Everything You Should Know About Power Cords: An Infographic

Posted by Jennifer Truong on September 16th, 2019

hen you have so many options to choose your power cords, it can be overwhelming sometimes. While you are looking to buy it for a particular application, it is important to have a basic understanding. This infographic will give you a 360 view of power cords and its applications. 

What is a Power Cord?

Known as power cable, line cord, main cable, power cord, etc. is an electrical cable used to connect an appliance to the main electricity supply via a wall socket or extension/power strip.

Used For

• Mining

• Welding

• Lamp

• TV

• Laptop

• Vacuum Cleaner

• Hair Dryer

• Treadmill

Polarized vs Non-Polarized

If one prong is slightly larger than the other, it is polarized plug. It only goes one way into a polarized outlet that has matching slots. They are used for devices with switches, as the hot leg of the electrical circuit should always contact the hot terminal of the appliance.

Need to show the difference: Display polarized for devices with switches.

Major Standards

IEC 60320 Cords

It is a set of standards which specify power cord appliances up to 250 volts. It is recognized as an international standard used in most countries. 

NEMA Cords

They are commonly adopted in most North American countries. NEMA 5-15P plus are widely used in sockets. 

• NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15 R power cord is the most common type.

• The NEMA 5-15P is referred for the plug, and the NEMA 5-15R is for the receptacle.

Looking to buy a suitable power cord? Here is all you need to know.

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