Line Cords

AC power cords carry alternating current from one area to another. There are many different standard plugs and voltages, depending upon the country. These cords are a conducting medium, usually copper, that is surrounded by insulation and a jacket. Power cords can have 2, 3, or 4 conductors. Choices for male end types include NEMA types, hardwired stripped types, hard wired terminals, CEE, BS, JIS, AS, SRAF, SEV, CEI, SI, and BS types. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets standards for AC power cord male ends. The male end can also be stripped hard wires, hard wires with terminals, European ends, UK specific ends, and many other country specific types. The polarization for male end types can be polarized or nonpolarized. A polarized end fits only one way; a nonpolarized end fits both ways. Female end types include NEMA, hard-wired stripped, hard-wired terminals, and IEC types. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets standards for AC power cord female ends. The female end can also be stripped hard wires and hard wires with terminals. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) sets standards for European female ends.