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Power cords are among the most overlooked components of surge protectors, power strips, relocatable power taps, and uninterruptible power supplies. While marketing materials frequently emphasize surge ratings, outlet counts, and protection features, the power cord itself often provides valuable information regarding manufacturing practices, construction quality, safety certifications, and component sourcing.
Power cords are among the most overlooked components of surge protectors, power strips, relocatable power taps, and uninterruptible power supplies. While marketing materials frequently emphasize surge ratings, outlet counts, and protection features, the power cord itself often provides valuable information regarding manufacturing practices, construction quality, safety certifications, and component sourcing.


The OldSurge Archive documents cord type, conductor size, manufacturer markings, approval identifiers, and related construction details whenever possible. Comparing cords across multiple products can reveal long-term trends in the power-protection industry, including changing wire gauges, common third-party cord suppliers, manufacturing locations, and evolving product designs.
The OldSurge Archive documents cord type, conductor size, manufacturer markings, approval identifiers, and related construction details whenever possible. Comparing cords across multiple products can reveal long-term trends in the power-protection industry, including changing supplier relationships, manufacturing locations, certification practices, and product designs.


Early observations suggest that 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies remained common across a wide range of surge protectors and relocatable power taps from the late 1980s through at least 2009. Examples documented by the OldSurge Archive include products manufactured by Tripp Lite, APC, PowerSentry, ACE, and Universal. Multiple third-party cord suppliers have been identified, including Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, I-SHENG, Kingtec, CWCO, QIAOPU, and Rhythm.
All corded products presently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilize 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies. The documented examples span multiple decades, manufacturers, product categories, and countries of manufacture, suggesting that 14 AWG SJT cordage became a widely adopted standard throughout the power-protection and power-distribution industries represented within the archive.


Documented 16 AWG SJT examples presently appear primarily among lighter consumer-oriented surge protectors, including the Universal 71632 and Universal 71641. In contrast, many larger surge protectors, relocatable power taps, and business-oriented products documented by the archive utilize 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies.
Manufacturers identified through cord markings include Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Baohing, CWCO, Hi-Pro, HRSA, Chung Kwang, Rhythm, QIAOPU, I-SHENG, and Kingtec. An additional APC PRO7 example manufactured in 1999 bears the marking "N.S.", which may identify the cord manufacturer but has not yet been positively identified.
 
All corded products presently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilize 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies. This consistency spans multiple decades of production, numerous manufacturers, and several product categories including surge protectors, relocatable power taps, and power-distribution equipment.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
Line 52: Line 54:


* Apollo
* Apollo
** COXOC CO-001S (1990s)
** Universal 71641 (2004)
** Universal 71641 (2004)
** Staples 33895-US (2011)
** Staples 33895-US (2011)
Line 63: Line 66:
* Hi-Pro
* Hi-Pro
** APC PRO7 (2002)
** APC PRO7 (2002)
* HRSA
** APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T (1998)


* Chung Kwang
* Chung Kwang
Line 68: Line 74:


* I-SHENG
* I-SHENG
** APC PRO7 (2015)
** APC PRO7 (2017)
** APC PRO7 (2017)


Line 100: Line 107:
|-
|-
| Apollo
| Apollo
| 2004
| 1990s
| 2011
| 2011
| Universal, Staples
| COXOC, Universal, Staples
|-
|-
| Baohing
| Baohing
Line 113: Line 120:
| 2002
| 2002
| APC
| APC
|-
| HRSA
| 1998
| 1998
| APC
|-
| N.S. (Unidentified)
| 1999
| 1999
| APC PRO7
|-
|-
| Chung Kwang
| Chung Kwang
Line 120: Line 137:
|-
|-
| I-SHENG
| I-SHENG
| 2017
| 2015
| 2017
| 2017
| APC
| APC
Line 146: Line 163:




== Conductor Gauge Comparison ==
== Conductor Size and Construction ==


North American power cords commonly specify conductor size using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. In the AWG system, lower numbers indicate larger conductors. For example, 14 AWG conductors are larger and capable of carrying more current with less voltage drop than 16 AWG conductors.
North American power cords commonly specify conductor size using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. In the AWG system, lower numbers indicate larger conductors. For example, 14 AWG conductors are larger and capable of carrying more current with less voltage drop than 16 AWG conductors.


Among products documented by the OldSurge Archive, 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies are commonly associated with heavier-duty surge protectors, business-oriented products, and relocatable power taps. In contrast, documented 16 AWG examples are generally found on lighter consumer-oriented surge protectors.
Every corded product currently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilizes three-conductor 14 AWG SJT cordage. This consistency spans multiple decades of production, numerous manufacturers, several countries of manufacture, and a wide range of product types including surge protectors, relocatable power taps, and office power-distribution equipment.
 
=== 14 AWG Examples ===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Product
! Year
! Cord Manufacturer
! Cord Type
! Conductors
! Wire Size
|-
| [[S.L. Waber 952M]]
| Unknown
| Probable Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6]]
| ≤ Nov 1989
| Unknown
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Gemini Surge Model VG307]]
| 1990s
| Rhythm
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z94030204087)]]
| 1994
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z96030204796)]]
| 1996
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z98010201706)]]
| 1998
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Universal 71632]]
| 1998
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Universal 71637]]
| 1998
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z99080215662)]]
| 1999
| Unknown (N.S.)
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (2Z0250P17876)]]
| 2002
| Hi-Pro
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[PowerSentry 626]]
| 2002
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06]]
| 2003
| Unknown (Belkin-branded)
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Yun YY-6CS]]
| 2006
| QIAOPU
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (4Z0638P12907)]]
| 2006
| Chung Kwang
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (4Z0842P07546)]]
| 2008
| Baohing
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[ACE 33543 Relocatable Power Tap]]
| 2009
| Unknown
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Staples 33895-US]]
| 2011
| Apollo
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (7Z1714L05335)]]
| 2017
| I-SHENG
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[CyberPower P704URC1]]
| 2020s
| Kingtec
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Amazon Basics 270103-B]]
| 2026
| Kingtec
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 Relocatable Power Tap]]
| Unknown
| CWCO
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|-
| [[Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector]]
| Unknown
| Bon-Eagle
| SJT
| 3
| 14 AWG
|}


=== 16 AWG Examples ===
Documented examples include products manufactured by APC, Tripp Lite, Universal, Belkin, PowerSentry, Staples, CyberPower, Amazon Basics, Radio Shack, Yun, Gemini, S.L. Waber, COXOC, and other manufacturers. Despite substantial differences in age, construction, outlet count, intended market, and feature set, all documented examples presently utilize 14 AWG SJT construction.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
The observed consistency suggests that 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies became a widely adopted standard for North American surge protectors and related power-distribution products during the period currently represented within the archive.
! Product
! Year
! Cord Manufacturer
! Cord Type
! Conductors
! Wire Size
|-
| [[Universal 71641 (Yellowed Example)]]
| 2004
| Apollo
| SJT
| 3
| 16 AWG
|-
| [[Universal 71641 (Lightly Yellowed Example)]]
| 2004
| Apollo
| SJT
| 3
| 16 AWG
|}


The documented examples currently show a clear distinction between 14 AWG and 16 AWG applications. Nearly all APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 specimens, commercial relocatable power taps, and heavier-duty surge protectors utilize 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies. Documented 16 AWG examples are presently limited to lighter consumer-oriented surge protectors.
No examples utilizing 16 AWG, 18 AWG, or other conductor sizes have been identified among the corded products currently documented by the OldSurge Archive.


== Certification File Numbers ==
== Certification File Numbers ==
Line 368: Line 199:
| E88231
| E88231
| LL54008
| LL54008
| -
| [[COXOC CO-001S]]
| E55351
| LL34977
|-
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z96030204796)]]
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z96030204796)]]
Line 376: Line 211:
| E135710
| E135710
| LL55737
| LL55737
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T (Z98010214399)]]
| E69167
| LL52902
|-
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (2Z0250P17876)]]
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (2Z0250P17876)]]
Line 428: Line 267:
| E176194
| E176194
| LL196777
| LL196777
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (7Z1550L09782)]]
| E88265-C
| LL81924
|-
|-
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (7Z1714L05335)]]
| [[APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (7Z1714L05335)]]
Line 451: Line 294:


== Archive Observations ==
== Archive Observations ==
Early observations suggest that heavier-duty surge protectors and relocatable power taps frequently utilized SJT 14/3 cord assemblies, while some lighter consumer-oriented surge protectors utilized SJT 16/3 construction. Documented 16 AWG examples presently include the Universal 71632 and Universal 71641.
All corded products presently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilize SJT 14/3 cord assemblies. The documented examples span multiple decades, manufacturers, product categories, and countries of manufacture, suggesting that 14 AWG SJT cordage was widely adopted throughout the power-protection and power-distribution industries represented within the archive.


Documented examples indicate that manufacturers frequently sourced cord assemblies from third-party suppliers rather than producing cords internally. Manufacturers identified through cord markings include Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Baohing, CWCO, Rhythm, I-SHENG, and Kingtec. A 2003 Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06 example bears BELKIN SURGEMASTER branding on the cord jacket but does not identify the underlying cord manufacturer, suggesting the use of a private-labeled cord assembly.
Documented examples indicate that manufacturers frequently sourced cord assemblies from third-party suppliers rather than producing cords internally. Manufacturers identified through cord markings include Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Baohing, CWCO, Rhythm, I-SHENG, and Kingtec. A 2003 Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06 example bears BELKIN SURGEMASTER branding on the cord jacket but does not identify the underlying cord manufacturer, suggesting the use of a private-labeled cord assembly.


Bon-Eagle appears repeatedly among products documented by the archive, including APC, Universal, Radio Shack, and PowerSentry examples manufactured between the 1990s and early 2000s. Documented Bon-Eagle cord assemblies include both 14 AWG and 16 AWG SJT construction. The recurring appearance of UL file number E135710 suggests widespread use of Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies across multiple brands, product families, and conductor sizes.
Bon-Eagle appears repeatedly among products documented by the archive, including APC, Universal, Radio Shack, and PowerSentry examples manufactured between the 1990s and early 2000s. All documented Bon-Eagle cord assemblies currently preserved by the archive utilize 14 AWG SJT construction. The recurring appearance of UL file number E135710 suggests widespread use of Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies across multiple brands, product families, and conductor sizes.


Apollo-manufactured cord assemblies have been documented on products manufactured in both 2004 and 2011. Documented Apollo examples include the Universal 71641 and Staples 33895-US. Although these products differ substantially in design and intended market segment, both utilize SJT cordage carrying UL file number E176194, suggesting continued use of Apollo-manufactured cord assemblies across multiple product lines.
Apollo-manufactured cord assemblies have been documented on products spanning at least the 1990s through 2011. Documented examples include the COXOC CO-001S, Universal 71641, and Staples 33895-US. These products differ substantially in age, construction, manufacturer, and intended market segment, yet all utilize Apollo-manufactured SJT 14/3 cord assemblies. The COXOC example carries UL file number E55351 and CSA file number LL34977, while the later Universal and Staples examples utilize UL file number E176194, demonstrating that multiple Apollo-certified cord assemblies are represented within the archive.


Documented APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 examples reveal multiple cord suppliers over the product family's production life. Examples manufactured in 1994, 1996, and 1998 utilized Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies. A 1999 example utilizes a cord carrying UL file number E160081 and CSA file number LL86908 but does not identify the underlying manufacturer. A December 2002 example utilized a Hi-Pro-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E227088. A June 2006 example utilized a Chung Kwang-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E54024 and CSA file number LL65965. Later examples utilized Baohing-manufactured (2008) and I-SHENG-manufactured (2017) cord assemblies.
Documented APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 examples reveal multiple cord suppliers over the product family's production life. Examples manufactured in 1994, 1996, and 1998 utilized Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies. A 1999 example utilizes a cord carrying UL file number E160081 and CSA file number LL86908 and bears the marking "N.S.". Although the significance of the marking has not yet been determined, it may identify the cord manufacturer. Additional documentation may eventually permit positive identification.  A December 2002 example utilized a Hi-Pro-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E227088. A June 2006 example utilized a Chung Kwang-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E54024 and CSA file number LL65965. A 2008 example utilized a Baohing-manufactured cord assembly. Examples manufactured in 2015 and 2017 utilized I-SHENG-manufactured cord assemblies carrying UL file number E88265-C and CSA file number LL81924.


The APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 family presently documents one of the most extensive cord-supplier timelines preserved by the archive. Documented examples manufactured between 1994 and 2017 identify Bon-Eagle, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, and I-SHENG as cord suppliers while the overall PRO7 enclosure and product identity remained largely unchanged. This suggests that APC periodically sourced cord assemblies from different suppliers without substantially altering the external product design.
The APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 family presently documents one of the most extensive cord-supplier timelines preserved by the archive. Documented examples manufactured between 1994 and 2017 identify Bon-Eagle, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, and I-SHENG as cord suppliers while the overall PRO7 enclosure and product identity remained largely unchanged. The newly documented 2015 specimen confirms APC's continued use of I-SHENG-manufactured cord assemblies prior to the archive's 2017 example and helps establish continuity within the final documented generation of PRO7 production.
 
Documented APC SurgeArrest Personal products provide additional evidence that APC sourced cord assemblies from multiple suppliers during the same production period. The archive's documented 1998 APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T utilizes an HRSA-manufactured SJT 14/3 cord carrying UL file number E69167 and CSA file number LL52902. In contrast, the archive's contemporary 1998 APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 utilizes a Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E135710 and CSA file number LL55737.
 
Together with the archive's 1999 PRO7 example carrying the unidentified "N.S." marking, these findings indicate that APC was sourcing cord assemblies from multiple suppliers simultaneously across different SurgeArrest product families during the late 1990s.


The most recent examples documented by the archive include the Amazon Basics 270103-B and CyberPower P704URC1. Both utilize Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. cord assemblies manufactured in Vietnam and marked with ETL certification identifiers rather than the UL and CSA file numbers commonly observed on many older products. Despite substantial differences in product design and feature sets, both examples utilize 14 AWG SJT cord construction.
The most recent examples documented by the archive include the Amazon Basics 270103-B and CyberPower P704URC1. Both utilize Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. cord assemblies manufactured in Vietnam and marked with ETL certification identifiers rather than the UL and CSA file numbers commonly observed on many older products. Despite substantial differences in product design and feature sets, both examples utilize 14 AWG SJT cord construction.
The COXOC CO-001S presently represents the earliest documented Apollo-manufactured cord assembly preserved by the archive. Although the production date of the artifact remains uncertain, its overall design characteristics suggest manufacture during the 1990s, extending the documented Apollo timeline beyond previously identified 2004 and 2011 examples.


Additional documented examples may reveal broader industry trends involving conductor size, supplier relationships, certification practices, manufacturing locations, and component standardization.
Additional documented examples may reveal broader industry trends involving conductor size, supplier relationships, certification practices, manufacturing locations, and component standardization.
Line 478: Line 327:
File:surge_APC_Pro7_Z96030204796_cord_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1996).
File:surge_APC_Pro7_Z96030204796_cord_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1996).
File:surge_PowerSentry_626_cord_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from PowerSentry 626.
File:surge_PowerSentry_626_cord_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from PowerSentry 626.
File:surge_Universal_71632_1998_cable_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 16/3 cord marking from Universal 71632.
File:surge_Universal_71632_1998_cable_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71632.
File:surge_Universal_71632_1998_cable_close_01.jpg|CSA LL95737 certification marking and FT2 rating from Universal 71632.
File:surge_Universal_71632_1998_cable_close_01.jpg|CSA LL95737 certification marking and FT2 rating from Universal 71632.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_1998_Z98010201706_cord_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1998).
File:surge_APC_Pro7_1998_Z98010201706_cord_detail_01.jpg|Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1998).
Line 488: Line 337:


<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:surge_universal_71641_lightly_yellowed_corddetail_01.jpg|Apollo SJT 16/3 cord marking from Universal 71641.
File:surge_COXOC_CO-001S_corddetail_01.jpg|Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from COXOC CO-001S.
File:surge_COXOC_CO-001S_corddetail_02.jpg|UL file number E55351, CSA file number LL34977, and conductor specifications from COXOC CO-001S.
File:surge_universal_71641_lightly_yellowed_corddetail_01.jpg|Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71641.
File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_cable_detail_02.jpg|Apollo manufacturer marking and CSA file number LL109777 from Universal 71641.
File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_cable_detail_02.jpg|Apollo manufacturer marking and CSA file number LL109777 from Universal 71641.
File:Surge_Staples_33895-US_2011_Cable_01.jpg|Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Staples 33895-US.
File:Surge_Staples_33895-US_2011_Cable_01.jpg|Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Staples 33895-US.
Line 515: Line 366:
File:surge_APC_SurgeArrestPro_2Z0250P17876_cord_detail_01.jpg|Hi-Pro manufacturer marking and FT2 rating from APC PRO7 (2002).
File:surge_APC_SurgeArrestPro_2Z0250P17876_cord_detail_01.jpg|Hi-Pro manufacturer marking and FT2 rating from APC PRO7 (2002).
File:surge_APC_SurgeArrestPro_2Z0250P17876_cord_detail_02.jpg|UL file number E227088, VW-1 rating, and 14/3 specifications.
File:surge_APC_SurgeArrestPro_2Z0250P17876_cord_detail_02.jpg|UL file number E227088, VW-1 rating, and 14/3 specifications.
</gallery>
=== HRSA ===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:surge_APC_PER7T_Z98010214399_corddetail_01.jpg|HRSA SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T.
File:surge_APC_PER7T_Z98010214399_corddetail_02.jpg|UL file number E69167, CSA file number LL52902, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 530: Line 388:
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1714L0535_cablemiddle_01.jpg|CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1714L0535_cablemiddle_01.jpg|CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1714L0535_cableright_01.jpg|UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1714L0535_cableright_01.jpg|UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1550L09782_corddetail_01.jpg|I-SHENG SJT 14/3 cord assembly from APC PRO7 (2015).
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1550L09782_corddetail_02.jpg|CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_7Z1550L09782_corddetail_03.jpg|UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 562: Line 423:
File:surge-Belkin-SurgeMaster-F9H710-06-cable-belkinbranding_01.jpg|Belkin SurgeMaster branded SJT 14/3 cord with no visible OEM manufacturer marking.
File:surge-Belkin-SurgeMaster-F9H710-06-cable-belkinbranding_01.jpg|Belkin SurgeMaster branded SJT 14/3 cord with no visible OEM manufacturer marking.
File:surge-Belkin-SurgeMaster-F9H710-06-cablemarkings_01.jpg|UL E177638, SJT, VW-1, FT2, and 14 AWG markings.
File:surge-Belkin-SurgeMaster-F9H710-06-cablemarkings_01.jpg|UL E177638, SJT, VW-1, FT2, and 14 AWG markings.
File:surge_APC_Pro7_Z99080215662_plug_cord_detail_01.jpg|UL file number E160081, VW-1 rating, and "N.S." marking from APC PRO7 (1999).
File:surge_APC_Pro7_Z99080215662_plug_cord_detail_01.jpg|UL file number E160081, VW-1 flame rating, and unidentified "N.S." manufacturer marking from APC PRO7 (1999).
File:surge_APC_Pro7_Z99080215662_plug_cord_detail_02.jpg|CSA file number LL86908, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC PRO7 (1999).
File:surge_APC_Pro7_Z99080215662_plug_cord_detail_02.jpg|CSA file number LL86908, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC PRO7 (1999).
File:powertap_SLWaber_952M_cord_detail_01.jpg|SJT 14/3 cord marking from S.L. Waber 952M relocatable power tap. Certification identifiers correspond to examples marked Bon-Eagle elsewhere in the archive, but no manufacturer marking is present.
File:powertap_SLWaber_952M_cord_detail_01.jpg|SJT 14/3 cord marking from S.L. Waber 952M relocatable power tap. Certification identifiers correspond to examples marked Bon-Eagle elsewhere in the archive, but no manufacturer marking is present.
Line 572: Line 433:


Cord manufacturers rarely receive attention in contemporary marketing materials, making surviving markings a useful source of information for reconstructing historical supply chains.
Cord manufacturers rarely receive attention in contemporary marketing materials, making surviving markings a useful source of information for reconstructing historical supply chains.
The APC products documented by the archive are particularly valuable in this regard. Examples manufactured between 1994 and 2017 identify Bon-Eagle, HRSA, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, and I-SHENG as cord suppliers while the broader SurgeArrest product family evolved over more than two decades of production.


== Related Articles ==
== Related Articles ==
Line 579: Line 442:
* [[Collection Index]]
* [[Collection Index]]


[[Category:Reference Articles]]
[[Category:Historical References]]
[[Category:Historical References]]

Latest revision as of 23:48, 26 October 2026

Power cords are among the most overlooked components of surge protectors, power strips, relocatable power taps, and uninterruptible power supplies. While marketing materials frequently emphasize surge ratings, outlet counts, and protection features, the power cord itself often provides valuable information regarding manufacturing practices, construction quality, safety certifications, and component sourcing.

The OldSurge Archive documents cord type, conductor size, manufacturer markings, approval identifiers, and related construction details whenever possible. Comparing cords across multiple products can reveal long-term trends in the power-protection industry, including changing supplier relationships, manufacturing locations, certification practices, and product designs.

All corded products presently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilize 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies. The documented examples span multiple decades, manufacturers, product categories, and countries of manufacture, suggesting that 14 AWG SJT cordage became a widely adopted standard throughout the power-protection and power-distribution industries represented within the archive.

Manufacturers identified through cord markings include Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Baohing, CWCO, Hi-Pro, HRSA, Chung Kwang, Rhythm, QIAOPU, I-SHENG, and Kingtec. An additional APC PRO7 example manufactured in 1999 bears the marking "N.S.", which may identify the cord manufacturer but has not yet been positively identified.

All corded products presently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilize 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies. This consistency spans multiple decades of production, numerous manufacturers, and several product categories including surge protectors, relocatable power taps, and power-distribution equipment.

Overview

Most power-protection products utilize flexible power cords identified by standardized designations such as:

  • SJT
  • SJTW
  • SVT

These markings provide information regarding conductor count, insulation type, voltage rating, flexibility, and intended service conditions.

The majority of products currently documented by the archive utilize SJT cordage, reflecting its widespread use in consumer and office electrical products throughout the 1990s and 2000s.


Common Cord Types

Cord Type Meaning Typical Use
SJT Junior Hard Service Thermoplastic Cord Surge protectors, power strips, office equipment
SJTW Junior Hard Service Thermoplastic Weather-Resistant Cord Outdoor-capable products, extension cords
SVT Vacuum Cleaner Cord Light-duty appliances and consumer products

Documented Cord Manufacturers

Manufacturers identified through cord markings include Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Baohing, CWCO, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Rhythm, QIAOPU, I-SHENG, and Kingtec.

  • Bon-Eagle
    • APC PRO7 (1994, 1996, 1998)
    • Universal 71632 (1998)
    • Universal 71637 (1998)
    • PowerSentry 626 (2002)
    • Radio Shack 61-2140 (Unknown)
  • Apollo
    • COXOC CO-001S (1990s)
    • Universal 71641 (2004)
    • Staples 33895-US (2011)
  • Baohing
    • APC PRO7 (2008)
  • CWCO
    • Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 Relocatable Power Tap
  • Hi-Pro
    • APC PRO7 (2002)
  • HRSA
    • APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T (1998)
  • Chung Kwang
    • APC PRO7 (2006)
  • I-SHENG
    • APC PRO7 (2015)
    • APC PRO7 (2017)
  • Kingtec
    • Amazon Basics 270103-B (2026)
    • CyberPower P704URC1
  • QIAOPU
    • Yun YY-6CS (2006)
  • Rhythm
    • Gemini Surge Model VG307 (1990s)
  • Unidentified
    • APC PRO7 (1999) - marked "N.S."
    • Belkin F9H710-06 - Belkin-branded cord with no OEM identification
    • S.L. Waber 952M (E135710) - Perhaps Bon-Eagle

Additional manufacturers will be added as more products are documented.

Supplier Timeline

Manufacturer Earliest Example Latest Example Documented Products
Bon-Eagle 1994 2002+ APC, Universal, PowerSentry, Radio Shack
Apollo 1990s 2011 COXOC, Universal, Staples
Baohing 2008 2008 APC
Hi-Pro 2002 2002 APC
HRSA 1998 1998 APC
N.S. (Unidentified) 1999 1999 APC PRO7
Chung Kwang 2006 2006 APC
I-SHENG 2015 2017 APC
Kingtec 2026 2026 Amazon Basics, CyberPower
CWCO Unknown Unknown Relocatable Power Tap
Rhythm 1990s 1990s Gemini
QIAOPU 2006 2006 Yun


Conductor Size and Construction

North American power cords commonly specify conductor size using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. In the AWG system, lower numbers indicate larger conductors. For example, 14 AWG conductors are larger and capable of carrying more current with less voltage drop than 16 AWG conductors.

Every corded product currently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilizes three-conductor 14 AWG SJT cordage. This consistency spans multiple decades of production, numerous manufacturers, several countries of manufacture, and a wide range of product types including surge protectors, relocatable power taps, and office power-distribution equipment.

Documented examples include products manufactured by APC, Tripp Lite, Universal, Belkin, PowerSentry, Staples, CyberPower, Amazon Basics, Radio Shack, Yun, Gemini, S.L. Waber, COXOC, and other manufacturers. Despite substantial differences in age, construction, outlet count, intended market, and feature set, all documented examples presently utilize 14 AWG SJT construction.

The observed consistency suggests that 14 AWG SJT cord assemblies became a widely adopted standard for North American surge protectors and related power-distribution products during the period currently represented within the archive.

No examples utilizing 16 AWG, 18 AWG, or other conductor sizes have been identified among the corded products currently documented by the OldSurge Archive.

Certification File Numbers

Power cords frequently carry independent certification identifiers in addition to the approvals applied to the finished product. These markings can provide useful information regarding cord manufacturers, certification agencies, and supplier relationships across multiple product lines.

Common markings include UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and ETL (originally Electrical Testing Laboratories, now Intertek ETL). Although the organizations differ, each conducts product safety evaluation and certification for electrical equipment. Certification file numbers often remain associated with a particular cord manufacturer and can provide valuable clues regarding component sourcing and supplier relationships.

Examples documented by the archive include:

Product Certification Number CSA File Number
S.L. Waber 952M E135710 LL95737
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z94030204087) E135710 LL152727
Gemini Surge Model VG307 E88231 LL54008 - COXOC CO-001S E55351 LL34977
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z96030204796) E135710 LL152727
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z98010201706) E135710 LL55737
APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T (Z98010214399) E69167 LL52902
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (2Z0250P17876) E227088 —
Universal 71632 E135710 LL95737
Universal 71637 E135710 LL95737
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (Z99080215662) E160081 LL86908
PowerSentry 626 E135710 LL95737
Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06 E177638 Unknown
Universal 71641 (Yellowed Example) E176194 LL109777
Universal 71641 (Lightly Yellowed Example) E176194 LL109777
Yun YY-6CS E247978 —
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (4Z0638P12907) E54024 LL65965
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (4Z0842P07546) E159216 Unknown
ACE 33543 Relocatable Power Tap E177868 LL109777
Staples 33895-US E176194 LL196777
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (7Z1550L09782) E88265-C LL81924
APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 (7Z1714L05335) E88265-C LL81924
CyberPower P704URC1 ETL HU18210 —
Amazon Basics 270103-B ETL 5013210 Unknown
Model No. 2371, 0728, 2174 Relocatable Power Tap E55178 LL40876
Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector E135710 LL95787

Archive Observations

All corded products presently documented by the OldSurge Archive utilize SJT 14/3 cord assemblies. The documented examples span multiple decades, manufacturers, product categories, and countries of manufacture, suggesting that 14 AWG SJT cordage was widely adopted throughout the power-protection and power-distribution industries represented within the archive.

Documented examples indicate that manufacturers frequently sourced cord assemblies from third-party suppliers rather than producing cords internally. Manufacturers identified through cord markings include Bon-Eagle, Apollo, Baohing, CWCO, Rhythm, I-SHENG, and Kingtec. A 2003 Belkin SurgeMaster F9H710-06 example bears BELKIN SURGEMASTER branding on the cord jacket but does not identify the underlying cord manufacturer, suggesting the use of a private-labeled cord assembly.

Bon-Eagle appears repeatedly among products documented by the archive, including APC, Universal, Radio Shack, and PowerSentry examples manufactured between the 1990s and early 2000s. All documented Bon-Eagle cord assemblies currently preserved by the archive utilize 14 AWG SJT construction. The recurring appearance of UL file number E135710 suggests widespread use of Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies across multiple brands, product families, and conductor sizes.

Apollo-manufactured cord assemblies have been documented on products spanning at least the 1990s through 2011. Documented examples include the COXOC CO-001S, Universal 71641, and Staples 33895-US. These products differ substantially in age, construction, manufacturer, and intended market segment, yet all utilize Apollo-manufactured SJT 14/3 cord assemblies. The COXOC example carries UL file number E55351 and CSA file number LL34977, while the later Universal and Staples examples utilize UL file number E176194, demonstrating that multiple Apollo-certified cord assemblies are represented within the archive.

Documented APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 examples reveal multiple cord suppliers over the product family's production life. Examples manufactured in 1994, 1996, and 1998 utilized Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord assemblies. A 1999 example utilizes a cord carrying UL file number E160081 and CSA file number LL86908 and bears the marking "N.S.". Although the significance of the marking has not yet been determined, it may identify the cord manufacturer. Additional documentation may eventually permit positive identification. A December 2002 example utilized a Hi-Pro-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E227088. A June 2006 example utilized a Chung Kwang-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E54024 and CSA file number LL65965. A 2008 example utilized a Baohing-manufactured cord assembly. Examples manufactured in 2015 and 2017 utilized I-SHENG-manufactured cord assemblies carrying UL file number E88265-C and CSA file number LL81924.

The APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 family presently documents one of the most extensive cord-supplier timelines preserved by the archive. Documented examples manufactured between 1994 and 2017 identify Bon-Eagle, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, and I-SHENG as cord suppliers while the overall PRO7 enclosure and product identity remained largely unchanged. The newly documented 2015 specimen confirms APC's continued use of I-SHENG-manufactured cord assemblies prior to the archive's 2017 example and helps establish continuity within the final documented generation of PRO7 production.

Documented APC SurgeArrest Personal products provide additional evidence that APC sourced cord assemblies from multiple suppliers during the same production period. The archive's documented 1998 APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T utilizes an HRSA-manufactured SJT 14/3 cord carrying UL file number E69167 and CSA file number LL52902. In contrast, the archive's contemporary 1998 APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 utilizes a Bon-Eagle-manufactured cord carrying UL file number E135710 and CSA file number LL55737.

Together with the archive's 1999 PRO7 example carrying the unidentified "N.S." marking, these findings indicate that APC was sourcing cord assemblies from multiple suppliers simultaneously across different SurgeArrest product families during the late 1990s.

The most recent examples documented by the archive include the Amazon Basics 270103-B and CyberPower P704URC1. Both utilize Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. cord assemblies manufactured in Vietnam and marked with ETL certification identifiers rather than the UL and CSA file numbers commonly observed on many older products. Despite substantial differences in product design and feature sets, both examples utilize 14 AWG SJT cord construction.

The COXOC CO-001S presently represents the earliest documented Apollo-manufactured cord assembly preserved by the archive. Although the production date of the artifact remains uncertain, its overall design characteristics suggest manufacture during the 1990s, extending the documented Apollo timeline beyond previously identified 2004 and 2011 examples.

Additional documented examples may reveal broader industry trends involving conductor size, supplier relationships, certification practices, manufacturing locations, and component standardization.

Documented Cord Markings

The following images document power-cord manufacturer markings, certification identifiers, conductor sizes, and related construction details observed on products preserved by the OldSurge Archive.

Bon-Eagle

  • Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71637.
    Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71637.
  • UL and CSA markings from Universal 71637 cord assembly.
    UL and CSA markings from Universal 71637 cord assembly.
  • Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1996).
    Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1996).
  • Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from PowerSentry 626.
    Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from PowerSentry 626.
  • Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71632.
    Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71632.
  • CSA LL95737 certification marking and FT2 rating from Universal 71632.
    CSA LL95737 certification marking and FT2 rating from Universal 71632.
  • Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1998).
    Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (1998).
  • UL file number E135710 and CSA file number LL55737 from APC PRO7 (1998).
    UL file number E135710 and CSA file number LL55737 from APC PRO7 (1998).
  • Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector.
    Bon-Eagle SJT 14/3 cord marking from Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector.

Apollo

  • Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from COXOC CO-001S.
    Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from COXOC CO-001S.
  • UL file number E55351, CSA file number LL34977, and conductor specifications from COXOC CO-001S.
    UL file number E55351, CSA file number LL34977, and conductor specifications from COXOC CO-001S.
  • Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71641.
    Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Universal 71641.
  • Apollo manufacturer marking and CSA file number LL109777 from Universal 71641.
    Apollo manufacturer marking and CSA file number LL109777 from Universal 71641.
  • Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Staples 33895-US.
    Apollo SJT 14/3 cord marking from Staples 33895-US.
  • UL E176194 cord marking and electrical ratings from Staples 33895-US.
    UL E176194 cord marking and electrical ratings from Staples 33895-US.
  • Apollo manufacturer marking and CSA file number LL196777.
    Apollo manufacturer marking and CSA file number LL196777.

Baohing

  • Baohing SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (2008).
    Baohing SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (2008).
  • Baohing manufacturer marking from APC PRO7 (2008).
    Baohing manufacturer marking from APC PRO7 (2008).
  • Additional cord specifications from APC PRO7 (2008).
    Additional cord specifications from APC PRO7 (2008).

CWCO

  • CWCO SJT 14/3 cord marking with UL file E55178 and VW-1 rating.
    CWCO SJT 14/3 cord marking with UL file E55178 and VW-1 rating.
  • CSA LL40876 certification marking and FT2 rating.
    CSA LL40876 certification marking and FT2 rating.

Hi-Pro

  • Hi-Pro manufacturer marking and FT2 rating from APC PRO7 (2002).
    Hi-Pro manufacturer marking and FT2 rating from APC PRO7 (2002).
  • UL file number E227088, VW-1 rating, and 14/3 specifications.
    UL file number E227088, VW-1 rating, and 14/3 specifications.

HRSA

  • HRSA SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T.
    HRSA SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T.
  • UL file number E69167, CSA file number LL52902, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T.
    UL file number E69167, CSA file number LL52902, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7T.

Chung Kwang

  • Chung Kwang SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (2006).
    Chung Kwang SJT 14/3 cord marking from APC PRO7 (2006).
  • CSA file number LL65965, FT2 flame rating, and conductor specifications from APC PRO7 (2006).
    CSA file number LL65965, FT2 flame rating, and conductor specifications from APC PRO7 (2006).

I-SHENG

  • I-SHENG SJT 14/3 cord assembly from APC PRO7 (2017).
    I-SHENG SJT 14/3 cord assembly from APC PRO7 (2017).
  • CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
    CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
  • UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.
    UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.
  • I-SHENG SJT 14/3 cord assembly from APC PRO7 (2015).
    I-SHENG SJT 14/3 cord assembly from APC PRO7 (2015).
  • CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
    CSA file number LL81924 and I-SHENG manufacturer markings.
  • UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.
    UL file number E88265-C, VW-1 flame rating, and conductor specifications.

Kingtec

  • Kingtec SJT 14/3 cord marking from Amazon Basics 270103-B.
    Kingtec SJT 14/3 cord marking from Amazon Basics 270103-B.
  • Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. manufacturer marking.
    Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. manufacturer marking.
  • ETLus certification marking and conductor specifications.
    ETLus certification marking and conductor specifications.
  • Kingtec SJT 14/3 cord marking from CyberPower P704URC1.
    Kingtec SJT 14/3 cord marking from CyberPower P704URC1.
  • Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. manufacturer marking.
    Kingtec (Vietnam) Technologies Co., Ltd. manufacturer marking.
  • ETL certification number HU18210 and conductor specifications.
    ETL certification number HU18210 and conductor specifications.

QIAOPU

  • QIAOPU SJT 14/3 cord marking from Yun YY-6CS.
    QIAOPU SJT 14/3 cord marking from Yun YY-6CS.
  • UL file number E247978, VW-1 rating, and conductor specifications.
    UL file number E247978, VW-1 rating, and conductor specifications.

Rhythm

  • Rhythm SJT 14/3 cord marking from Gemini Surge Model VG307.
    Rhythm SJT 14/3 cord marking from Gemini Surge Model VG307.
  • UL E88231 and CSA LL54008 certification markings.
    UL E88231 and CSA LL54008 certification markings.

Unidentified or Unconfirmed

  • Belkin SurgeMaster branded SJT 14/3 cord with no visible OEM manufacturer marking.
    Belkin SurgeMaster branded SJT 14/3 cord with no visible OEM manufacturer marking.
  • UL E177638, SJT, VW-1, FT2, and 14 AWG markings.
    UL E177638, SJT, VW-1, FT2, and 14 AWG markings.
  • UL file number E160081, VW-1 flame rating, and unidentified "N.S." manufacturer marking from APC PRO7 (1999).
    UL file number E160081, VW-1 flame rating, and unidentified "N.S." manufacturer marking from APC PRO7 (1999).
  • CSA file number LL86908, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC PRO7 (1999).
    CSA file number LL86908, FT2 rating, and conductor specifications from APC PRO7 (1999).
  • SJT 14/3 cord marking from S.L. Waber 952M relocatable power tap. Certification identifiers correspond to examples marked Bon-Eagle elsewhere in the archive, but no manufacturer marking is present.
    SJT 14/3 cord marking from S.L. Waber 952M relocatable power tap. Certification identifiers correspond to examples marked Bon-Eagle elsewhere in the archive, but no manufacturer marking is present.

Historical Notes

Power cords are often among the most durable and standardized components incorporated into power-protection products. Because cord markings frequently survive long after packaging and documentation have been discarded, they can provide important clues regarding manufacturing date, supplier relationships, certification history, and product lineage.

Cord manufacturers rarely receive attention in contemporary marketing materials, making surviving markings a useful source of information for reconstructing historical supply chains.

The APC products documented by the archive are particularly valuable in this regard. Examples manufactured between 1994 and 2017 identify Bon-Eagle, HRSA, Hi-Pro, Chung Kwang, Baohing, and I-SHENG as cord suppliers while the broader SurgeArrest product family evolved over more than two decades of production.

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