StarTech PXT101NB-STRA-6F 6-Foot NEMA 1-15P to Right-Angle C7 Laptop Power Cord

Overview

The StarTech PXT101NB-STRA-6F is a 6-foot (1.8m) replacement and extension power cord engineered for laptops, small appliances, and compact electronics that use the IEC 60320 C7 figure-8 inlet. It runs a NEMA 1-15P straight plug on one end and a right-angle C7 connector on the other — a combination that matters in tight spaces where a straight C7 would stress the cable or block adjacent outlets. Rated at 7A and 125V AC, it delivers up to 875W of capacity, which comfortably covers virtually every laptop power supply and lightweight AV device in this connector class.

If you need a power cord replacement that meets government procurement standards without sourcing hassles, the TAA compliance designation means this cord qualifies for GSA schedules and federal contracts without additional documentation. UL Listed certification confirms it has passed independent safety testing — not just self-declared compliance.

Key Features

• Right-Angle C7 Connector: The 90-degree exit angle at the device end keeps the cable running flat against the wall or desk surface. In rack-dense AV setups or workstation clusters where cords typically fight for clearance, this geometry eliminates the cable-bending stress that cracks straight connectors over time and reduces the footprint behind the device.
• 7A / 125V Rating: At 875W capacity, this cord handles the full load of any standard laptop adapter (most draw 45W–230W) with significant headroom. Running a cord near its rated limit shortens jacket life — the PXT101NB-STRA-6F's 7A rating means it is not working near the edge for any typical consumer or commercial laptop deployment.
• 18 AWG Conductors: Heavier wire gauge than the 22AWG or 20AWG used in stripped-down OEM cords. Lower resistance across the 6-foot run means less voltage drop and less heat buildup in the cable itself — directly relevant in enclosed under-desk environments where ambient temperature is already elevated.
• VW-1 Flame Rating: The PVC jacket carries UL's VW-1 (Vertical Wire) flame rating, meaning the cable is tested to resist flame propagation when installed in a vertical orientation. This is the minimum acceptable safety standard for any cord installed inside a building — cords without it present fire code compliance risk in commercial environments.
• UL Listed: Independent safety listing, not a self-declaration. UL certification requires ongoing production-line testing, not just a one-time type test. For facilities managers specifying cord replacements in bulk, this eliminates the liability gap that unlisted cords introduce.
• TAA Compliant: Trade Agreements Act compliance means this cord is eligible for US government purchasing programs including GSA MAS contracts. Procurement teams working federal, state, or education contracts can spec the PXT101NB-STRA-6F without triggering country-of-origin reviews.
• 6.0 ft (1.8m) Length: Long enough to reach most floor or wall outlets from a standard desk position without the extension cord daisy-chains that create tripping hazards and NEC violations. Short enough to avoid the cable management overhead of 10-foot cords in tight workstation deployments.
• PVC Jacket, 0.29in (7.3mm) OD: The 7.3mm outer diameter keeps cable routing through grommets, cable managers, and desk ports straightforward. PVC provides adequate abrasion resistance for fixed desktop installations and maintains flexibility down to -20°C (-4°F) — relevant for cold-storage office environments or unheated server rooms during winter commissioning.
• Operating Temperature Range -20°C to 105°C (-4°F to 221°F): The 105°C upper limit is well above the temperature any typical laptop cord sees in operation. This rating reflects the insulation class, which matters when routing near heat sources such as power strips, UPS units, or under-desk heating vents without degradation risk.
• 2-Conductor, Non-Polarized: NEMA 1-15P is a 2-wire ungrounded plug. Appropriate for Class II (double-insulated) devices — which includes the vast majority of laptop power supplies — where a ground conductor is not required by design. Verify your target device's power supply is rated for Class II before deploying.

Integration and Compatibility

The C7 connector (also called the figure-8 or infinity connector) fits any IEC 60320 C7/C8 inlet. Common devices include laptop power bricks, Blu-ray players, small projectors, and compact network equipment. The NEMA 1-15P plug is compatible with any standard US 2-slot or 3-slot outlet — no adapter required. This cord does not include a ground pin; verify that the target device's power supply is Class II rated before use. For facilities deploying power management solutions across multiple workstations, the TAA compliance of this cord simplifies procurement consolidation under a single GSA vehicle. The 125V/7A rating is specific to North American circuits — this cord is not rated for 240V European or international use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the PXT101NB-STRA-6F safe for use with my laptop's power adapter?

A: Yes, provided your laptop's power supply uses an IEC 60320 C7 (figure-8) inlet and is rated for 125V. The cord is rated at 7A / 125V, which supports up to 875W — well above any standard laptop adapter. Verify your adapter's input voltage and connector type before connecting.

Q: What is the difference between a C7 and a C5 connector?

A: A C7 connector is the flat figure-8 style used on most laptop power bricks and small electronics. A C5 (also called the Mickey Mouse connector) is a 3-pin cloverleaf used on smaller laptops (notably some older ThinkPads and MacBooks). These are not interchangeable — the PXT101NB-STRA-6F uses the C7 and will not fit a C5 inlet.

Q: Does the right-angle connector on the PXT101NB-STRA-6F fit all C7 inlets?

A: The right-angle C7 connector is mechanically compatible with any standard IEC 60320 C7/C8 inlet. The right-angle exit keeps the cord routed flat along a surface rather than projecting straight back — useful in tight spaces. Check that your device's chassis has enough clearance for the right-angle housing, as some compact enclosures have recessed inlets that can interfere with angled connectors.

Q: Is this cord TAA compliant for government purchasing?

A: Yes. The PXT101NB-STRA-6F carries TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance, making it eligible for GSA schedule purchases and other US federal procurement programs subject to country-of-origin requirements.

Q: What wire gauge does the PXT101NB-STRA-6F use, and why does it matter?

A: The cord uses 18 AWG conductors. Heavier gauge wire carries the rated current with lower resistance and less heat generation compared to 20AWG or 22AWG alternatives. For fixed desktop deployments, this translates to longer service life and reduced thermal stress on the insulation over years of continuous use.

Q: Can I use this cord internationally or on 240V circuits?

A: No. The PXT101NB-STRA-6F is rated for 125V AC only and uses a NEMA 1-15P plug, which is a North American standard. It is not rated for 240V or international outlet configurations.

James Everett

The detail most buyers overlook on a cord like the PXT101NB-STRA-6F is the 18 AWG conductor spec. When you are deploying dozens of workstation replacements and sourcing whatever is cheapest per unit, that wire gauge difference between 18AWG and 20AWG accumulates into measurable heat difference at the plug over a three-year deployment — especially in enclosed furniture with limited airflow. The UL listing here is not decorative; it is the difference between a cord that was independently tested and one that just carries a printed mark.

Technical Highlights:

• 7A / 125V Rating: 875W capacity gives you substantial headroom above any laptop adapter load (typically 45W–230W), keeping the cord well below thermal stress threshold throughout its service life.
• VW-1 Flame Rating: PVC jacket tested to resist vertical flame propagation — the baseline requirement for code-compliant installation in commercial buildings. Cords without this rating can create fire code exposure in enterprise environments.
• Right-Angle C7 Exit: Reduces mechanical stress on the connector in tight desk or rack environments where a straight plug would be bent under load. Also reduces the chance of accidentally dislodging the cord when adjacent equipment shifts.

Deployment Considerations:

• NEMA 1-15P is a 2-wire ungrounded plug — confirm every target device's power supply is Class II (double-insulated) rated before deployment. Using this on a device that requires a grounded connection is a safety and code violation.
• The right-angle housing adds a small footprint around the C7 inlet. In devices with deeply recessed inlets or tight chassis cutouts, test fit before ordering in bulk — the angled housing is slightly larger than a straight C7 plug body.

The PXT101NB-STRA-6F is the right pick for federal, state, or education IT asset refresh programs where TAA compliance is a hard procurement requirement and the end devices are standard laptop power bricks with C7 inlets. The UL listing and 18AWG construction also make it the defensible choice for facilities managers who need documented safety compliance across a large workstation fleet.