NEMA power cords have been used by everyone countless times throughout their lives. Those who still do not know must understand that the trade association that develops specifications for usage in electrical products is called NEMA or National Electrical Manufacturing Association.
These have a few different variations. If you are looking forward to knowing more about it all, then you are suggested to read until the end to discover more.
Overview of NEMA
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) was founded in North America and a few other nations and can be defined as the different connections used on power cords. The NEMA power cords come in different voltages ranging from 125-600 and Amperages of 15-60. Depending on the particular amperes and voltages – there are different and non-interchangeable plug types which are developed.
Each one of them is assigned a NEMA designation. This prevents something that needs 125 volts from accidentally being plugged into a 220-volt outlet. NEMA devices go into one of two categories. A straight blade is one kind, and locking is another.
The most common form of blades in typical consumer electronics is straight, whereas locking devices are only used in larger industrial settings where the risk of a plug unintentionally falling out of a socket is greater.
All About NEMA Power Cords That You Must Know Of
There are several different power cords available that are made to fulfil different voltage and amp needs. This is just like with every other component of electricity transfer. The main function of the power cord is to transfer current from a power source to a device that will receive it.
On the other hand, NEMA Power Cords are typically constructed of copper wire that is encased in an insulating layer and covered with a protective non-conductive coating. There is a plug, socket, and cord on every power cord. A locking device on the plug of a critical power cord may be present to prevent unintentional disconnections.
Kilovolts which is a unit of voltage are used to rate power cables and are used to specify how much power they can transfer. The wiring of the cord alongside the quantity of current-carrying conductors and the length of the cord all affect the amperage rating. There is a reduction in amperage when a cord contains three current-carrying conductors or is longer than fifty feet.
A power cord’s voltage drop increases with length. The reduced capacity is a result of the power loss from the connector to the cable’s termination. A cord that is over 50 feet long may have a high AWG due to the cord’s length and significant voltage loss.
Heat is produced by voltage or power drops. An excessive accumulation of heat might harm a wire or the power cable.
What are the Types of NEMA Power Cords?
NEMA 1-15-P & NEMA 5-15-P are the two most often used types of NEMA plugs. While the NEMA type 5 employs a third pin for grounding purposes, NEMA type 1 has a round pin or prong just below the two flat prongs.
But that’s not the whole story. In order to know about the types of NEMA power cords, you are suggested to check the list below.
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NEMA 1-15-P Power Cord – Two-Pole, No Ground
One of the first types of NEMA power cords is the NEMA 1-15-P which is described as a two-wire and non-grounding device. It can be plugged into a typical 110 VAC wall outlet. Just like the NEMA 5 – 15 plug, the NEMA 1 – 15-P plug has two flat blades and a maximum voltage rating of around 125 V.
However, it lacks a ground pin. On the other hand, the 1-15-R stands for “receptacle,” and is basically the female mating outlet for the 1-15-P. Most modern iterations of this plug have a blade that is a little wider than the other.
These are quite affordable in price and have a small size. The unground NEMA 1 plugs are still widely used by companies that produce small appliances and electronic devices. They are also upward compatible with grounded NEMA 5 receptacles of today.
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NEMA 5-15-P Power Cord – Two-Pole with Ground Pin
The NEMA 5 – 15 – P connects to a typical 110 VAC wall outlet and is a 3 – prong grounded device. It has a connector which has a spherical ground pin between and above its two flat and parallel blades. The 5-15-R, which stands for “receptacle,” is the female mating outlet for the 5-15-P.
What are the Types of IEC Power Cords?
Be it the IEC 60320 power cords or the IEC 60309 – depending on the temperature and the application, there are various earthing combinations for the IEC power cords.
In order to obtain global compatibility while using these connecting couplers, the merchants just need to swap out the power cable to meet these criteria. However, the types of IEC power cords that are available include
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IEC 60320 Power Cord
The IEC 60320 power cord, which outlines the non-locking appliance and connectivity couplers for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances usually ranges up to 250 volts.
It is acknowledged as the international standard used by the majority of nations around the globe. The number in the specification that details power connectors is “320.”
There are basically various types of IEC 60320 power cords. These range from
C1 to C24, are prescribed for various current, voltage, and temperature combinations.
How to Choose the Right Type of NEMA and IEC Power Cord Type?
If you aim to get good performance in terms of speed and durability, then here are a few things that you must consider while choosing the right power cord.
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Choose the Appropriate Plug
It is important to keep in mind that just because two plug patterns appear to be identical – it does not guarantee that they are the ideal ones for your equipment.
For instance, a cord set produced with North American cable cannot be made acceptable for Europe just because you have removed the NEMA power cord and replaced it with a CEE 7/7 power cord.
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Verify the Voltage
In North America, plug voltage ratings range from 100-127 to 200-240. Even within the same nation, distinct plug patterns can result from higher or lower amperage.
If a 125-volt power line is accidentally placed into a 220-volt outlet – then the chances of the appliances being destroyed are high.
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Check the Power Cord’s Current Rating.
Next thing you must consider while choosing the right NEMA and IEC cord is checking the current rating as well. This differs from other countries’ ratings of 15, 20, and 30 for North America.
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Select the Plug Type When Using a Cord Set
There are typically 2 to 5 prongs on a plug. The shape of the prongs might be oval or circular. They may also come with a straight blade or a rectangular one.
There are NEMA 5-15P and NEMA 5-20P for North America. Knowing the voltage and current rating might help you distinguish between the four varieties and select the right type of plug that you may need.
Everyone has used NEMA power cords innumerable times throughout their life. For those who still don’t know, NEMA, or National Electrical Manufacturing Association, is the trade organization that creates specifications for use in electrical devices.
There are numerous versions of this. It is advised that you read the article through to the finish if you want to learn more about it all.
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