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Accessory Power & IEC 60320

Posted on 2/22/24 4:41 PM

Global Passports: Designing electrical systems for use on every continent requires a global interface which IEC 60320 cords and components provide. No longer is it necessary for end users worldwide to reconfigure cord sets once they unbox them from the factory. Instead, the end of the cord set bearing a country-specific plug connects to a wall outlet (mains power); the other end of the cord, bearing an IEC 60320 connector, plugs into an accessory power strip (APS) or a power distribution unit (PDU) via an IEC 60320 inlet on the APS or PDU.

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Topics: designing for export, IEC 60320, Accessory Power, cord clips

Using Strain Reliefs/Cable Glands to Prevent Acute Bend Radius in Power Cords

Posted on 1/23/24 11:49 AM

Cable is a sleek composite of resins and metals which are vital materials of making world-class power cords and cord sets. While dependable and durable, even essential to modern-day life, cable is also susceptible to acute bending, especially near the point where the cord exits the equipment. Underneath the smooth resinous skin of our example cord, lay three conductors of extruded copper wire. If those wires are extremely bent or otherwise damaged, the result could be loss of electrical continuity or shortened lifespan—protecting your cord’s bend radius helps maintain connectivity. And understanding your cord’s recommended minimum bend radius for cable is critical to the maintenance and longevity of the cable and the machines and equipment powering them.

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Topics: cable, product design, cable glands, strain reliefs, product development, bend radius

A Day in the Life of an Interpower Molder

Posted on 12/20/23 2:13 PM

At 7 a.m., Jess, an Interpower Level 2 molder, prepares the ENGEL injection molding machine to mold Continental European (CEE) Cord sets. The CEE plugs will be molded onto 1 mm² international cable, and Jess checks to make sure the 100-lb. CEE mold and proper steel inserts are in place. An additional team member verifies that the correct mold inserts are in place.

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Topics: power cord, power cord made to order, international power components, product development, manufacturing, product information, molding

Just-in-Time (JIT) & Just-in-Case (JIC)—Which Inventory Strategy is Right for You?

Posted on 11/21/23 8:11 AM

In postwar Japan, Taiichi Ohno was tasked with rebuilding the Japanese car market from scratch. Known as the father of the Japanese Toyota Production System (TPS), Ohno inherited limited raw materials in a fledgling automotive market—the behemoth Fordesque assembly lines employed in the U.S. were too sprawling for Japan’s compact approach.

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Topics: shipping, manufacturing, supply chain, JIC, JIT

IEC Components

Posted on 10/17/23 9:00 AM

Passports to Global Markets Designing an accessory power system using IEC 60320 components eliminates the need for end users worldwide to reconfigure cords once they arrive. By creating a common interface, IEC 60320 products create a common connector interface making it possible for entire designs to be built around them. Like having a passport at the ready for traveling abroad, IEC 60320 products complement any country-specific plug if the opposite end of the cord is terminated with an IEC connector to plug into an accessory power strip or a power distribution unit. It also allows the option of not having to warehouse country-specific plugs.

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Topics: product design, designing for export, IEC 60320

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The monthly InfoPower blogs are created to assist you in designing, building, and maintaining products for worldwide markets by providing you with information on topics relevant to power system components.

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