How to identify orphaned power cords?
But what I am confounded by is several totally generic type cords - with a specifically shaped female pin end and standard oriented plug end(one prong larger than the other). There are numbers imprinted on both ends as well as printed in white ink along the wire. Lots of numbers. I attempted a google search but the results were equally random. "AC power cord for some electronic device."


Wikipedia has a list and pictures of the IEC 60320 cable connector standard. They are generic for a reason. They are easier to use and replace than molded fixed cables. And they can come with different wall plugs, allowing a manufacturer to use the same connection on the device, but ship with a American plug, or European plug, or japanese wall plug. They are cheaper to buy in bulk than having custom ones made.

Because of this, it's also common to find different devices using the same connector. You can commonly find computer power supply cables used for monitors or tvs as well. You will find the figure 8 cable (C7) used on playstations and dreamcasts and radios. Dell uses the Mickey Mouse cable (C5) on many of it's laptop power supplies.



As for the writing on the cable, that's often the rating for the cable itself. Type, Make, Manufacturer, Size, Temperature Ratings, etc. They are repeated every few feet. This is because the cable is made by one manufacturer, and the connectors are added on by another. The cable itself comes in huge reels, and is cut as needed.