Find the power cord, charger or battery backup your equipment needs
A monitor missing its power cord and a router that needs to stay on through a short outage present different shopping lists. For the monitor, you need a cord or power supply that matches its inlet and electrical requirements. For the router, you need to know what else must keep running and for how long. Start with the equipment label and the job you want it to do. A picture of the connector and a readable picture of the rating label are useful together.
How do I replace a computer or monitor cord?
Identify the wall plug, the connector at the equipment and the ratings required by the manufacturer. A North American computer cord such as 10W1-01201 is listed with a NEMA 5-15P wall plug, a C13 equipment connector and a 10-amp rating. A monitor that uses an external power brick has a different arrangement. Replacing the detachable AC cord on a brick and replacing the brick's DC output are two separate jobs. For the latter, consult the exact model's approved supply specifications, including voltage, current capacity, connector and polarity where applicable. A connector that slides into the socket establishes only the mechanical fit.
How much reach do the cords really need?
Measure from the outlet or power distribution unit to the equipment following the intended path. In a rack, include the distance to the outlet bank on the opposite side and check whether the lead blocks removal of the neighboring device. Outside, choose a cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the connected load and conditions, following equipment instructions. The catalog includes outdoor SJTW extensions and short indoor computer cords for very different routes. A Y cord can provide two matching ends in a tight cabinet. The connected loads still share the supply and the limits of the complete assembly.
Do I need surge protection or battery backup?
Decide what you want to happen when power disappears halfway through a call. A surge protector addresses voltage spikes. A UPS with battery-backed outlets can also run designated equipment for a limited time. List the modem or optical terminal, router, switch and any other device needed for the call. Leaving one required device on an unprotected outlet can break the path even while the router stays lit. Backup at your premises also depends on the provider's network remaining available. For a desktop, the goal might instead be enough time to save work and shut down.
How do I compare two UPS models?
Add up the supported load and compare both the watt and volt-amp limits for the specific UPS. Look up its runtime curve at your expected load. A 2,000 VA nameplate gives no single runtime in minutes. Check which outlets have battery support, what plug the unit requires and how replacement batteries are identified. In a clinical setting, follow the facility's approved equipment policy even if a cord is labeled hospital grade. For a quote, provide the device model, the two connector ends, the electrical ratings and, for a UPS, the runtime you want to achieve.
Compare parts for your setup
Computer / Monitor Power Cord, Black, NEMA 5-15P to C13, 18AWG, 10 Amp, 1 foot
10W1-01201
- Connector references
- NEMA 5-15P · C13
- Current rating
- 10 Amp
- Wire gauge
- 18AWG
- Length
- 1 ft
Trace the 1 ft route from the actual supply outlet to the equipment inlet, allowing room behind the chassis.
Match the connector markings (NEMA 5-15P · C13) and electrical ratings at both ends before ordering.
2 Port USB Wall Travel Charger, 2 USB A Charging Ports, 3.1 Amps total, White
90W1-30320WH
- Connector references
- USB A
- Current rating
- 3.1 Amps
- Port count
- 2 Port
4 Pin Molex Extension Cable, 5.25 inch Male to 5.25 inch Female, 12 inch
11W3-04212
- Configuration
- 4 Pin
- Dimensions in listing
- 5.25 inch
- Length
- 12 in
Identify the function, connector keying, available clearance and, for power splitters, the supply’s load limit. Measure the installed route against this 12 in length.
