If your 20 amp lineis protected by a 20 amp breaker then I would use a 20 amp rated power chord. If the breaker is only 15 amp then the 15 amp chord will be ok. Also remember if the amp is the only thing on the circuit you are probably only drawing 4 or 5 amps so either chord will be ok
20 amp power cords vs 15 amp power cords
Forgive the basic lack of electronics here, but i need to put a separate power cord from my amp (100 watt pure class a) to a specially installed 20 amp line for this purpose. Most of the cords i see (including very expenseive ones) say on the plug that they are 15 amp. Does this matter at all? It seems I should be buying a wire that is rated for 20 amps if that is what the line is. (Power cords will be going to torus line conditioner and aforementioned class a amp)music will be nearfield moderate volume rock and jazz. thanks mike
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As far as the ampacity difference between a 15 amp plug an a 20 amp plug there is no difference. Blade size and thickness are the same. Blade configuration is different.... A 15 amp plug will fit into a 15 amp or 20 amp receptacle. A 20 amp plug will only fit into a 20 amp receptacle. A 20 amp receptacle can only, by NEC code, be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit. Two or more 15 amp receptacles, (a duplex being two), can be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit. Maximum continuous FLA amps safety standards for a NEMA 5-15P plug is 12 amps. So if the FLA of a manufactured appliance is 12 amps or less he can use a 15 amp plug. Most convenience outlet branch circuits in homes are 15 amp with 15 amp duplex receptacles. One reason the biggest consumer home portable vacuum cleaner only comes with a maximum 12 amp motor...... Also the reason pretty much all power amps have a 15 amp AC power plug. A lot of aftermarket power cords use at least the equivalent wire gauge wire size of #12 awg. Ampacity rating for # 12 awg wire is 20 amps. Maximum NEMA continuous FLA amps safety standards for a NEMA 5-20P plug is 16 amps. The weakest link in the power delivery chain to the power amp is the IEC connectors IMO..... Not the NEMA plug. |
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Sorry to complain but those posts above have all sorts of theory, and no practical advice for buying a damn power cord for your amp. Theory? I gave the facts mam.... Just the facts.... Speaking of facts an after market power cord can be purchased with a 20 amp female IEC connector on one end with a 15 amp NEMA 5-15P plug on the other end, or the other way around..... NEMA 5-15P plug. NEMA 5-20P plug. . |
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I'd look at it this way: Your line is 12 gauge, buy at least a 12 gauge cord. As far as the connectors, my 100 watt monos (Pass) draw 2.5 amps each, if yours is a stereo amp it probably draws 5 or 6 amps. 15 amp connectors should be fine. BTW, if you feel like "more is more", the Pangea 9 mentioned is actually a 7 gauge cord. It's not a bad cord and a great conversation piece. You have to see one in person. |
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Might want to look into a Supra Lorad 2.5. This cable is inexpensive and can be had in any length. The cable is a 13 gauge and more than sufficient for a 20 amp draw. I added a 20 amp Wattgate IEC and a Wattgate plug and AB'ed this against a Shunyata Taipan Alpha Helix....my a'phile group and I preferred the Supra and all were astounded at the price difference! If you factor in the cost difference, it's a no brainer. |