Amp power cable/cord

Make it loud here.
Post Reply
User avatar
dugwolf
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 110
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 3:48 am

Amp power cable/cord

Post by dugwolf » Wed Jan 04, 2017 5:56 am

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!

User avatar
marqueemoon
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 7346
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2016 9:37 pm
Location: Seattle

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by marqueemoon » Wed Jan 04, 2017 6:25 am

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.

User avatar
dugwolf
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 110
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 3:48 am

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by dugwolf » Wed Jan 04, 2017 11:54 am

Good to know. Thanks for the info.

User avatar
fat finger
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 238
Joined: Sat Oct 15, 2016 5:50 pm

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by fat finger » Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:01 pm

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.

User avatar
dugwolf
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 110
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 3:48 am

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by dugwolf » Fri Jan 06, 2017 8:04 pm

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.

User avatar
PGLIVE
PAT PEND
PAT PEND
Posts: 23
Joined: Fri May 25, 2012 11:29 am

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by PGLIVE » Sat Jan 07, 2017 8:36 am

All universal. I have many lying around my gear box. Does effect the amp nor your tone. Good to go..

User avatar
NoiseNoiseNoise
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 551
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2015 3:35 pm
Location: Hertfordshire, England, Britain, UK, Europe, Earth, Outer Eastern Rim, Western Spiral Arm.

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by NoiseNoiseNoise » Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:48 am

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;
This is a signature. If you're reading this you've gone past the end of my post.

User avatar
ifallalot
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 659
Joined: Sun Mar 25, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Huntington Beach

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by ifallalot » Sun Jan 08, 2017 2:15 am

Totally universal and industry standard. We call them OSHA power cords in my industry

User avatar
andy_tchp
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 8010
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:36 am
Location: Brisbane

Re: Amp power cable/cord

Post by andy_tchp » Sun Jan 08, 2017 3:21 am

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'.
"I don't know why we asked him to join the band 'cause the rest of us don't like country music all that much; we just like Graham Lee."
David McComb, 1987.

Post Reply