Page 1 of 1

Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 5:56 am
by dugwolf
Just got a new amp head off ebay. I assumed it would come with a power cord and didn't think to ask. No such luck. I guess that's what happens when you assume. It's a three prong connection like this:
Image
I grabbed one off my old PS3 and it seems to work fine. Are these universal? Could I damage the amp? I see some for sale that are 14 or 18 awg but I've got no clue. Any info on these would be helpful. Thanks!

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 6:25 am
by marqueemoon
dugwolf wrote:Just got a new amp head off ebay. I assumed it would come with a power cord and didn't think to ask. No such luck. I guess that's what happens when you assume. It's a three prong connection like this:
Image
I grabbed one off my old PS3 and it seems to work fine. Are these universal? Could I damage the amp? I see some for sale that are 14 or 18 awg but I've got no clue. Any info on these would be helpful. Thanks!
Yes they are universal. AWG refers to the gauge of the wire. The smaller the number the thicker the cable. If it's a choice between 14 and 18 go 14.

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 11:54 am
by dugwolf
Good to know. Thanks for the info.

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:01 pm
by fat finger
That is an IEC cable which is the standard for computer power supplies and many other electric devices.

The AWG is American Wire Gauge and lower numbers mean thicker wires and less resistance.

Since most amps wouldn't pull much more than 250-300 watts, 18 gauge is probably fine but I would prefer 16 or 14 gauge, especially if I needed a long power cord.

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2017 8:04 pm
by dugwolf
Thanks for the help. A new 14 awg power cord is in the way from guitar center. Not too expensive really and it's good to know it won't damage my amp.

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 8:36 am
by PGLIVE
All universal. I have many lying around my gear box. Does effect the amp nor your tone. Good to go..

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:48 am
by NoiseNoiseNoise
They're NOT QUITE the same as a Kettle Lead, but a kettle lead will fit!
This is quite handy... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:15 am
by ifallalot
Totally universal and industry standard. We call them OSHA power cords in my industry

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 3:21 am
by andy_tchp
NoiseNoiseNoise wrote:They're NOT QUITE the same as a Kettle Lead, but a kettle lead will fit!
This is quite handy... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Huh, well I've learnt something today - that there is a functional difference between a C13 and C15 terminated 'IEC cable'.