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What makes a 20A IEC rated for 20 amps?

What makes a 20A IEC rated for 20 amps?
I now the blades go in a different direction but are the blades thicker to carry more current?
I ask this because I have a component that I am demoing that has a 20A IEC on the back. I have some pretty pricey power cords available with 15A Furutech NCF fittings. A 20A Furutech replacement 20A IEC connector sell for almost $300! Or I could always use a 20-15A IEC adapter. But that would add a (cheapo) connection.

So how about if I just change the IEC in the unit to a 15A Furutech NCF about $80. Hence the question.

ozzy
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Showing 8 responses by ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
BTW, it took me several tries to post this question. The Audiogon site kept deleting all or parts of the question. So, sorry about any misspelled words.

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
Bob,

Thanks for the info. I am using the adapter to demo, but I was thinking of either changing the power cord IEC end or the IEC in the unit.

Is there an actual difference in power transfer with a 20A IEC connector? They look to be about the same thickness but it is hard to tell.

ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
bsmg,

That's kind of what I think. As long as the cable can conduct 20A then the connector shouldn't matter. As long as it is of high quality.

folkfreek,

I here you about resale value, but IEC's are relative easy to change, if you can get at them.

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
Well it is odd that the male plugs are rated for 15A while the female end can be a 15 or 20A IEC. 
So, does the 20A component chassis mount IEC really matter if its a 20A or 15A as long as the wire used is rated for 20 amps?

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
Elizabeth,

Thanks, I agree.
About the change in size on the Furutech, I found this out the hard way...

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
After talking with a few Audio friends, we concur that probably the reason for the 20A IEC on the back of some component is to ensure that whatever power cord is plugged into it can handle 20 amps and consists of 10-12ga wire.
That is; all premade 20 amp power cords that I know of do come with substantial internal wiring.

Of course anyone can put a 20A connector on any cable regardless if it has 10-12 ga wire inside. Then, there are the 20/15A adapters we use, who knows what type of gauge is used with them.

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
celander,

I just read some info on your new power conditioner, very interesting.
Thanks for that information.

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,204 posts
 
celander, auxinput,

Thanks for that information. 
But, is the 20A IEC actually thicker than a 15A IEC? 

ozzy
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