In 1882, Thomas Edison started the power distribution process by wrapping a copper rod in jute. He used a soft, shiny fiber from plants as an insulator. From there, it came to the 1950s when PVC-covered cords were producing efficient and durable cords. With a long list of research and experiment, power cords hold history between the 1880s to date. Let us see which type of power cords are useful in these times:

Types of Power Cords

1. AC Cords

These are a means of supplying electrical energy to electrical equipment from a power source. They are useful with applications like:

Electrical power tools
Lighting
Household appliances
Musical instruments
Shop equipment
Personal uses
AC (alternating current) that connects cords forms a cable assembly with wires. These wires can be rubber or polymer for insulation and plugs, including prongs, wire terminals, and casing. Most of these are AC-powered with different voltages.

Manufacturers of AC cords have exact required specifications for their construction, including:

Voltage rating
Wire shape
Current rating
Wire size
Length
Sheathing material
Connectors
Types of plugs
The connector attaches to the electrical equipment. And the plug connects to the electrical receptacle or power supply.

Since different countries use different voltages and frequencies in their AC power, the cords must fit their standards to perform safely and correctly. AC plug types go from A through O and it further breaks down into categories with slight variations.

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