Power Cables Technical Guide

1. Introduction

This guide provides a technical overview of common mains plugs and IEC connectors used worldwide. It covers safety standards, wiring, fusing, and application guidance to support professional users when selecting compatible and compliant power leads for IT, AV, and electrical equipment.

2. Mains Plug Types

3. IEC Connector Types

5. Fusing and Protection

• UK plugs must contain a BS1362 cartridge fuse (3A, 5A, or 13A).

• Other regions rely on circuit breakers or equipment fuses.

• Use slow-blow fuses for inductive loads (motors, transformers).

• Ensure cable rating ≥ fuse rating.

6. Safety & Compliance

• Use cables marked with H05VV-F, H05RR-F, or SJT as per region.

• Look for certification marks: BSI Kitemark, VDE, UL, CSA, CCC, SABS, or CE.

• Inspect connectors for strain relief and moulded terminations.

• Avoid coiling leads under load – may cause overheating.

• Replace damaged cords immediately; never repair by taping.

CE Markings & Usage

On commercial products, the letters CE mean that the manufacturer or importer affirms the goods’ conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. It is not a quality indicator or a certification mark.

The UKCA marking is the product marking used for products being placed on the market in Great Britain after Brexit (England, Scotland and Wales). The UKCA marking applies to most products for which the CE marking could be used.

The CE / UKCA mark must definitely not be used on a rewireable mains plug, or domestic socket outlet.  By continuation, the CE mark should not be on the plug of a moulded mains lead either.  CE clearly states that it applies to products, not components.  Therefore, a mains cable hard wired into a piece of equipment does not require CE marking, and whether a CE declaration of conformity is required depends upon the larger piece of equipment.

The same applies if a detachable power cord is supplied with the equipment: the RoHS guidance document states “External cables that form part of another EEE because they are sold together or marketed/shipped for use with an EEE, e.g. power cords, must meet the material restrictions but do not need an individual CE marking and Declaration of Conformity if they are covered by the DoC for the EEE and the EEE is CE marked.”   EEE is electrical and electronic equipment.

The only environment where CE marking is required is if supplying a power cable as a piece of electrical equipment on its own, e.g. retail packed in a supermarket.  For this reason, a double-ended power cable, e.g. mains plug to IEC C13 connector may have a CE mark on the non-plug end.  The CE mark may also be put on the product label, bag, or carton.

 *FDL is a trade supplier of network and cabling products to the IT industry. All power products are bulk packed and intended for supply with IT equipment and are, therefore considered component parts, for which CE or UKCA markings do not apply.

Fairline Distribution Ltd do not supply power leads or adaptors to be resold as a retail product and therefore they do not have CE or UKCA markings on the product. However, where possible such markings are put on the labels and packaging, so that the product may be sold on as an individual “part”.

Customers who are reselling or retailing any power lead, adaptor or component as a stand-alone product, i.e. not with a piece of CE marked equipment and feel that they require the product to carry the CE and / or UKCA markings on the label or packaging should advise our sales staff at time of purchase, so that they can ensure that the products supplied carry such markings.*

7. Quick Reference – Typical Applications

8. Fire & Installation Safety

• Avoid exceeding rated current or cable temperature.

• Maintain ventilation around power strips and racks.

• Use flame-retardant cable (IEC 60332-1 compliant) in commercial or data-centre settings.

• For outdoor/industrial use, choose IP44 / IP67 connectors with gaskets.

Sourcing Your Power Solutions

Fairline has all power products to suit your every need 

We supply global variants of every connection, whether your powering PDUs in a South African Data Centre, or running UPS units in your store in the UK. Browse our Power product categories below, or call or email for trusted advice, quotations and any support you may require.
Call – 01622 716688 / Email – [email protected]