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Why You Should Upgrade and Replenish Your Power Cord Supply

Posted by Khoi Tran on Jan 17th 2025

Why You Should Upgrade and Replenish Your Power Cord Supply

The humble AC power cord might not generate much excitement, but when you lose or damage one it suddenly becomes the center of the universe. That’s why it’s smart to have spare ones on hand. And before you order those, you might also consider upgrading a power cord or two to better fit your needs.

Below we list five reasons you can benefit by replenishing and/or upgrading some of your electrical cords. We conclude with a summary of the types of AC power cables NavePoint offers.

  • 1.Why Getting a New Power Cable Makes Sense

One of the primary benefits of purchasing new AC cords is ensuring reliability and performance. Over time, older cords can degrade, leading to poor conductivity, overheating, or even failure. Upgrading to new cords, especially those with high-temperature construction, ensures that your electronic IT components operate efficiently in demanding environments. High-temperature cords are particularly useful for equipment located in hot server rooms or industrial settings where standard cords may not suffice.

  • 2.Less Downtime

Spare power cables are also invaluable for minimizing downtime. Whether you’re managing a data center or a home office, having spare cords on hand allows you to quickly replace a damaged or lost electrical cable without interrupting your workflow. This can be critical during emergencies, ensuring that essential devices stay powered and operational.

  • 3.Go Hospital-Grade

Hospital-grade power cord offers another compelling reason to upgrade. Designed with robust construction and stringent safety standards, these cords are ideal for environments where durability and reliability are essential. Their reinforced build reduces the risk of wear and tear, while enhanced shielding minimizes interference, making them suitable for both medical and IT applications.

  • 4.Lighted Connectors

Modern power cables with LED indicators provide an added layer of convenience. The LED light on one connector lets you quickly identify whether the cord is receiving power, saving time during troubleshooting or setup. This feature is especially useful in complex setups with multiple devices, where identifying faulty connections can otherwise be tedious.

  • 5.Safety First

Finally, investing in high-quality AC cords ensures safety. An older or substandard electrical cable can pose fire hazards or cause damage to connected devices. Upgrading to a new power supply cable with advanced features protects your equipment and provides peace of mind, making them a smart and practical investment.

New Electrical Cables to Consider

Below are seven types of AC power cables offered by NavePoint and what they are used for.

  • Universal CPU Cords: NEMA 5-15P to C13; 14 AWG, 15-amp, 125-volt. Uses: PCs, monitors, scanners, printers, and more.
  • Laptop Cords: NEMA 5-15P to 320-C5 cloverleaf connector; 10-amp, 125-volt, 18 AWG. Uses: laptop computer power cord.
  • HD CPU/PDU Cords: C14 to C13, 15-amp, 14 AWG, 250-volt maximum. Uses: connecting PCs or other electronic devices to power distribution units (PDUs).
  • PC/PDU Cords: C20 to C13; 15-amp, 14 AWG, 250-volt, durable SJT jacket with added insulation and flexibility. Uses: computer power supply for connecting PCs to newer PDUs.
  • High-Temperature Cords: IEC C14 to IEC C15, 15-amp, 14 AWG, 250-volt maximum. Uses: hot kitchen appliances like electric kettles, data centers, power stations, PDU cabinets, PCs, servers, switches, and routers.
  • Hospital-Grade Cords: NEMA 5-15 connector with or without LED (indicating when power is connected) to straight or angled C13 or to open-ended; 10-amp, 125-volt, 18 AWG, coiled TPE jacket. Uses: medical services, PC/server, power extension, and food/beverage applications.
  • Three-Prong AC Cords: male NEMA 5-15P to a straight or right-angle female IEC-320-C13; 18 AWG, 10-amp, 120-volt. Uses: most PCs, monitors, printers, and other equipment requiring a three-pin power lead to connect to a standard 120-volt outlet.

Having the right power cord or cords on hand—whether as spares or upgrades—ensures that your equipment remains reliable and functional. Investing in a high-quality power cord not only improves safety but also helps you avoid costly downtime.