InfoPower

From being used on a vacuum cleaner to being used on a life-support machine, the purpose of a switch is to open and close a circuit. A switch is used when incoming power in an electrical product design needs to be controlled. Opening a circuit (turning a device OFF) is achieved by breaking the connection. This interrupts the current flow. Closing the circuit (turning a device ON) allows the current to flow again.

A strain relief or cable gland extends cord life and reinforces the cord connection to the equipment. The main purpose is to help protect the electrical connection and circuitry inside the equipment. The most common application is on a power cord providing electricity to equipment. In many situations, the equipment is portable and requires protection so the cable cannot be pulled out of the equipment.

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When designing electrical products, one way to simplify the power entry element is by incorporating a module, which combines power entry functions into a single unit. Even though these functions are available as individual components, the benefits of a module include user safety, reduced individual component inventory, decreased assembly labor, and saved panel space.

A socket strip distributes electrical power through multiple sockets. It can be used to provide multiple sources of power (sockets) in an application with limited socket access. A socket strip can assist in meeting a need when only a single power source is available, but there are multiple pieces of equipment needing that power source.