power cord standards

Challenges and Solutions to Serving the Electronic Needs of a Global Marketplace

Rapid Growth of Electronics Consumerism

There are now more electrical devices and electronics being used throughout the world than most people could have possibly imagined just a decade ago. There are countless types of devices, and beyond that, millions of users in virtually every part of the world. People who only recently gained access to telephones now own smart phones and laptops.

No Global Standard

This is a good thing for both consumers and electronics manufacturers—but it also presents a challenge. Each one of these devices requires a power cord, and every country has its own specific voltage frequencies, standards, plug patters, etc. There is no one uniform standard throughout the world, which can be quite overwhelming for the average OEM, especially in trying to stay competitive and serve the needs of a growing global market.

Did you know, for instance, that while North America, Central America and parts of South America operate at frequencies different from the rest of the world, there are various subsets of regions with even more varying frequencies?

Did you also know that there are over a dozen different plug patterns, widely varying safety standards, and many regional certification and approval bodies?

With such a tremendous array of specifications and requirements, manufacturers often get confused and overwhelmed; you can’t be expected to know all of these varying factors.

A New Central Document

With this in mind, Consolidated Electronic Wire & Cable has taken our extensive knowledge and expertise—and our 100 years of business—and created an informative, easy-to-read eBook entitled Power Cord Standards Across the Globe.

In this eBook, you’ll find an array of information, including:

• A chart of plug and cord standards for every country
• A visual guide to plug patterns for every region/country
• Explanations of the certification mark organizations, varying by country/region
• A detailed list of the regional and international regulating bodies

Additionally, you’ll learn why working with a supplier of standard and custom power and retractile cords, with expertise in the specifications of every country, will greatly ease the challenges that come from serving a global market.

We’re pleased to offer this highly useful eBook, free to our customers; simply click here to download your free copy today.