
Thickener cables always perform better in applications that require higher power levels. More power can be safely carried by a cable with bigger wires. For electrical applications involving longer distances, this is essential.
Low-power equipment and gadgets like lights, battery chargers, and stereos should be powered by any cable. However, a cord is required for full power if you use tools like drills, saws, and wet/dry vacuums at their highest setting.
Here’s how to determine the appropriate thickness and length:
- 14 AWG at 25 feet (14/3)
- 12 AWG (50 feet) (12/3)
- Ten AWG at 100 feet (10/3)
6. Choose cables with a 15 amp capacity!
Always verify that you have the correct power cord by looking at the packaging’s amperage rating. It is advised that you choose a 15 A rating. Stay away from 10 A or 13 A-rated indoor/outdoor cables.
The majority of household and commercial electrical systems come equipped with 15 A fuses or breakers as standard. Any tool or piece of equipment having a 15 A cord can be plugged in. More significantly, the wire will turn off electricity if pushed past its breaking point.
Something in excess of 300 V will do for contractor cables as long as it complies with occupational safety regulations. Moreover, 125 or 130 Volts will work for household voltage in the United States.
7. In general, cold weather cables are more pliable!
Certain power cables are made with the express purpose of being more adaptable and having a wider range of uses. Particularly for uses at lower temperatures, versatility of use is essential.
A power cable is easier to use in confined areas, store properly, and stretch around your house or office if it is more flexible. Because they are usually less rigid to work with, choose power cords listed for temperatures below freezing.
Different Countries Have Different Standards
Despite being used by most nations worldwide, the IEC 60320 standard primarily targets the C13, C15, and C19 connector types. The sorts of plugs vary from country to country.
1. North America: Type B, NEMA 5-15P
Most nations in North America and others that adhere to the NEMA standards have widely accepted them. The most often used plugs in sockets are NEMA 5-15P plugs. Although they typically carry 110 V, these are three-wire connections (neutral, hot, and ground) with a 15 A rating at 250 V.
The most popular type of power cord is NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R. The plug is designated NEMA 5-15P, and the receptacle is designated NEMA 5-15R.
NEMA 5-15P to C13 and NEMA 5-15P to C15 are popular power cord types that employ NEMA 5-15 plugs.
2. CEE 7/7 (Type E, Type F) in Europe
In several European nations and certain nations that adhere to the CENELEC standard, CEE 7/7 is currently the de facto plug standard. Ireland, Italy (CEI 23-50), Denmark (AFSNIT 107-2-D1), Cyprus (BS 1363), Malta (BS 1363), Switzerland (SEV 1011), Gibraltar (BS 1363), and other European nations do not use CEE 7/7. The CEE 7/7 to C13, CEE 7/7 to C19, and CEE 7/7 to C15 power cords are the most widely used options using CEE 7/7 plugs.
3. Other Standards: JIS C 8303, AS/NZS 3112, etc.
There are plug standards in a few other nations as well. As an illustration, consider the Japanese standard JIS C 8303 (Type A, B), the Brazilian standard NBR 14136, the Australian standard AS/NZS 3112 (Type I), etc. However, they might all embrace the IEC 60320 connector standard, one common element.
After all!
In addition to the previously listed considerations, remember that a connecting cord is a transient power supply item and should only be used temporarily. However, if you have a suitable switch power cord, you won’t have to reach out to connect/disconnect the power outlet. Ultimately, the decision rests on your shoulders.
