All About Iec And Nema Power Cords- A Complete Guide

By Author: Jennifer Truong
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In the world of electronics, the NEMA 5-15 To C19 power cord and the NEMA 5-15 to C13 power cords play a very vital role. These cords, which have been standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC, stand to be the lifelines of many electrical connectivity. These power cords ensure an uninterrupted power supply between various devices and are the medium for dependable energy transmission. 

In this blog, we will try to explain the importance of IEC power cords, and their various applications in devices such as computers, in home appliances and establish the link between devices and power sources. 

The IEC Power Cord – What It Is?
An IEC power cord, also commonly known among the masses as an IEC connector, is a standard form of power cable that is used to connect various electrical appliances to their main power source. 

The IEC Power cord has a plug, which remains inserted into a power outlet. Next, it has a socket, which receives the plug on the appliance. These cords are designed in such a way as to comply with the International Electrotechnical ...
... Commission or IEC standards fully. This way these cords make sure that they are safe and compatible with a wide variety of devices. This is applicable across various countries and regions.
 
This standardization set by NEMA on the IEC power cords makes them easily interchangeable and also makes them suitable for universal usage. Because of this universal compatibility, these power cords have become an essential component across diverse industries like as the electronics sector, the telecommunications sector, and the healthcare sector. 

IEC and NEMA Standards- In Brief

IEC C13 and C14 Connectors
These are often termed as the go-to connectors. This applies to most of the servers and the network equipment. These connectors conform to the international standards that are set by the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC. Their designs are such that they are capable of providing secure connections between devices and their power sources. They are capable of supporting up to 250V and 10A to 15A of current.
NEMA 5-15P and 5-15R
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association or NEMA is an association that has set definite standards for electrical connectors like the NEMA 5-15 To C19 power cord. These standards are used and followed mainly in North America. For example, the NEMA 5-15P plug and 5-15R receptacle are the standard set by NEMA for setting connections to 120V AC power sources that have a 15A rating.

IEC Power Cords Types
1. IEC C13
Among the computer equipment and appliances, you will find the use of the IEC c13 power cables as the C13 connector connects with the C14 inlet perfectly. It is for this reason that this connector is commonly found on computers, monitors, and other electronic devices. The C13 connectors have the capability of providing secure and standardised connection and are compatible across many equipment. Moreover, what makes the C13 connectors extremely advantageous apart from being widely available and easy usability, is that they are capable of enduring heavy power loads like the NEMA 5-15 to C13 power cords.      
    
2. IEC C15
The IEC c15 power cord or the high-temperature connector, has been designed for use in appliances like commercial kitchen equipment like electric kettles and industrial ovens, medical equipment, and data centres, which deal with high temperatures. It has the capability of handling temperatures of up to 120 degrees centigrade. It can also be used in applications that are exposed to high pressure. This high level of tolerance makes it safe and reliable for use in a highly challenging environment. In its design, it has a notch that makes it different from the C13 power cord.  also read 10 Facts About the World’s Most Common Power Cord: The IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P
3. IEC C19
The data servers, large network services and servers commonly have these high-power cables like the C19 cable. It has a female socket and connects with the C20 plug that has male pins. Again, this connector is used for high-current applications that have ratings of 16 amps or more and are capable of handling up to 250 volts. The prime advantage of the C19 cable lies in the fact that it can deliver high power levels to heavy-duty types of equipment. The only thing that needs attention while using the C19 power cables is that it requires proper electrical safety measures and heat dissipation outlets. 

Understanding and Selecting IEC Power Cords for Optimal Performance
So far, we have tried to provide a general understanding of the different types of IEC power cords which will help you to select an appropriate one to suit your specific application or applications. All of the power connectors mentioned above have a unique purpose and ensure compatibility and safety for your system. Now you can choose the right cord for your system and protect it from any damage and make sure that you will get optimal performance from it. 

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a California based online retailer of all kind of cables, wires, cords, and other related accessories for computers and other consumer electronics. SF Cable is well known in the market for providing high-quality products at low prices by sourcing them directly from manufacturers. Jennifer has extensive experience in the cable industry and has been instrumental in the growth of SF Cable and in establishing it as one of the leading providers of cables online.