Imagine you’re hosting a backyard barbecue. The sun is setting, your friends are assembling, and everyone can smell the burgers being grilled.
But what’s a party without lights and music? You go to plug in the light and your music system only to find it far inside the house.
What to do in this situation?
As tricky as this might seem, basic issues like power access can ruin your party. Whether for household or office purposes, having a constant power supply is crucial.
This is where an AC power cord comes into action.
It is crucial for you to understand what an AC extension cord can do so that you are always prepared in advance, and your next event goes off without a hitch.
The Fundamentals of AC Power Cables
Before learning about AC power cables, you must be aware of what an Alternating Current (AC) is. As the name suggests, alternating current is an electric current that changes or reverses its current flow direction periodically. This type of current is mostly used in various types of household appliances, compared to direct current or DC, which is usually used in appliances like DC motors and batteries.
Since Alternating Current (AC) is commonly used in many varieties of household appliances due to its affordability, it is crucial that you know about AC power cables that carry the current.
Importance of AC Power Cables
Power cords come in various forms. AC power cables are one of the many power cords used to transmit AC current to commonly used appliances. These cords are designed to withstand changing voltage levels, varying current loads, and environmental factors. They are essential to daily life, whether they are used as AC extension cords in homes or bulk extension cords in industrial settings.
For instance, when setting up an air conditioner, you might need to decide between a 15 vs 20 amp outlet. Although most household appliances may run on a 15-amp outlet, a 20-amp outlet may be necessary for an air conditioner, which uses more electricity.
Types of AC Power Cables
There are several varieties of AC power cables, each intended for use in certain settings and purposes. These are a few of the most typical kinds:
Low Voltage Cables (LV)
Low-voltage cables carry a meager measure of electric potential energy per unit. This implies that they carry a low current range of up to 1 kV, which, in turn, makes them the best option for domestic use. Moreover, such cables are mainly used in building installation wiring and appliance wiring to guarantee that the homes and offices we operate in have safe power supplies.
Medium Voltage Cables (MV)
Classified on the basis of voltage levels, Medium Voltage (MV) cords fall between 1 kV to 35 kV. Due to their ability to tolerate higher voltage and severe conditions, these cords are useful in power distribution and industrial plants.
High Voltage Cables (HV)
HV cables are used for the transmission of power over a greater distance and for substation connections with an operating voltage between 35 KV and 230 KV. These cables, which include the bulk extension cord wire, are crucial in transferring electricity from one place to another with minimal energy loss.
Construction of AC Power Cables
Apart from their voltage levels, one thing that matters in power cables is their component structure, which determines their performance, durability, and safety. Here are the key components:
Conductors
Since the main objective of a power cable is to carry current, it is important for these cables to be conductors. This essential element of the power cables allows the current to flow through them. It is usually made of copper or aluminum, which makes the wires conductive and effective for power transmission.
Conductors in a wire come in bundled or stranded form. Although stranded conductors are more flexible than solid conductors, they are appropriate for applications that need immense mobility. One such example is a 20 amp extension cord in an industrial setting.
Insulation
Another important factor in the composition of a wire is its insulation. The insulator part of the wire encloses the conductors to stop electrical leakage so that it stays confined within the cable. This prevents short circuits and electrical shocks. Some of the common insulating materials for an AC power cord are PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene), and EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber).
Shielding
This component of the AC cables prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is unwanted interference or noise in an electrical path. This is crucial for preserving the electrical signal’s integrity, particularly in sensitive applications like communication systems. Shielding an AC power cable this way guarantees the cord's consistent performance.
Armoring
Armoring is an essential component of an AC power cord, which forms one of the outer parts of the cord. It is composed of layers of steel, aluminum, or perforated steel. Armoring protects the wire from external factors such as rain, abrasion, and physical impacts. A 10 gauge extension cord, used to run high-wattage appliances, is the best example of a cord with armoring.
Outer Sheath
The final component of a power cord is the outer sheath, which binds all the components together. As the outermost layer of the cord, it provides protection against environmental factors and physical damage.
The outer sheath is composed of durable plastic compounds like polyethylene or PVC, which protects the internal components of the cable and guarantees dependable operation over time. This is especially important for a flat plug extension cord, which often needs to withstand tight spaces and frequent handling.
Wrapping Up
To wrap up, it is essential to understand AC power cords so that your next event goes smoothly without interruption. With the knowledge of their types, structures, and uses, you can select the right AC cord for your appliances.
If you are ready to upgrade your power setup at home and outdoor parties, get your AC power cable now!
Explore our range of premium extension and power cables.