[Boatanchors] Power Cord Wire Size

[J. Forster]

Cords should be sized by the NEC (National Electrical Code) Here is a table:

http://www.electri-cord.com/wiresize.html

The cable type is designated by a  letter code, such as SJT or SJTO.  The
ratings are based on wire size, current, and insulation type. In general 18/3 is
fine for almost all Rx's.

 Note that plugs and sockets are also current rated. The standard wall outlet is
usually limited to 15A.

The fuses in a house are designed to blow and protect the WIRING. Just FYI.

-John



John King wrote:

> Much has been said about three wire cords being
> installed on vintage receivers and vintage
> transmitters. I assume that many of you have indeed
> installed three wire power cords on your vintage gear.
>
> Is there a "rule of thumb" regarding minimum wire size
> for tube type receivers and transmitters such as
> Ranger, Valiant, Apache, Viking l and ll, DX 100 etc..
>
> I know the wire table can be used by taking the total
> power consumption divided by the line voltage to
> compute current drawn by a given transmitter and that
> the current drawn will dictate the minimum wire size
> to safely handle the current.
>
> I am curious what size cable you have used in your
> power cable replacements. I have some round 18/3 cable
> that I purchased for cords on vintage receivers. I
> also have some 16/3 round rubber covered cord  all of
> which is warer resistant.
>
> What have you put on AM and SSB transmitters in the
> way of power cord? Thanks and 73, John, K5PGW
>
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