The Power Cord & Cordset Reference is an independent, vendor-neutral technical resource. It exists to explain the standards behind everyday power cords — the NEMA and IEC connector families, flexible cord constructions, strain reliefs and wire harnesses — in plain language, without selling anything. We are not affiliated with any manufacturer, distributor or brand, and nothing here is a commercial offer.
What You'll Find Here
Each page tackles one connector family or component and explains what it is, how it is rated, and where it is used. If you are specifying a cordset, troubleshooting a failure, or simply trying to decode the markings on a cord, start with the home page and follow the links to the topic you need — from the standard grounded plug to IEC 60320 couplers and cord-type codes.
How to Use This Reference
If you are trying to match a cord to a device, start by identifying the plug pattern and the appliance-end connector, then confirm the cord gauge and conductor count are rated for the load. If you are decoding a marking printed on a jacket, the cord types and gauge page breaks the letter codes down piece by piece. If a cord has failed, the strain reliefs page explains the most common failure point. Each topic is self-contained, so you can jump straight to what you need without reading the whole site.
A Note on Scope
This reference focuses on North American and internationally standardized cords and connectors. It explains what parts are and how they are rated — it does not sell, quote, or source hardware, and it is not a substitute for the official published standards it describes.
Accuracy and Corrections
Standards evolve, and details matter in electrical work. If you spot an error or have a suggestion for a topic we should cover, we welcome the feedback. Use the form below to send a note. Please treat everything here as general educational information — for a specific installation, always consult the current published standards and a qualified professional.
This form is provided for reader feedback and does not transmit to any commercial entity.