Power Cord

Power Cords for Computers, Servers & Electronics | Kijero

Power cords, also known as electrical cables, main cables, or flex, are critical components designed primarily to connect devices to an electrical power supply to supply electric current. A typical power supply cord comprises an insulated electric cable with connectors molded onto one or both ends. You can find a male plug on one side that is connected to an electrical outlet, wall socket, or extension cord. The other end is dubbed a female plug or connector that is used for connecting with computers, servers, printers, switches, UPS, monitors, PDUs, and other devices. These electrical power cords are provided with internationally country-specific plugs, making sure that they can deliver power supply in a variety of conditions and locations. Power cables should be chosen carefully; a compatible cable delivers stable and clean electricity, whereas an incompatible power cord can lead to downtimes, overheating, and unsafe connections. Therefore, users need to understand these critical components of your IT infrastructure to avoid uninterruptible and reliable power supply for their networking devices or appliances. 

Why Choose Quality Power Cords?

The importance of quality power cords cannot be overemphasized because the right choice in buying the right power cable can help you run your devices smoothly. 

Here are some compelling reasons explaining why you should purchase high-quality power cords. 

1.    Safe and Reliable Power Delivery: 

Quality power supply cables come with multi-layer protective structures. First, they are provided with insulation that isolates current and enables cables to avoid leakage. Secondly, high-voltage and medium-voltage cables feature shielding layers, helping them prevent partial discharge and decrease electric field interference. Finally, armor layers and outer jackets are also there to reduce the risks of mechanical damage and environmental corrosion. 

As a result, certified and quality power cables help users avoid electrical hazards and protect their sensitive equipment from physical damage. However, it should be noted that power cables are designed to deliver live currents for years; therefore, you need to make sure that the conductor gauge and the amp/voltage rating are greater than the load they are going to serve. 

Unlike high-quality desktop power cables or server power cables, uncertified power supply cables get hot under sustained load, posing a serious and genuine fire risk. 

For instance, Eaton - Tripp Lite 6ft PDU Power Cords C13 to P-Lock C14 Heavy-Duty 15A 6 Pack is a heavy-duty power cable, often recommended as a networking equipment power cable for its ability to support a safe and reliable power supply even under sustained load. 

2.    Durable Construction: 

A power cable used for desktops, servers, or data centers has to experience frequent plugging/unplugging, coiling, bending, and other stress. It needs to be made of a durable construction to avoid cracking. A reliable power cable is therefore made of a thick and abrasion-resistant SJT jacket. They also feature fully molded connectors with integrated strain relief. 

For instance, the Eaton Tripp Lite P018-E03-ABL-6 C15 PDU cord is a high-quality network equipment power cable, making it suitable for large server applications that require a higher-rated, heavier-gauge cable. 

3.    High-Quality Insulation: 

Power cords for servers and other sensitive installations are provided with high-quality insulation. The insulation performs two tasks. The outer jacket is added to avoid moisture, heat, and abrasion, whereas the dielectric layer around each conductor enables power cables to avoid leakage and shorts. For instance, PVC/rubber insulation works wonders against heat buildup in hot server rooms, helping users avoid overheating and fire risks in data centers and other applications. 

For example, Tripp Lite P005-E04-ABL-6 is a high-quality power supply cable that comes with reliable insulation, making it suitable for large server applications, demanding a higher-rated and heavier-gauge cable. 

4.    Wide Device Compatibility: 

A high-quality power device acts like a universal power cord, allowing users to work with C13/C14, NEMA 5-15, server PDUs, and UPS systems across residential, commercial, and industrial setups. For instance, the NEMA 5-15P plug can fit comfortably in any standard North American wall outlet. Similarly, 13 connectors can mate easily with the C14 inlet that is found extensively in a majority of UPS systems, desktops, monitors, printers, TVs, and servers. 

StarTech PXT1011010PK 10 ft NEMA 5-15P to C13 cord is one example of a universal power cord, helping users enjoy wide device compatibility. 

5.    Secure Connector Fit: 

Secure connector fit is another benefit of using a high-end power cord. They feature a molded-to-connector design, ensuring that accidental disconnection is avoided. Similarly, power supply cords such as APC C13 to C14 Locking Power Cords come with a locking design, ensuring that the connector is latched into the inlet physically, so a vibration or accidental tug cannot lead to power disconnection that can prove quite damaging for your devices. 

Types of Power Cords: 

Power cords can be grouped in various categories; each is suitable for a specific set of applications. Therefore, it is important to understand each of them. Depending upon plug types and connectors, you can find the following types of power cables: 

1-    International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC Standard: 

IEC standards are found on virtually all modern computers and electronic devices. This IEC standard is common globally, particularly in European and Asian countries that support this standard. This connector is assigned a specific number by IEC, allowing users to simplify identification. 

•    C13 Power Cords: 

 The IEC C13 connector is the most common connector found in electronic devices such as desktop computers, projectors, printers, and monitors. The C13 connector mates with the C14 inlet, and it is composed of three blades arranged in a triangle. These IEC power cords can support 10A current rate, a maximum 32.8 ft (10 m) cable length, and 158°f (70°C) temperature rating. You can thus use this “Micky Mouse” plug for mid-power devices, such as desktop PCs, monitors, external hard drives, and office equipment.

The IEC C14 power cord is the male counterpart of the C13 power cords that is often built on the back of a monitor or a tower desktop. For instance, the Juniper CBL-PWR-C13-US-48P standard power cord is a high-end power cord used in enterprise-grade gear. 

•    C19 Power Cords: 

IEC C19 connectors are for high-rated power supplies and devices that demand more power than a C13 power cord handle. They are composed of a three-pin configuration: the live and neutral pins are spaced 0.5 inches (13 mm) apart, while the earth pin is offset by 0.3 inches (8 mm). IEC C19 is suitable for large servers, blade enclosures, and high-density gear. They feature a 16A current rating. 

For instance, the APC AP9896 2.4m C19 to L6-30P Power Cord is a heavy-duty power cord that is used for servers.

C20 power cords are the male counterparts of C19 power cords, which are used on high-current devices and heavy-duty PDUs. APC AP9877 Power Cord is a C19 to C20 power cable. 

2-    NEMA Power Cords: 

NEMA power cords are provided with NEMA connectors, which are found in North America. NEMA, or the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, is one of the biggest trade associations in America, and it mandates that all electrical component manufacturers produce power cords with a standard frame size. 

NEMA power cords offer some additional safety features; for instance, they can withstand a short circuit. They are appropriate for a variety of applications. 

To support connection to a wall outlet, NEMA power cords are provided with multiple types of connectors, such as NEMA 1-15, 5-15, or 5-20 connections. 

•    NEMA 1-15 connectors are 2-prong power cords that are older and ungrounded. It is no longer recommended for modern computers and servers. 
•    NEMA 5-15 or NEMA 5-15P are upgrades from NEMA 1-15 connectors. They are 3-prong power cord which can be comfortably fitted into any standard grounded 120V outlet, surge protector, or UPS. For instance, the StarTech 15 ft NEMA 5-15P to locking C13 cord is a heavy-duty NEMA 5-15P power cord. 
•    NEMA 5-20 is another high-end connector that is deployed for medical equipment and other devices rated for high-current that NEMA 5-15 can support. 

In addition to these, NEMA connectors can also be divided into two categories: straight-blade and locking. Straight-blade NEMA connectors are common in consumer electronics. What’s more, there are 25 sub-categories of straight-blade NEMA connectors, such as NEMA 1, NEMA 2, NEMA 3, etc. 

•    NEMA Plugs for Commercial & Office Equipment: 

The NEMA 5-15P to C13 cord is often used as a default power cord for commercial and office equipment. For instance, the StarTech 6 ft Standard Computer Power Cord is a NEMA5-15P to C13 power cord used for computers and serves in offices and commercial settings. 

•    NEMA Plugs for Desktop Computers: 

In North America, desktops come with support for a NEMA 5-15P to C13 cord into their C14 inlet. StarTech PXT101146 6 ft heavy-duty cord is a heavy-duty 14 AWG builds for higher-draw machines. 

•    NEMA Plugs for Printers & Monitors: 

Similar to desktop computers, monitors and printers support standard NEMA 5-15P to C13 cords. Moreover, if you are using higher-draw laser printers and multifunction units, you can go for 20A NEMA 5-20P connectors, such as APC AP9873 NEMA 5-20P power cord.

Applications of Power Cords: 

Power cords are used extensively for a wide variety of applications, for example: 

•    Office workstations
•    Home offices
•    Data centers
•    Enterprise IT infrastructure
•    Educational institutions
•    Healthcare facilities
•    Retail environments
•    Industrial equipment

Choose the Right Power Cord: 

Choosing the right power supply cord is a tricky job, requiring a basic understanding of some specs of these power cords for printers, monitors, desktops, and electronics. 

1-    Connector Type: 

Identification of the connector type is the first consideration you must make. You need to verify the outlet you are plugging into and the inlet on your device. After that, you should go for a connector that matches the inlet and outlet. Typically, a standard desktop or other devices support the C13/C14 pair; high-current equipment is compatible with the C19/C20 pair. Finally, hotter-running gear often needs a C15/C16 connector couple. 

StarTech 6ft (1.8m) Heavy Duty Power Cord, C14 to C19 is a heavy-duty power cord, supporting IEC 60320 C14 to IEC 60320 C19 connectors, making it suitable for a PDU power cord. 

However, for plug type(wall-end) in the USA, NEMA 5-15P, which is a 3-prong power cord, is used for standard household outlets, desktops, monitors, and UPS. NEMA 5-20P, which is also a 3-prong power cord, is used for medical equipment and high-current devices. 

2-    Voltage Rating: 

In North America, the power cords often come with a 125V rating, whereas heavy-duty power cords used for data center and other mission-critical applications are provided with a 250V rating. Therefore, if you are purchasing a power cable in North America, you must ensure that your cord supports or exceeds the input requirement of your devices. 

For instance, Eaton Tripp Lite Series Power Cord, NEMA 5-15P to Right-Angle C15 is a heavy-duty power cord used for connecting network hardware with a C16 power inlet to a PDU UPS system or other AC power source with a NEMA 5-15R outlet. Likewise, Eaton P047-006 C19-to-C14 cord is a high-quality and 250V power cord, used for the power rack path. For the heaviest rack loads, you can go for EATON TRIPP LITE SERIES P035-005 POWER CORD C20 TO C21 HEAVY-DUTY. 

3-    Wire Gauge (AWG): 

Wire Guage or AWG is a measurement of the thickness of power cords. As a thumb rule, the lower the number, the thicker the power cable. You need to choose AWG carefully, depending on the devices to which you are going to supply power. 

As a recommendation, an 18AWG power cord with 10A current capacity is recommended for monitors and light office gear. A 14 AWG power cable with 15A current capacity is suggested for mid-range general office/networking gear and standard servers. Finally, 12 AWG power cords are the thickest power cables used for heavy-duty and long-distance devices and PDUs. 

StarTech 10ft (3m) Computer Power Cord is an 18AWG power cord that is recommended for light office users. 

4-    Current Rating & Voltage Rating: 

Current rating is measured in amps, and it is the uppermost ceiling of current that a power cord can carry safely. For instance, a light-duty power cord can transmit 10A current, a standard power cord can support 15A current, and heavy-duty power cords, such as C19/C20, can deliver up to 16A-20A current. 

In order to find the right power cord, you need to match the current rating with the power draw of your device. For instance, laptop chargers and lightweight consumer gear come with a 2.5A draw. Monitors, printers, and mid-range office equipment need 10A current. Desktops, rack-mounted components, and servers demand 15A current, and finally, power-hungry servers and lab equipment can demand as high as 20A current. 

EATON P034-010 POWER CORD is a 14AWG power cord that supports 15A current, making it suitable for server applications that require a higher-rated and heavier-gauge cable. 

5-    Indoor vs. Outdoor Uses: 

This is another important consideration. Typically, power cords featuring SJT/SVT jackets are for indoor applications for offices, racks, and climate-controlled spaces. However, they are not suitable for outdoor settings. You should look for W" rating, such as SJTW or SOOW, in power cords as they come with a weather- and UV-resistant jacket. 

Why Buy Power Cords from Kijero?

Kijero is the right choice when you need a high-quality power cord for powering your desktops, monitors, servers, and electronics. Our portfolio is quite vast, including but not limited to everyday NEMA 5-15P to C13 computer cords, heavy-duty C19/C20 server cables, hospital-grade cords, high-amperage 12 AWG rack cables, and C14-to-C13 PDU jumpers. We offer you every connector and standard of power cables that your hardware demands. 

What’s more, we deal in all major brands, including StarTech, Eaton/Tripp Lite, APC, and Juniper. Our expertise is quite vast, and our customer service is result-oriented. Our product experts help you find the right power cords for you, depending on the right connector, gauge, length, and current/voltage rating. 

Contact a Kijero representative today and call us for the best price on power cords that are UL-listed for safety, and they are with TAA-compliant options ready for commercial and federal procurement in the USA and beyond.