International Power Cord Standards Guide

What are Power Cords?

Have you ever sited to a foreign country and plugged your devices, such as your handset or tablet, but discovered that the plug did not fit? Which can be so annoying. The reason is that there are different cords for different countries. A power cord is a special wire that connects your device to the wall socket. This link lets electricity travel into your device so it can recharge or function properly. Recognizing these differences in power cords is crucial for being able to charge your devices while traveling seamlessly.

Other Countries: Different Power Cords

The world of power cords can be a bit complicated at first, but don’t worry, it’s really not that complicated. However, fortunately, Huanchain gave us powerful guide which helps you to learn everything about Power Cord. Every nation has its own regulations regarding what the plug looks like, how much electricity it consumes, and how much power it can process without any danger.

For instance, the US power cord uses a two-pong plug meaning it has two flat pins. This style of plug is for 120 volts of electricity. Conversely, in the UK the power cord has a three-pronged plug with three pins that connect the power cord to the wall. So, this plug is suitable with 230 volts of current.

How you have to be aware of what kind of plug and power cord you are using in different locations. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with these differences before you head out on your trip.

Transporting Devices to Other Countries

If you run a business that requires you to carry your electronic devices to another country, it is crucial to learn the power cord regulations in that country. Imagine you are on the way to an important meeting, but your laptop is dead because it couldn’t charge because of a wrong plug. That would be so disheartening. From Huanchain you can know what power cord to use around the world. That way, your devices are always charged up and ready to go when you need them.

But if you’re putting your phone and other devices in your bags together, you may want to include chargers, too. Knowing what kind of power cords to get means you won’t become trapped with a dead battery when you want to use your device the most.

It Means That Power Cords Are Not Universal

Here’s a closer look at some of those differences in voltage cords around the globe. The United States and Canada share a similar two-pronged plug that is powered by 120 volts of electricity. This is well for travelers between these two countries, as they simply utilize similar power cord.

The U.K., however, utilizes a different three-prong plug that runs on 230 volts. That makes it safer for high-powered devices, but it means that a device from the U.S. needs a different cord to be used there. Australia has three-prong mains plug, like the one in the U.K., but operates at 240 volts.

Plugs differ a lot across Europe. A common example of a plug type is the Schuko plug which features two round prongs and an earth pin. In fact, it runs on 230 volts like the U.K. plug but has a different appearance. Knowing these differences can help you select the correct power cord for your travels.

Learning the Power Cord Rules

Now that you know about all the types of power cords used in different countries, it’s time to learn about the rules that come with them. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an organization that helps to set standards for electrical and electronic devices including power cords. They name various kinds of power cords using a system of letters and numbers.

Like, the two-blade plug in the USA/Canada is known as NEMA 1-15P and gives a clear hint to know that plug easily. Likewise, in the United Kingdom, the three-pronged plug is known as BS 1363. In Europe, the Schuko plug is designated as CEE 7/7. Tomorrow you will learn how this is an issue and why these names are really important when you shop for power cords or work on how to make them work in different countries.

Conclusion

So, understanding about power cords and how they differ is crucial for the people who travel a lot or work at a place where they have to use different electronic devices. Huanchain’s guide is helpful for knowing what kind of ac power cord to expect around the world. Of course, always check the power cord rules for the country you are traveling to. Make sure to pack the right power cable to avoid any charging issues. So travel safe and keep your devices charged and in working order with Huanchain.