Power cords are often overlooked by people as a matter of course before problems arise. Assuming you have a rack mounted instrument or server, when you slide the device out of the rack for inspection, the power cord often gets accidentally tangled (even if extra safety length is reserved) and pulled out of the socket. Then with a 'pop' sound, your device ran out of battery. When you realized what had happened, it was too late and you had to plug the power cord into the socket again. If it is an instrument that is conducting long-term measurements or a server in the accounting department, then you are in trouble. At this point, you need a power cord that can be locked into the socket to prevent it from falling off or being accidentally unplugged.
Why not consider using a more direct solution specifically designed to address this issue, such as Qualtek's Q-Secure power cord, before attempting to tie the power cord to the chassis with cable ties or temporarily secure it with clips.
Power cord
Behind the inconspicuous power cord lies a considerable level of engineering expertise, as well as a series of technical and safety standards. Let's first get to know the standard power cord, such as 312003-01 (Figure 1). This is a 7.5-foot cable with a plug on one end and a socket on the other end.
Figure 1:312003-01 is a standard power cord with one end as a plug and the other end as a socket. (Image source: Qualtek)
The plug side of this 125 volt, 15 ampere (A) connector is labeled as a NEMA 5-15P connector. The NEMA identification code consists of two parts, where the number before the dash represents the connector configuration and voltage, and the number after the dash represents the rated current. For example, in the common NEMA 5-15, 5 represents a grounded three wire connector used to handle 125 volts, while 15 represents 15 amps. The P suffix indicates that the connector is a plug, while the R suffix indicates that the connector is a socket.
The socket side of the power cord is labeled with IEC 60320 C13 connector. The IEC 60320 standard covers power connections, including plugs and sockets, known as couplers. C13 represents a grounded three wire socket, with a maximum international rating of 250 volts and 15 amps, and a US rating of 125 volts and 15 amps.
Self locking power cord
Qualtek's Q-Secure power cord is equipped with a self-locking C13 connector, designed to provide a secure connection between the power cord and the power supply device. For example, 512002-01 (Figure 2) is a self-locking power cord with a length of 6 feet, using three 18 AWG twisted wires. It is classified as SJTW cable, indicating that it is a weather resistant, heavy-duty power cord suitable for harsh environments.
Figure 2: The Q-Secure power cord has a self-locking C13 socket to prevent the power cord from being pulled out. (Image source: Qualtek)
The Q-Secure cable has a built-in locking mechanism that can be activated and locked by pressing the red button. This mechanism reduces the risk of accidental disconnection and ensures that the C13 socket remains firmly connected to the power input line. The locking mechanism is rated to withstand a pull-out force of up to 35 pounds (lb). Push back the red button in the indicated direction to unlock.
The Q-Secure 512 series power cords come in fifteen versions, offering 18, 16, or 14 AWG wire specifications with lengths of 36, 72, 96, 120, or 144 inches. The maximum rated current depends on the wire specifications. The rated current of 18 AWG wire is 10 A, the rated current of 16 AWG wire is 13 A, and the rated current of 14 AWG wire is 15 A. The maximum voltage of all wires is 125 volts.