Power Cord Question

[BWLover]

So I got an RLC-1040 and the power cord that came with it was maybe 2 feet :M (on a good day). So I switched it with the power cord on my RB-1080. They were both 14AWG cords but the 1080's was 6 feet (long enough for my RLC-1040). Now the 2 foot cord is to short to be used on my amp. So now the cord I'm using on the RB-1080 is 18AWG.

So basically what I'm asking is the cord is a three prong cord (same as original) but when i read the side of it its only 14AWG and the original was 18AWG. Pose any problem?

[Ferres]

'only 14AWG and the original was 18AWG'
I believe the lower the number the better/thicker it is and can handle more power. So 14awg is better than 18awg.

Your homes inwall wiring is typically 11awg.

[Kevin D]

Did you buy the 1040 used? The cord that should come with it is easily 6' and at least 14AWG (and it's at least 5/8" thick).

In either case the lower the AWG number, the thicker the cable. You second line contradicts the first some I'm not quite sure what cord is where, but I wouldn't run either the RLC or the RB on an 18 AWG power cord.

Kevin D.

[htsteve]

I agree with Kevin. I would not run the 1080 nor the 1040 with an 18 guage PC. The 14 guage should be fine, and fairly well shielded.



Hope this helps.

[Glen B]

So basically what I'm asking is the cord is a three prong cord (same as original) but when i read the side of it its only 14AWG and the original was 18AWG. Pose any problem?

It might restrict dynamics for one thing. See the following link. The author of the post is a highly regarded amp designer.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1249822202&openflup&36&4#36

Your homes inwall wiring is typically 11awg.

Its actually 10 AWG for 30A circuits, 12 AWG for 20A circuits, and 14 AWG for 15A circuits In North America. There is no 11 AWG for branch circuit wiring.

[BWLover]

Yes sorry there was a typing error.

The original cord that came with the RLC-1040 (yes it was used) was 14AWG

And the original on the RB-1080 was 14AWG, and I am now using a 18AWG cord.

[Glen B]

The specified power consumption of the 1080 is 550W. I have seen and owned amps in the 200 -330 w.p.c. range over the years with captive and detachable power cords of 18 and 16 gauge. However, since the original cord on the 1080 was 14 gauge, that is the minimum size you should use.

[BWLover]

wow these cords are hard to find. I'm on my phone right now looking for one. I went to future shop, home depot, totem, and wal mart. and all of them have only 18AWG cords. I'm off to Canadian tire to see if they have one.

[hifiguymi]

If you're looking for a cord for the RLC-1040, contact APC and ask them if you can purchase one from them.

Eric

[Glen B]

Here's an option:

RAM Electronics power cord (Belden shielded cable, Marinco commercial grade plug, Schurter IEC plug) 6 feet @ $46.74:

http://www.ramelectronics.net/power/power-cables/shielded-power-cable-sps/prodSPS.html

[wkhanna]

I just got a pwr cord from this company link for my RB 1090 amp.

I could not have made a cord for the same money with the same quality of components.
Based on only one purchase, I can recommend them for basic power cables.

[Ferres]

It might restrict dynamics for one thing. See the following link. The author of the post is a highly regarded amp designer.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1249822202&openflup&36&4#36

Its actually 10 AWG for 30A circuits, 12 AWG for 20A circuits, and 14 AWG for 15A circuits In North America. There is no 11 AWG for branch circuit wiring.

ops: Sorry. I'm in a different country.

[Ferres]

wow these cords are hard to find. I'm on my phone right now looking for one. I went to future shop, home depot, totem, and wal mart. and all of them have only 18AWG cords. I'm off to Canadian tire to see if they have one.

Personally, I wouldn't think it would make a big difference for the 1080 to use the 18AWG cord, as long as it's of good quality. It's not that much of a power hog in real world terms. I would worry more with a 1090.

What's more important is to have the thicker 14AWG cord connected to the wall socket.

[Glen B]

ops: Sorry. I'm in a different country.

That's why it good to put at least the country where you live in your profile.

Personally, I wouldn't think it would make a big difference for the 1080 to use the 18AWG cord, as long as it's of good quality. It's not that much of a power hog in real world terms. I would worry more with a 1090.

Did you read the post by Ralph Karsten, company CEO and designer of Atma-Sphere amplifiers, on the effects of wire gauge in power cords ?

What's more important is to have the thicker 14AWG cord connected to the wall socket.

Agreed.

[BWLover]

Yeah, thats why i used the 14AWG for the power conditioner.