Summary Of Power Cord Applications
Electricity is a central pillar driving modern technology, without which we’d probably still be stuck in pre-19th century civilizations. We require electricity (in different forms) to power multiple home appliances, industrial machinery, farm implements, and automobiles, to mention but a few.
However, each powered hardware requires a means of connection to nearby electrical outlets. Your refrigerator won’t automatically function if you simply position it close to an electrical socket. That’s where a power cord comes in.
In this blog, we’ll introduce what power cords are and highlight the various ways they drive modern technology.
What Is A Power Cord?
A power cord is an electrical cable used to connect electronic equipment to a power source. It’s also known as an AC cord, line cord, or mains cable.
Other alternative monikers include a kettle lead and zip cord.
However, the term zip cord/lamp cord may be applied in other contexts to denote a special-purpose power cord used for small electrical loads, such as floor or table lamps. Unlike the regular AC power cord, lamp cords are typically lightweight, ungrounded, and feature single-insulated dual conductors.
Is A Power Cord Similar To An Extension Cord?
Many use the terms “power cord” and “extension cord” interchangeably. But while both cables can help bridge the gap between a nearby electrical outlet and electrical appliances, they’re not identical.
Power cords typically connect electrical devices to a power source, while extension cords extend a power cord's reach.
Now, your refrigerator’s power cord is the electrical cable that protrudes from the appliance's rear end, which you connect to your kitchen's wall socket to power the device. However, where the wall sockets are out of reach (such as if you prefer to use the refrigerator in the farthest corner of the room), you may require a 220 extension cord to bridge the gap.
How Do Power Cords Drive Modern Technology
1. Power Cords Supply Power to Essential Home Appliances
There’s no shortage of home appliances that rely on power cords. From lighter-duty entertainment gadgets like woofers and televisions to heavy-duty equipment like ovens and laundry machines, these appliances require AC cords to stay operational.
Most home electronics come with built-in power cords. This eliminates the guesswork in matching the cables with compatible equipment, at least not before replacing the cord. For instance, a Sharp TV power cord should be explicitly designated for Sharp television brands.
If replacing a mains cable, it’s imperative to pick one rated for the electrical device you plan to connect it with. The cable should have similar (or higher) amperage, voltage, and wattage ratings as the destination appliance.
Besides, plug a power cord into a high-amperage power strip or a surge protector extension cord. This minimizes explosions and other electrical malfunctions caused by dangerous current fluctuations.
2. Power Cords Are Critical To Workplace Productivity
In the recent past, electrical equipment have become commonplace in the office environment. Even businesses that many would consider low-tech, such as groceries, now require computing devices for data processing and record keeping.
But without a power cord, your desktop or printer is just a piece of dead inventory.
AC cords let you keep your office equipment powered, improving workplace productivity. With a powered laptop, you can quickly ace tasks like data entry, which would otherwise require multiple human personnel to accomplish.
Connecting a mains cord to an extension cord with switch is particularly encouraged if using multiple office equipment simultaneously. Switched extension cords let you regulate the power supply to different devices connected to a common power strip.
3. Power Cords Are a Vital Component of Data Centers
It’s almost impossible to highlight the importance of power cords without mentioning data centers.
Not only do mains cables serve as a link between electronic gadgets and nearby power sources in data centers. They also play a critical role in minimizing power disruptions, improving server uptimes, and support responsiveness.
When shopping for the best power cords for data installations, insist on those with twist-lock plug mechanisms.
The twist-lock design keeps power cords firmly plugged into equipment even if a staffer inadvertently trips over the cable.
4. Power Cords Drive the Industrial Sector
Industrial plants rely heavily on power cords to operate different types of utility equipment, from computer systems and communication gadgets to heavy machinery.
Without power cords, production lines would operate painfully slower. Besides, there would be no reliable means to preserve perishable commodities in warehouses.
The net effect? Massive and frequent disruptions in the supply chain.
Just as industrial centers typically require heavy duty extension cords, these facilities also prefer high-performance power cords.
Most industries favor the C15 power cord to its C13 counterpart. Commonly used on rack-mounted equipment and Power Distribution Units (PDUs), C15 cables stand out for their suitability with higher-voltage devices.
The Bottom Line
While electricity is a key driver of modern technology, its efficacy is evidenced in the quality of power cords used. Power cords let you connect different equipment to nearby electrical outlets, improving the efficiency of your home or office.
Like most electrical accessories, extensive research is paramount while shopping for the best power cords. Insist on a cable matched for the amperage, voltage, and wattage rating of the appliance you intend to use it with.
Factors like AWG rating and cable length also impact a power cord’s effectiveness. The shorter and thicker the conductor materials, the more reliable the cable is.