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Power cord failures often occur where the flexible cable enters the plug or connector. The outside of the cord may still look intact, while repeated bending and pulling have already damaged the conductors or terminations inside. A properly designed strain relief helps reduce this stress by controlling how the cable bends at the connector entry. […]

When you strip back the jacket on a power cord or inspect a wiring harness, wire color is one of the quickest ways to identify each conductor. Depending on the application and standard, the insulation color can indicate line, neutral, ground, or other circuit functions. For technicians and installers, those colors make wiring easier to

Every harness we ship from LANZ leaves the factory tested. Good crimps and clean solder joints do not protect your equipment from the operator who grabs the wrong plug and forces it into the wrong socket. Mismating is one of the most common field failures in industrial equipment, and it rarely shows up in the

Switch life cannot be determined by cycle count alone. A switch used occasionally in a control panel may operate reliably for many years, while the same switch in frequently cycled equipment can reach its electrical life much sooner. Electrical life refers to the number of operating cycles a switch is designed to complete under specified

At LANZ, we regularly hear the same question from customers developing a new cable assembly: does this cable need shielding? For wire harnesses and custom cable assemblies, the answer depends on the electrical environment, signal type, cable length, and applicable EMC requirements. Shielding can help control electromagnetic interference, but it also adds material, complexity, and

When specifying a power cord, current rating and connector type are usually the first considerations. Temperature rating is just as important, particularly for equipment that operates near heat sources or in elevated ambient temperatures. Every power cord and cable has defined temperature limits based on its materials, construction, and applicable standards. Using a cord outside

Customers often ask whether their application requires a polarized plug or whether a standard plug configuration will work. The answer depends on the equipment design, electrical requirements, and applicable safety standards. At LANZ, we manufacture AC plug connectors, IEC power cords, custom cable assemblies, relay sockets, and wire harnesses for a range of applications. Plug

The point where a flexible cable enters a rigid connector is one of the areas most vulnerable to wear. Repeated bending and pulling can put stress on the conductors and terminations, while moisture, dust, and other contaminants may enter around the cable entry. Over time, these conditions can shorten the service life of the assembly.

Crimp connections hold wire harnesses together in everything from industrial control cabinets packed with terminal blocks to household appliances. They are also the least inspected part of most assemblies. A terminal that looks fine to the naked eye can hide a loose wire barrel or strands damaged during crimping, and that joint may heat up

Compare copper and aluminum conductors for power cords and cables. See ampacity, weight, termination, corrosion, and when each material fits OEM designs.

Learn what AWG numbers mean, why a lower AWG is a thicker wire, and how to choose the right gauge for current, length, and power cord connectors.

Learn the difference between UL Listed and UL Recognized for power cords, how to verify file numbers, and what buyers should check before ordering.