Statistics indicate that some 1000 people die annually from electrical injuries in the United States. A significant fraction of these fatalities are attributable to the lack of basic electrical skills and know-how.
Learning how electricity works can significantly reduce electrical accidents in your home or workplace. And contrary to what you may think, you don’t need to enroll in an electrical engineering program to master primary power connections in your property.
Sometimes, all it takes is understanding standard power accessories and how they operate. This post looks into one such device – an electrical cord.
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What Is an Electrical Cord?
The best way to learn about an 10 gauge extension cord is to start by defining the word. The term ‘electrical cord’ goes by many other names, including a power cord, line cord, mains cable, and mains lead. It refers to an electrical component that connects appliances to a power supply or electrical utility.
Like most electrical accessories, electrical cords are made from insulated cables. These components also usually have a connector on one or both ends. Where two connectors are involved, one is typically a male and the other a female.
Male connectors, also known as plugs, are designed to go into the electrical receptacle or wall socket. These connectors may also plug into other extension cords. On the other hand, female connectors are usually attached to the electrical appliance you’re trying to power. Female connectors may also be connected to other male connectors.
In cases where electrical cords come with a single connector, the available connector is usually male. A fixed cable usually replaces the missing female connector.
Power Cord versus Power Cable
The terms ‘power cord’ and ‘power cable’ are commonly used interchangeably. These words denote the same thing in their broad application. And as we’ve just seen, they can both be used in the place of an ‘electrical cord.’
However, a power cord and a power cable may have fundamental differences depending on the context in which they’re applied. The main difference between the two components is that a power cord is designed for a temporary power supply. In contrast, power cables are typically installed for permanent or long-term applications.
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Parts of an Electrical Cord
Most electrical cords have the following parts;
- Cable conductor
Cable conductors are the innermost metallic wires that carry electric current. These parts are usually copper, although some may feature other metals like aluminum.
Conductors can exist as one thick cable or multiple wire strands bundled together.
- Cable insulation
Cable insulation offers protection from electrical shocks, electrocution, or any electrical faults that could result from contact with exposed conductors. The insulation layer is usually made from a polymer, elastomer, or plastic.
Cable insulation may fall into two categories, depending on the temperature regulating abilities. They include thermoplastic and thermosetting insulations. Thermoplastic insulations utilize materials like PVC, which do not undergo chemical transformations upon exposure to high temperatures. On the other hand, thermosetting insulation uses materials that can chemically transform upon exposure to high temperatures.
Contrary to what you may think, it’s recommended to go for electrical cords made from thermosetting instead of thermoplastic insulations. The former supports electrical appliances operating at higher temperatures than the latter. Common thermosetting insulation materials include XLPE and EPR.
- Outer sheath
Not to be confused with the insulation material, the outer sheath of an electrical cord mainly offers mechanical protection. This part is usually made from a polymeric material, which offers incredible resistance against tears and abrasion.
- Metal protection
Some power cables may have electrical metal screens. The screens prevent the signals passing through the cable conductors from interference by external factors.
Applications of Electrical Cords
Electrical cords are applicable in both domestic and commercial environments. These components are used in various electrical appliances, from televisions and computers to air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.
Industrial and manufacturing plants generally do not need power cords. That’s due to the heavy-duty machines used in these areas. Such equipment utilizes high current volumes that regular power cords may not support. Most electrical cables are limited to a current and voltage capacity of 16 Ampere to 20 Ampere and 125 Volts to 250 Volts, respectively.
Choosing an Electrical Cord
Numerous factors go into choosing the best electrical cord. Top considerations include;
- Length
A power cord should be long enough to bridge the gap between the electrical receptacle and the appliance. It is especially true for stationery appliances that cannot be inched closer to the wall socket.
- Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness or diameter of electrical cords. It’s commonly measured in inches. The bigger the number designation, the smaller the thickness. For instance, a 12’’ gauge wire has a smaller diameter than a 10” one.
NOTE: The gauge of electrical cords implies the thickness of the cable conductors and not the entire wire.
- Standardization
The importance of buying standardized power cords cannot be emphasized enough. In North America, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is responsible for developing the standards for electrical components, including cords.
Buying a NEMA-approved cable comes with the peace of mind of knowing that you’re investing in a product that meets all the required industry standards.
Final Word
There goes our definitive guide to electrical cables. We hope you can proceed to shop for your following power cords from the point of information discussed above.