Members Apendecto Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 I've got a Mesa Boogie Big Block and my rack is just a little short of keeping it plugged in with the cover on. It's not the end of the world but I thought I'd get a 90 degree power cable to reduce the length sticking out. Would this cable be large enough? My rig is at our rehearsal space and I can't look at it down and it doesn't say anything about gauge in the manual. How large is yours... Thanks. Yo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Renfield Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 I've got a Mesa Boogie Big Block and my rack is just a little short of keeping it plugged in with the cover on. It's not the end of the world but I thought I'd get a 90 degree power cable to reduce the length sticking out. Would this cable be large enough? My rig is at our rehearsal space and I can't look at it down and it doesn't say anything about gauge in the manual. How large is yours... Thanks. Yo. I want to say it's a non issue. If they make it, it has to (should) meet any IEC standards, and will therefore be safe. It would be a larger plug style if it needed to be a larger gauge wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitargod0dmw Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 I'd tend to agree with that statement... I usually steal a computer power cable from work when I need a new one for whatever reason... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 I wouldn't use an 18 gauge power cable. While it will probably be fine, I'd prefer to stick with a #14 cable for an amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Renfield Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 More often than not, a thicker AC cable only means more rubber around it, not a thicker gauge of wire inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 More often than not, a thicker AC cable only means more rubber around it, not a thicker gauge of wire inside. The wire gauge is typically stamped or printed on the cable. If not, then I wouldn't use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members misterhinkydink Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 The amp is fused for 15 amps so you should use a 14 gauge cable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 From what I can gather 18 AWG is standard for IEC cables. I lucked into a few 14 AWG cables a few years ago that had really nice finely stranded conductors. They had ropelike flexibility and totally made my amp sound better. I like to think of power cables as extensions of what is in the wall. Since those circuits are typically designed to protect #14 wire, it's a good idea to continue that same size service to the load. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Renfield Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 I like to think of power cables as extensions of what is in the wall. Since those circuits are typically designed to protect #14 wire, it's a good idea to continue that same size service to the load. Very good point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lug Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 Plus, the extraneous amount of picofarads in an 18 gauge power cable will put your tone right straight into the crapper. :deadserioussmilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members georgestrings Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 I want to say it's a non issue. If they make it, it has to (should) meet any IEC standards, and will therefore be safe.It would be a larger plug style if it needed to be a larger gauge wire. Not necessarily so - I have Crown power amps that have IEC sockets for power in, and they come from the factory with 14/3 IEC cables, as they can draw more current than an 18/3 can properly carry... - georgestrings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MrJoshua Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 Let's see ... as I flip through my handy-dandy "Electrical Pal" book there's a table on page 3-13 labeled "Standard Lamp & Extension Cord Current Capacities" and it says a 2-conductor standard extension cord (or amp power cable) should handle 10 amps. At 110V, that means an 18-awg cable should be fine unless you're running an amp rated for more than 1100W or so. 14-awg wire is good for 18 amps (although it should still be protected at 15). I'd be pretty surprised if your amp needed more than an 18-awg power cable. edit: That was to the original poster. Georgestrings' power amps may well need a larger cable. I wasn't talking to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 Right, the 18 AWG is capable of providing the required current without overheating, but if you use 14, then the cable from the wall to the amp is protected from an amp fault by the breaker. Sure, it's unlikely that an amp fault will result in the amp's breaker or fuse remaining intact while there is sufficient current to burn up an 18 gauge cable with the circuit breaker remaining closed in the panel, but if someone is going to buy an aftermarket IEC cable, why not get a #14? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members catphish Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 Is "lava" a gauge? Even if it's not, that is the correct answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 23, 2009 Members Share Posted February 23, 2009 Monster Cable Powerline 300 High Performance Power Cord $100 Your power system is only as strong as the weakest link in its chain. You'll want the Monster Cable Powerline 300 High Performance Power Cord because your power system is only as strong as its weakest link. 8' detachable power cord provides maximum current transfer and maximum conductivity with excellent EMI and RFI rejection. For high-powered electronics equipment with IEC power supply hookup. {censored} Monster. These guys are total {censored}ing thieves. I can't believe that people are dumb enough to let these {censored}s get away with this {censored}. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MrJoshua Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Right, the 18 AWG is capable of providing the required current without overheating, but if you use 14, then the cable from the wall to the amp is protected from an amp fault by the breaker. Sure, it's unlikely that an amp fault will result in the amp's breaker or fuse remaining intact while there is sufficient current to burn up an 18 gauge cable with the circuit breaker remaining closed in the panel, but if someone is going to buy an aftermarket IEC cable, why not get a #14? If you're going to buy one, sure, get a 14. But if you lose a cable at a gig, I'm just saying that you shouldn't freak out if all you have on-hand as a replacement is an 18. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 If you're going to buy one, sure, get a 14. But if you lose a cable at a gig, I'm just saying that you shouldn't freak out if all you have on-hand as a replacement is an 18. Oh, absolutely. Especially since the one that was lost was most likely 18. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Apendecto Posted February 24, 2009 Author Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 OHHHHH!! Maybe I'll get this one! Does it come in a 90 degree bend? Yo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Apendecto Posted February 24, 2009 Author Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Something like this should work then, eh? Or are there other variables that I'm not aware of? Yo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Well, if you're cool with RFI, EMI and BSI in your power signal, then by all means buy that sub $10 power cable. Sure, you'll save $90, but you won't be able to look down your nose at every other musician knowing that you have the best possible connection between your amp and the top of the line, 100% oxygen free, RFI, EMI and BSI shielded electrical systems that exist at all of the bars and clubs where you will be playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Apendecto Posted February 24, 2009 Author Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Well, if you're cool with RFI, EMI and BSI in your power signal, then by all means buy that sub $10 power cable. Sure, you'll save $90, but you won't be able to look down your nose at every other musician knowing that you have the best possible connection between your amp and the top of the line, 100% oxygen free, RFI, EMI and BSI shielded electrical systems that exist at all of the bars and clubs where you will be playing. Yo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wades_keys Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Not necessarily so - I have Crown power amps that have IEC sockets for power in, and they come from the factory with 14/3 IEC cables, as they can draw more current than an 18/3 can properly carry... - georgestrings Yeah, my QSC and even the Behringer EP-2500 both have the 14 AWG cable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bryan316 Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Something like this should work then, eh? Or are there other variables that I'm not aware of?Yo. Hell yeah! NICE! 25 feet is gonna guarantee you'll never need an extension cord no matter where you setup on stage! I'ma peruse the rest of that website... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Flâneur Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Guys, you're all wrong. If you care about your tone, you need one of these: http://www.russandrews.com/product.asp?lookup=1®ion=UK¤cy=GBP&pf_id=1549&customer_id=PAA2452022609402ROFOBKWZIGRCENMW (What's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bryan316 Posted February 24, 2009 Members Share Posted February 24, 2009 Audiophiles piss me off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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