I have used Scotch brand, blue painters tape, around the female IEC end of a very heavy ac cable. Cut evenly, with a wrap around that was suitable for the particular connection. Never any gooey residue, if removed.....So, that I understand what I have thought for many years. The IEC plug end on pretty much every power cord, is the female, and the chassis mount IEC on the equipment, is the male, based on the plugs " blade " configuration. Somehow I thought this was stated above, to be opposite of this. BTW, I build my own cables, with excellent results.......
