Choose Your Plug
The plug connects your cord to the wall socket. It is determined by the destination country, which also sets the voltage, frequency and required safety certification. Choosing the country first automatically narrows down every other option.
1.1 Select the Target Country or Region
Each major market uses a different plug standard at a different mains voltage. The table below summarizes the most common markets:
| Market | Plug Standard | Plug Type | Voltage & Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA, Canada, Mexico | NEMA | 5-15P, 5-20P, 6-15P, locking L-series | 120V, 60Hz (208/240V high-power) |
| Continental Europe | CEE 7 | 7/7 Schuko (E/F), 7/16 Europlug (C) | 230V, 50Hz |
| UK, Ireland | BS 1363 | Type G (fused) | 230V, 50Hz |
| Singapore | SS 145 / SS 472 | Type G (fused) | 230V, 50Hz |
| Malaysia | MS 1578 | Type G (fused) | 230V, 50Hz |
| Hong Kong, China | BS 1363 | Type G (fused) | 220V, 50Hz |
| Saudi Arabia | SASO 2203 | Type G (fused) | 220V, 60Hz |
| Australia, New Zealand | AS/NZS 3112 | Type I | 230V, 50Hz |
| Japan | JIS / PSE | 2-pin or 3-pin Japanese plug | 100V, 50/60Hz |
| Korea | KS C 8305 | Korean 2-pin / 3-pin | 220V, 60Hz |
| China | GB 1002 / GB 2099 | Type A / Type I | 220V, 50Hz |
| Brazil | NBR 14136 | Type N | 127V/220V, 60Hz |
| Italy | CEI 23-50 | Type L (also Type C/F) | 230V, 50Hz |
| Switzerland | SEV 1011 | Type J | 230V, 50Hz |
| Denmark | DS 60884-2-D1 | Type K | 230V, 50Hz |
| Israel | SI 32 | Type H (also Type C) | 230V, 50Hz |
| Argentina | IRAM 2073 | Type I (reversed polarity) | 220V, 50Hz |
| Taiwan, China | CNS 10917 | Type A / Type B | 110V, 60Hz |
1.2 Confirm the Plug Type
Plug types are identified by letters (Type A through Type O). The full range of international plug types is shown below; each type is used in one or more markets:
1.3 Specify the Required Certification
Certification proves the complete cord set meets the safety standard of the target market. It applies to the plug, cable and connector together. Typical safety marks include VDE / TUV / CE / NF / FIMKO / KEMA / NEMKO / SEMKO UL / cUL / ETL BSI / ASTA / UKCA SAA / RCM PSE KC CCC IMQ IRAM / S-MARK SEV DEMKO INMETRO TISI SNI SASO / GCC SII PSB SABS BSMI EAC. Our cords also carry the following testing, environmental and quality compliance marks:
VDE
TUV
UL
ETL
ASTA
SAA
RCM
PSE
IMQ
IRAM
S-MARK
KC
TISI
SNI
KEMA
INMETRO
SEV
DEMKO
NEMKO
SEMKO
FIMKO
OVE
SASO
CEBEC
CSA
SII
NF
PSB
SABS
BSMI
GCC
CE
EAC1.4 Determine the Rated Current
Current is calculated as watts ÷ volts. For example, a 1,500W kettle on a 120V circuit draws 12.5A, while the same kettle on a 230V circuit draws about 6.5A. Common cord current ratings are 2.5A, 5A, 10A, 13A, 15A and 16A, with 30A and 50A for RV, dryer, welder and industrial applications. Always size the cord above the device's rated current.
1.5 Choose the Number of Cores
The number of cores depends on whether the device needs grounding and whether it is single-phase or three-phase:
- 2-core (live + neutral): double-insulated, ungrounded devices such as lamps, chargers and small electronics
- 3-core (live + neutral + earth): grounded appliances such as computers, monitors, kitchen appliances and power tools
- 4-core (3 phases + earth, or 3 phases + neutral): some three-phase equipment
- 5-core (3 phases + neutral + earth): full three-phase equipment such as cookers and industrial machinery
Choose Your Cable
The cable carries current between the plug and the device. You need to choose the jacket material, the conductor cross-section and confirm the number of cores.
2.1 Select the Jacket Material
| Material | Typical Designations | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | SPT, SVT, SJT, ST (USA); H03VV-F, H05VV-F (Europe) | Low cost, flexible, flame-retardant, indoor use | Home appliances, office equipment, general indoor use |
| Rubber | SJ/SO/SJOOW (USA); H05RN-F, H07RN-F (Europe) | High flexibility, abrasion and weather resistant, durable | Outdoor, industrial, construction, heavy-duty use |
| Braided textile | SVT (USA); H03RT-H (Europe) | Fabric braid over rubber, decorative premium look | Lamps, lighting, retro-style appliances |
| LSZH | H05Z1Z1-F, H05Z1Z1H2-F | Low smoke, zero halogen, non-toxic in fire | Public buildings, rail, transit, enclosed spaces |
PVC
Rubber
Braided (H03RT-H)
LSZH
2.2 Choose the Conductor Cross-Section (Gauge)
The conductor size must handle the rated current without overheating. Common sizes for flexible cords:
- 0.5 mm²: light-duty, low-current (lamps, small electronics)
- 0.75 mm² (≈18 AWG): up to 6A, standard for 3A/5A/10A cords
- 1.0 mm² (≈17 AWG): up to 10A
- 1.5 mm² (≈15 AWG): up to 15/16A, used for 13A high-power cords
- 2.5 mm² and above: 20A, 30A, 50A industrial and three-phase cords
For long cord runs, use the next size up to keep voltage drop within safe limits.
2.3 Confirm the Number of Cores
The core count chosen in Step 1 must match the cable: 2-core for ungrounded, 3-core for grounded, and 4 or 5-core for three-phase. Flat parallel cables (such as SPT or VCTFK) are common for 2-core lighting, while round cables are used for 3-core and multi-core applications.
Choose the Connector / Wire End
The wire end is the termination on the other end of the cord, the side that connects to your device. It can be left without a connector, fitted with an IEC or NEMA connector, a country-specific socket, an industrial coupler or a lamp holder. The full range is also covered in the dedicated Power Cord Wire End Options guide.
3.1 Ends Without a Connector: Stripped Ends & Crimp Terminals
For devices that wire directly into a terminal block or screw terminals, the cord can be supplied with no molded connector:
- Fully stripped: jacket and insulation removed, ready for termination
- Semi-stripped: jacket removed with conductor insulation left intact
- Stripped and tinned: conductors dipped in solder to prevent fraying
- Ring (O-type) terminals: crimped ring lugs that cannot slip off a screw
- Fork / spade (U-type) terminals: crimped fork lugs for quick screw connections
- Strain relief: reinforced flexible boot at the plug or connector exit that protects the cable from bending, pulling and vibration damage, extending service life
Fully Stripped
ROJ Semi-strip
Stripped & Tinned
Ring (O) Terminals
Fork (U) Terminals
Strain Relief
Terminals/Sleeve
Connector
ROJ
Terminals
ROJ
ROJ
3.2 IEC 60320 Connectors
IEC 60320 is the most widely used international appliance connector family. Odd numbers (C1, C5, C7, C13, C15, C19) are the free connectors fitted to the cord; even numbers (C2, C6, C8, C14, C16, C20) are the matching appliance inlets. The diagram below links to each connector type: (All IEC 60320 Connector list)
IEC C1
IEC C5
IEC C7
IEC C9
IEC C13
IEC C14
IEC C15
IEC C17
IEC C18
IEC C19
IEC C20
IEC C21
IEC C223.3 Country-Specific Sockets & IEC 60309 Industrial Couplers
The cord can also terminate in a complete socket outlet so it works as an extension lead, or in an IEC 60309 industrial coupler for high-current three-phase equipment:
- Country sockets: Schuko (CEE 7/3), BS 1363, AS/NZS 3112 and other national outlets
- IEC 60309 (CEEform) couplers: 16A, 32A, 63A and 125A in 3-pin, 4-pin and 5-pin configurations, color-coded by voltage
3.4 NEMA Female Receptacles
For North American extension and adapter cords, the other end can be a NEMA female receptacle, including straight-blade and twist-locking types:
- Straight blade: 1-15R, 5-15R, 5-20R, 6-15R, 6-20R, 10-30R, 10-50R, 14-30R, 14-50R
- Twist locking: L5-30R, L14-30R, L6-30R and other L-series locking receptacles
3.5 Lamp Holders (Lamp Sockets)
For lighting products, the cord can terminate in a screw lamp holder matched to the bulb base:
- E12, E14: small candle and night-light bases
- E26, E27: standard bulb bases (E26 USA, E27 most other markets)
- E40: large high-wattage bases
Lamp Cord Holder Socket
Choose the Length
Cords are made to order, not held in stock. The length can be any length you require.
How We Measure Your Cord
(a) With a connector on the other end
(b) With an open (stripped) end
Please tell us which measurement your quoted length refers to. If unspecified, we confirm both figures on your order drawing before production.
For reference, common requested lengths for appliance cords are 1m, 1.5m, 1.8m, 2m and 3m, while extension cords and cable reels commonly range from 5 m to 50 m. These are reference points, not limitations.
Keep two points in mind: longer cords increase voltage drop, so step up the conductor gauge for runs over 5m; and excess cable should never be coiled tightly while carrying high current, as heat can build up.
Choose the Jacket Color
Black, white and gray are our standard jacket colors and can be produced without additional setup. Any other color can be customized to match your product or brand: provide a reference from the Pantone® (PMS) color guide or the RAL color standard, and we will compound the jacket material to match.
Standard and custom jacket colors, compounded to order
Pantone® / RAL color matching reference
Custom colors may require a small extrusion setup quantity; our sales team will confirm the minimum quantity for your chosen color.
Add Optional Accessories
Accessories add control, safety or convenience to your cord. They can be fitted at any position along the cable.
303 On/Off Switch on-line
304 On/Off Switch on-line
Foot On/Off Switch on-line
Rotary Switch on-line
Dimmer Switch on-line
PG Waterproof Strain Relief
Metal Fasten/Bolt
Plastic bag packaging
Coiled Power Cable
Cable Ties
Paper Card Packaging
Single Packaging
In-Line Switches & Dimmers
- 303 on/off switch: compact inline toggle switch for lamps and small appliances
- 304 on/off switch: slightly larger inline switch rated for higher current
- Foot switch: hands-free on/off control, ideal for floor lamps and work lights
- Rotary switch: turn-to-select inline switch for simple, reliable control
- Dimmer switch: adjustable brightness control for dimmable bulbs and lighting
Strain Relief & Fastening
- PG waterproof strain relief: threaded IP-rated cable gland that seals the cable exit and resists moisture
- Metal fasten/bolt: mounting brackets and bolts for fixing the cord or holder in place
Cable Accessories
- Coiled power cable: retractable spiral cord that springs back, ideal for moving or adjustable equipment
- Cable ties: reusable hook-and-loop or nylon zip ties for neat cable management
Packaging Options
- Plastic bag packaging: simple poly bag for bulk or wholesale orders
- Paper card packaging: retail-ready printed card with hang hole for store display
- Single packaging: individual box or blister pack per cord, ready for end users
Final Order Checklist
Before requesting a quote, confirm you have specified the following:
The steps above are provided as a customization reference only; the specifications confirmed in your actual order and order drawing shall prevail.
Ready to Build Your Custom Power Cord?
Send us your requirements using the checklist above, or a photo and the power rating of your device, and our engineers will confirm the specification and provide a quote within 24 hours.