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In Reply to: RE: How can a 10, 8, or 6 gauge power cord be safe? posted by marc g. on June 20, 2008 at 15:30:51
How could it *not* be safe to use based on the idea that the gauge is "too large?" Safety is only an issue if the gauge is too small, because that introduces the possibility of the cord getting too warm from too much resistance. Even that's not really a concern with any reasonable gauge cord. All that's required for the breaker to protect you is that everything downline from the breaker be rated for at least as much current as the rating on the breaker. For safety, everything after the breaker should rating to carry the maximum amount of current it will actually carry. You could use a 6 gauge extension cord for a table lamp, but you can't use a extension cord made for a lamp on a amplifier that draws 15A.
If you're thinking that the use of a 6 gauge cord implies you can plug two big amps drawing 15A each, that's not the case. The end result would be no different than using a cord whose gauge is the same as the wire in your wall.
Note, BTW, that all of the IEC connectors on PS Audio cords are the standard 15A IEC connectors. There is a 20A IEC connector, but PS Audio doesn't make anything that uses that standard, presumably because all of your normal audio gear with detachable IEC cords use the 15A connector and they only want to offer one connector to keep costs down. The only reason to use the big gauge power cords is if you believe they have audible benefits. Any cord 12 gauge or larger will be as safe as any other cord that's 12 gauge or larger.
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