InfoPower

The main purpose of a “strain relief” or “cable gland” is to provide protection to a power cord. They help extend cord life and add stability to the equipment. In generic terms, it is used to secure a power supply cord to a piece of electrical equipment. The term strain relief is commonly used in North America, while cable gland is the preferred term in Europe and other continents.

For those manufacturers who are unfamiliar with North American NFPA 79 requirements, simply finding out they need to meet these requirements for a product they are building or preparing to install can cause a considerable state of confusion. This is especially true for foreign manufacturers importing products into North America and for manufacturers venturing into this product field for the first time or who are installing new equipment from abroad.

Dirt, dust, water—all “adversaries” of electrical products due to the potential damage they can cause. To help protect products from these elements, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have created classification systems designating different degrees of protection, depending on the application, for enclosures of electrical equipment.

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.

Safety needs to be a priority when using a power cord or cord set. Cords that are broken or damaged in some way can become a fire hazard or cause an electrical shock.