Everything You Need to Know About the Power Cords and Adaptors

In the past decade, electrical appliances have evolved tremendously. From a single string power cord to multiple power cord splitter as the growth of technology in this industry has been evergreen. So it is easier for users to split the power and use multiple devices.

We all know not all power cords have the same plug or voltage requirements. The manufacturing of each cord is done keeping in mind the electrical appliance requirement. Also, cords have male and female ends. The female end will connect to an electrical appliance whereas the male end will connect to the power supply.

Here are the things you need to take care of when travelling to another country. Power plug adapters allow electrical equipment to connect to a power supply of your building. The adapters have different voltage, current ratings and shape.

Basically, heavy duty supply voltage requires power supply. Adapters control the fluctuation in the current. Here are the things to take care of.

1. Shape: The shape of the plug varies around the world. For example, Type A adapters have two vertical prongs whereas the Type B have single rounded prongs. Different countries have different shapes of adaptors. So when travelling abroad it is important to ensure whether your charger plugs will fit there or not. If not, carry a universal charger kit with you. It will keep you sorted for most countries.
2. Voltage: To have a plug that fits the socket is not enough. The adapter must have the same voltage capacities as the power supply or else it can damage the electronic device permanently. Countries have different standards for electricity delivery. For example, India and China has standard of 220V while the US has 120 V. In Europe it is 220 to 230 V, the same as in Singapore, Australia and the UK. However Japan uses 100 V outlets. So, if you wish to use the electronic devices from countries with the same voltage standards, and same plug, your device would work fine. But if you are using the devices from countries that have different voltage ranges, it can damage the device permanently. With less voltage the device would not function properly and with high voltage it can blow the circuit. So, it is advisable to read the voltage capacity of the electronic device and the type of the plug and then only it should be used. The other thing that requires your attention is amperage. The amperage range should match with the device you are planning to use.
3. Adaptor: Generally, there are two types of Adaptors: one compensates the shape of the socket and the other one adjusts the voltage. As per the requirement of your device, you can choose the type of adaptor that fits your requirement. There are adaptors that have converters in them making it travel friendly. This means you have to carry this one adapter that works no matter what country you are in.

4. AC Power Cord Splitter: With AC cord splitter, the user can connect multiple devices at the same time. This saves a lot of time from plugging and unplugging the devices. The power cords also have different voltages and plugs. The cords are manufactured keeping in mind different sizes, so that the cable can reach the appliance and socket. The female end connects with the electrical appliances whereas the male end connects with the power supply. Power cord have same fusion but the end of each power cord have different electrical appliance usage and socket requirement. Some power cord splitters have 4 different USB slots, each slot with its own function.

Now that you know what all things you need to take care of before plugging in any electronic device, the next important tip is to maintain cables properly. Well, cable management is an art and it can surely increase the lifespan of your cables. You can invest in a bag made to hold different types of cables and adaptors. This bag will keep all the cables organised especially while travelling and save them breaking. Also, you do not have to unpack your whole bag while finding one wire. The second one is the cable protector. They help you save the cable from breaking. These investments are not costly, but can save your adaptors and cables for long.

Final Words

Travelling is fun but it can come as a shock if your mobile phone charger doesn't fit your hotel room socket. You can avoid such scenarios by investing in a travelling adaptor that has a converter to meet the voltage requirement and plugs that fits the socket. You can invest in a power cord splitter as you would not have to carry multiple cords with you. One splitter can connect multiple devices. Also, they come with different endings ensuring you can connect different types of devices with just one cord.

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a california based online retailer of all kind of Computers, electronics, electrical accessories, networking accessories, cables, wires. Jennifer has extensive experience in the Electronics industry and blog.