What Is an AC Cable?
AC cables are cables used to supply AC power.
Generally, cables are not distinguished according to whether the power source is AC or DC. However, the cables of AC adapters that convert commercial power sources to DC power sources may be referred to as AC cables on the AC side because the cable type and connectors differ depending on the power source.
In addition to AC cables, they are sometimes referred to as AC cords or power cords.
Uses of AC Cables
AC cables are mainly used to supply AC power to AC adapters.
The following are examples of uses for AC cables:
- For supplying power to PCs and displays
- For supplying power to home-use game machines
- For supplying power to power tools
- For supplying power to servers and switching hubs
AC cables are most commonly used for OA equipment. However, they may also be used for household games and power tools.
Principle of AC Cables
AC cables, like other cables, consist of a core wire, insulation coating, and connector plug.
1. Core Wire
The core wire is the metal part that serves as the pathway for electricity. The material used is copper, which has high electrical conductivity. It is generally made up of multiple thin strands of twisted wires.
2. Insulation Coating
The insulation sheath is the insulating portion that insulates the cable core wire. Synthetic resins such as nylon and vinyl are used. The type of insulation sheath determines the performance of the cable, such as heat resistance and weather resistance.
3. Connector Plug
Connector plugs are used to connect OA equipment and power supplies.
How to Select AC Cables
Points to consider when selecting AC cables include allowable current, plug shape, and cable length.
1. Allowable Current
Allowable current is generally selected in accordance with the capacity of the AC adapter. The allowable current of general outlet cables is 15A, but AC cables with allowable current of 7A or 12A are also available.
2. Plug Shape
The plug shape should be selected according to the connected device and the power outlet. Since the type of power supply and plug shape often differ from those in Japan, use a dedicated conversion adapter.
3. Cable Length
Select an appropriate cable length according to the situation in which it will be used. For laptops, etc., select short AC cables, as long cables can be cumbersome to handle. Longer cables are best for applications where you want to keep electronic devices away from electrical outlets.
Other Information on AC Cables
1. Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials
Specified electrical appliances and materials include cables and extension cables, and most AC cables are also specified electrical appliances and materials. Most AC cables are designated as specified electrical appliances and materials, mainly those that may cause harm to people, such as those that directly conduct electric current.
2. Electrical Appliances Other Than Specified Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances other than specified electrical appliances and materials include remote control relays and flexible conduits, which are electrical appliances that pose little risk of harm to humans. Electrical appliances and materials marked with PSE in a circle are certified as “Electrical appliances and materials other than specified electrical appliances and materials”.
3. AC Cables and AC Adapters
The AC adapter to which the AC cables are connected converts AC power supplied from a household outlet into DC power. They are classified into two types according to their internal structure: “transformer type” and “switching type.”
In general, the switching type tends to have higher conversion efficiency and generates less heat, and most AC adapters for PCs are of the switching type. However, the switching type has the disadvantage of having more components and a shorter service life than the transformer type.
Transformer-type AC adapters are designed to rectify and rectify AC power that has been stepped down by a direct transformer to direct current. Since a transformer is built in, heat is constantly generated, and the structure is simple and robust, although the conversion efficiency is not good.
Some electrical products are made on the assumption that they are powered by either transformer-type or switching-type power supplies, and the use of an AC adapter of the wrong type may lead to malfunctions.