Infographic: What is a power cord?

A power cord is the cable used to connect a lamp or appliance to the mains, with or without a plug. LED site lights and work lights often come with a power cord and plug, so you can plug the lamp straight into a socket. For outdoor use and on the building site, that cord must be sturdy and weather-resistant.

Two power cord plugs
A power cord connects a lamp or appliance to the mains.

The cores in a power cord

ColourFunction
Brownlive
Blueneutral
Green/yellowearth

Which cable for outdoor use?

For outdoor use and on the building site, a rubber cable is suitable, for example type H07RN-F. It is flexible and resistant to the weather and mechanical stress. An ordinary PVC cable is less suitable for outdoor use and can become stiff in the cold.

Cross-section of the cores

The cross-section, such as 1.0 or 1.5 mm², determines how much current the cable can carry safely. Because LED lighting uses little current, 1.0 to 1.5 mm² is usually more than sufficient. Over long distances or with several appliances on one cable, a thicker cable may be needed.

Safety tips

  • Outdoors, use only splash-proof plugs and extension leads.
  • Fully unwind a cable reel to prevent overheating.
  • Check cords regularly for damage.
  • Have fixed outdoor connections carried out by a qualified electrician.

Take a look at our LED work lights and site lights.

Frequently asked questions

Which colour is the live wire in a power cord?

Brown is live, blue is neutral and green/yellow is earth.

Which cable is suitable for outdoor use?

A rubber cable such as H07RN-F is suitable for outdoor use and on the building site.

Can I use an indoor extension lead outdoors?

Preferably not. Outdoors, use a splash-proof extension lead with a rubber cable.