AC Cable

AC cables, or as many of us know them, power cords, as their name suggests, transmit electricity to various devices. Remember that any fault in these types of wires can also lead to damage to the equipment or appliances they are connected to, i.e. using an old and damaged power cord can cause a short circuit or electrical spark. Therefore, we do not recommend to save money on them.

What material is the AC cable made of and why is this important for quality?

The quality levels of AC cables are built up in exactly the same way as other cables. These cables are made from OFC or OCC copper and silver. The cross-section of the cable may be twisted, solid, litz-construction, etc. And the insulation may be made of cotton, flexible PVC, or possibly Teflon. The quality of the power cables is also greatly influenced by the type of plug that is connected to them. The type of plug you use is regulated by the CEE 7 electrical connection standard.

These types of plugs are classified internationally as type C, E and F. Which of these you choose is very subjective. Remember that the range of power cords is quite wide, so it is not always easy to choose the right one. But when in doubt, always check which cable is the right one for your device, and preferably not the cheapest one.

What else to look for when buying an AC cable?

Preferably choose an AC power cable that is earthed, as this will definitely provide more security for the connected devices. If possible, buy a power cable with a lightweight PVC sheath, because in this case the sheathing makes the cable itself more difficult to break than in versions with an ordinary sheath.

In addition, the thickness of the power cable is also important, for example, you can choose an AC cable with a diameter of 0.5 mm2 and 0.75 mm2, or 1.0 mm2 or 1.5 mm2. This varies mainly depending on the power of the electrical appliances. But, what else can determine which AC power cord to take home is the colour of the appliance. If the appliance is light, go for a white one, if dark, go for a black power cord.

Finally, the length of the cord should be determined by how far the equipment is from the outlet. If you choose an AC cable that is too long or too short, it will be uncomfortable to use.

What type of plugs does the AC cable have?

Ac power cables manufactured and sold in the European Union must be VDE certified. The standard requires a Schuko CEE 7/7 plug socket with a current rating of 16 amps and a voltage rating of 230 volts. The other end of the power cable has a 2-pole or 3-pole connector.

Is there any special marking or certification on the power cord that indicates safety or quality?

European standard AC cables must comply with VDE specifications. VDE stands for Verband der Elektrotechnik, a research institute with 36,000 members, including 1,300 companies and one of Europe's largest technical and scientific institutes. VDE's headquarters are in Frankfurt am Main. As a neutral and independent organisation, VDE is best known for creating and maintaining standards in the field of electrical safety.

The research institute tests and certifies electrical products according to VDE standards, European EN or IEC International Electrotechnical Commission specifications. In many countries, the VDE mark is even more important than the national standard, and dealers in particular are keen to ensure that the VDE mark is on the product to guarantee its safe use.

When buying a power cable, make sure that it is the right length and well insulated. AC cables can be connected to computers, monitors, consumer electronics, household appliances or even refrigerator boxes. Depending on their voltage and their connectors, of course. Take a look at our range of AC cables in our online shop!