Rookie question about power cord ratings

[MEDTECH]

In the process of rearranging and swapping out multiple pieces of A/V gear, I misplaced a few power cords.

Would there be an issue using a 13A-125V cable to replace a lost 10A-125V one? The equipment is a subwoofer rated at around 500W peak and appears to be double insulated due to having a 2-prong plug. From my limited knowledge on electrical, it seems that the draw would be about 4 amps max. Cord is 6'. Just wondering if the subs protection wouldn't kick in at 10A but 13A with a different cord.



I'm gonna call the manufacturer on Monday but was curious as I'm re-wiring multiple systems.

And, as usual, I'm probably overthinking it.

 

[The Cobbler]

In the process of rearranging and swapping out multiple pieces of A/V gear, I misplaced a few power cords.

Is

there more to the story?

 

[MEDTECH]

there more to the story?

Lol, yup, my fat finger hit post. Just edited the OP.

 

[The Cobbler]

it only draws 500 watts or about 4 amps . your lighter cord will be fine

 

[MEDTECH]

it only draws 500 watts or about 4 amps . your lighter cord will be fine

Thanks, Cobbler. I may have misspoke. I can't find the 10A cord...no issue using the 13A one? I read about sticking with the same cord ratings that the item was designed with for electrical but just wanted to confirm I understood correctly.

Logically, the higher amp rating SHOULD be better.

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks, Cobbler. I may have misspoke. I can't find the 10A cord...no issue using the 13A one? I read about sticking with the same cord ratings that the item was designed with for electrical but just wanted to confirm I understood correctly.

Logically, the higher amp rating SHOULD be better.

Absolutely fine. You could wire it up with a #8 cord, if you could get it to terminate in the appropriate plugs.

Git 'r done

 

[PCustoms]

Higher rates cord/device: send it (ok to use)

Lower rated cord/device: not good, unless you really understand and accept some risk

 

[nadogail]

Bigger, as in heavier gauge wire is generally, but not always, better.
There are other considerations such as Physical Size, Cost and the Esthetics of an attractive installation.

 

[cgrutt]

I like to think about electricity as water. In your case the larger gauge wire is sort of like using larger diameter pipe; it won't constrict flow or add any resistance to the system. You should be fine.



I suppose with audio there are other dynamics that may come into play but since we are only talking about the power supply it shouldn't make any difference. It's pretty much the same as it would be plugging your 10 gauge wire into an outlet that has been wired with 14 ga vs 12 ga. Won't make any difference as long as the min gauge wire can handle the max current draw.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Another example:

 

[wyliesdiesels]

In the process of rearranging and swapping out multiple pieces of A/V gear, I misplaced a few power cords.

Would there be an issue using a 13A-125V cable to replace a lost 10A-125V one? The equipment is a subwoofer rated at around 500W peak and appears to be double insulated due to having a 2-prong plug. From my limited knowledge on electrical, it seems that the draw would be about 4 amps max. Cord is 6'. Just wondering if the subs protection wouldn't kick in at 10A but 13A with a different cord.

nope. the protection is provided by the fuse not the cord. notice the fuse should be 5a?

I'm gonna call the manufacturer on Monday but was curious as I'm re-wiring multiple systems.

And, as usual, I'm probably overthinking it.

I wouldnt bother....

 

[MEDTECH]

nope. the protection is provided by the fuse not the cord. notice the fuse should be 5a?

I wouldnt bother....

Great explanation; thanks!

 

[larry_g]

I'm gonna call the manufacturer on Monday but was curious as I'm re-wiring multiple systems.

And, as usual, I'm probably overthinking it.

Do you realize that there is a fuse in that receptacle? It is located just above the label giving the fuse rating. As said above the cord rating doesn't matter as long as it is above the fuse rating.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[MEDTECH]

Do you realize that there is a fuse in that receptacle? It is located just above the label giving the fuse rating. As said above the cord rating doesn't matter as long as it is above the fuse rating.

lg
no neat sig line

I saw the fuse housing after I posted my OP. Thanks for confirming.

 

[micromind]

Generally speaking, you can replace any wire with one that has a higher amp rating.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Would there be an issue using a 13A-125V cable to replace a lost 10A-125V one?

No problem.

 

[rlitman]

Do you realize that there is a fuse in that receptacle? It is located just above the label giving the fuse rating. As said above the cord rating doesn't matter as long as it is above the fuse rating...

To be clear, the fuse protects the device, and wire INSIDE the subwoofer, not technically the cord itself. The OP's 13A and 10A rated cords would contain 16AWG and 18AWG wires respectively, and in the case of this device, they're BOTH overkill. The cord itself is protected by the breaker upstream of the outlet, and pretty much any cord safe enough to put into the outlet that also fits this IEC connector will be fine.