AC & DC Power Cords

Count on RS to supply the AC and DC power cords you need for a wide range of applications. Our selection features cables from industry-leading brands such as TE Connectivity, Molex Incorporated, L-com, and our very own RS PRO. So, you can be confident you're getting the best DC and AC power cords when you come to us.

You can browse hundreds of products below and, to narrow your search, you can filter by price, manufacturer, connector type and connector angle. DC and AC power cables are essential components for the safe, efficient operation of a huge number of electrical devices. So, it's vital that you can rely on them to deliver the required performance over an extended period. That's what you get when you order from RS.

Read on for more information about our products, AC and DC power, the differences between the two, and why RS should be your go-to supplier.

What is the difference between AC and DC power?

Electricity transmission can be divided into two categories - alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Here, we'll explain the differences between them and how they work.

Alternating current

This is where the flow of electricity regularly reverses direction, and is how power is delivered to residential and commercial settings like homes, offices, and schools. AC has less power loss over long-distance transmission than DC, which makes it most suitable for reaching the end user - transferring from the power grid to the outlets installed in these buildings. Any appliance that requires plugging in - for example, a toaster, television or lamp - will use alternating current and will therefore require an AC power cord.

Direct current

In contrast to AC, direct current is where the electricity flows only in one direction. It is more consistent than alternating current when it comes to voltage and, unlike AC, it doesn't come from the power grid. Instead, it typically comes from the likes of batteries and solar cells. DC power can also be created from AC, using an AC/DC power converter.

What types of power cords are available?

We have hundreds of DC and AC power cords for you to choose from, so we're confident you'll find one that meets your needs. For example, we have DC connector plugs, converters, adapters, heavy-duty extension cords, marine cables, and more.

We also have AC power cord sockets, wall mount clips, battery booster cables, and bulkhead connectors - all of which help with the smooth and comprehensive installation of appliances.

Where might you find AC and DC power cables?

AC power cords are used on a huge range of everyday devices that are plugged into the mains power system. These can include household goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, kettles, desktop computers, and more. In contrast to AC, DC power tends to be used in low-voltage appliances that run off batteries - for example, mobile phones, radios, and remote controls.

Why choose RS for your DC or AC power cables?

We're proud to be North America's leading authorized distributor of electrical components. We believe our extensive collection of DC or AC power cords is unmatched by other suppliers, and the only thing that equals our products' premium quality is our level of customer service.

So, if you have any questions about our AC and DC cords or anything else, please don't hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly, efficient team. They'll be only too happy to help. And you can also head over to our expert hub for plenty of useful information and advice on a variety of topics.