Power cable is a type of electrical cord that transfers power from an electric source to a piece of equipment. They are commonly used in commercial and industrial environments, including electrical utilities, industrial facilities, mining, shipyards, oil rigs, and diesel-electric locomotives.
Various types of cables are available, depending on the intended application. Some types of cable are more durable and have better performance than others. Some are more flexible and can be shipped to installation sites wound on reels or hand coils. Some are more suitable for use with a variety of appliances, while others are specialized for specific applications and are designed for harsh environments.
Insulation
The insulation is the part of the power cable that covers the conductors and protects them from external elements. It can also help prevent leakage current from flowing into the circuit. Common types of insulated power cables include impregnated paper, butyl rubber, polyvinyl chloride cable, and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
Connectors
Power cord connectors come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate electrical standards and rated currents. They may also have features like fuses, pilot lamps, or leakage current detectors to protect equipment from short-circuiting and overcurrent.
Plugs & Plug Patterns
There are several different plug patterns for power cords that differ from country to country. It is important to know the right type of plug for the appliance being used as some will only work with certain plugs.
In some cases, the plug must be reversible to allow for multiple devices to be powered on at once. This can save energy by reducing the number of turns that are needed to run the device.
The stranding of the wire is another important factor in determining the proper cord for an application. It affects the minimum bending radius that will not damage the wire or cause injury to people handling it. Class A, B, or C stranding is the most common, but they vary in quality and durability.
Jackets
The outer jacket is an important protection for a power cable. It helps the cord withstand exposure to moisture, sunlight, oils, and other environmental factors. The material of the jacket also determines how well it can withstand abrasion and other wear.
Unlike control cables, which use regular PVC insulation and a lightweight sheath, power cables require a heavier insulation and jacket. They also need to be able to withstand high temperatures and other environmental factors.
A power cord is a flexible conductive cable made of insulated stranded wire conductors. It is attached to a female or male connector at one end, and a power cord plug or coupler at the other. The connector may have a twist-lock feature or other attachments to keep the plug from disconnecting accidentally.
Some cord sets have a molded cable assembly with a protective sheath or shield, which is an additional layer of protection for the cord and its connectors. This can be especially useful for cords that are exposed to extreme environments.