Power cables come in a wide variety of types and specifications, depending on the application and the country. There are two primary standards for power cables in the US: one is NEMA or National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and the IEC or International Electrotechnical Commission. Within this article, you will come to know about their classifications, individual advantages and how NEMA and IEC plug adapters are different from each other.

Benefits of NEMA Power Plug Adapters

There are many advantages of NEMA power adapters are not only made from top-grade materials but also possess other advantages as well. Let’s find out about them:

• Easy Usability 

These adapters are designed in such a way that they can be used very easily. Clear labelling and standardised designs make it suitable for quickly setting up your power connections without any problem.

• Versatility and Compatibility

These adapters can be used for a wide range of devices and equipment.

NEMA Classifications

NEMA connectors are available in two varieties, locking and straight-blade. Consumer gadgets often have straight blades; conductive metal blades typically have "prongs" such as a 3-prong power connector. Based on various classifications, NEMA connections are further separated into a large number of subtypes. 

For instance, NEMA connections that are straight-blade or non-locking come in 25 distinct variants, including NEMA 1, NEMA 2, NEMA 3, and others. NEMA connectors come in 24 various varieties, including ML, NEMA L1, NEMA L2, and others.

So far, you have come to know about the NEMA plug adapters, now you will come to know about the IEC power adapters. Let’s find out about them. 

The IEC Power Cords

The International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation. It develops and publishes global standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. This organisation has produced familiar units of measurement since 1906, gauss and Hertz are among them.

It now partners with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Organization for Standardization or ISO to help draft global standards for more than 40 subcategories of electrical components.

The Benefits of Using an IEC Power Adapters

In brief, the IEC power plug adapters are small in size, are quite affordable, and are capable of dealing with overloads promptly.

IEC Classifications

Below, you will learn about the various classifications of IEC power cables. This information will help you greatly while you make a purchase. Have a look.

• C5/C6

The C5/C6 is three interlinked circular holes. These connectors are known as “Mickey Mouse” connectors because they resemble the iconic Mickey Mouse logo. These are the most popular types of laptop power supply adapters.

• C7/C8

The figure-eight–shaped C7/C8 are commonly seen with DVD players, laptop power cords, and vintage TV sets. Usually, these are used with NEMA connectors. C7/C8 comes in two versions – one is the polarised version and the other is the non-polarised version. The non-polarized version is round on either side. The polarised variant sports a flat side rather than a round one.

• C13/C14

The C13/C14, also known as the Universal Power Cord, finds its application in desktop computers and in televisions. In some small devices, C13/C14 is also used, for instance in those obsolete laptop power supplies. Yet, most of these devices employ C5/C6. Other varieties are the C15/C16 and the C19/C20.

NEMA vs IEC- The Differences in Brief

The only difference between IEC and NEMA is that IEC involves saving money and space, while NEMA allows for a 25% service saving. Before making your decision, it's important to note that NEMA and IEC have some major differences. let’s find out about them:

• IEC-rated equipment is less expensive than NEMA-rated equipment.
• NEMA ratings are more flexible and designed to operate in a variety of environments.
• NEMA provides services only to large devices for North American markets.
• IEC ratings are for all the smaller devices sold internationally. For NEMA devices, safety covers are required, while in IEC devices, there is no need for the same.

How to Choose the Correct NEMA & IEC Power Cord Type 

Selecting a power adapter that will provide excellent performance in terms of speed and longevity is crucial. You can make the best decision by following these tips:

• Choose the Appropriate Adapter Size

Keep in mind that just because two plug patterns look alike, it doesn't necessarily guarantee that they are suitable adapters for all kinds of devices. An adapter made for a North American cable, for instance, will not be suitable in Europe. 

• Consider the Voltage Factor Seriously
  North American plugs are rated between 100 and 127 and 200 and 240 volts. Even within the same nation, the adapter layout is different for the higher or lower amperages. For instance, a 125-volt power wire cannot be inserted into a 220-volt outlet, chances are that your appliances will be destroyed. 

• Verify the Power Adapter's Power Rating
  Checking the power rating is another vital requirement that you must look into. North America's rating differs from other nations' ratings and so on, so better to keep a vigil on this. 

• Select The Plug Type If a Cord Set Is Used
  The plug's prong count ranges from two to five and is available in specific shapes like rectangle, circular, oval, or straight-bladed shapes. It is not hard to distinguish between these varieties. If you are aware of the voltage and current rating, making the right choice won’t be a problem. 

Conclusion

Think about your needs, area of expertise, and financial constraints when choosing between IEC and NEMA. If you want long-lasting, basic components to choose from, the NEMA plug adapter is a smart choice. However, IEC components are the best option if your needs are exact. Most importantly, however, it will be simpler for anyone in the US or copyright to locate NEMA goods. Each category may occasionally have a unique set of benefits. IEC, for instance, is smaller and less expensive, but it has certain working criteria. When it comes to equipment and appliances that need to carry big loads, NEMA devices are the best choice.