[Elecraft] 240-Volt Operation of KPA500

[David Christ]

Ron is on the right track but there is an even easier, quicker, and 
cheaper solution.  The end of the cable at the KPA500 is the same as 
the end used on computers and many other electronic devices.  You 
probably have a box of them already and if not you probably have a 
friend who does.  Only one thing to check.  The 240 V cable supplied 
by Elecraft is marked 1.0mm2 (one square mm in area)  That is about 
equivalent to 17 gauge in AWG ( see 
<http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/awg-wire-gauge-d_731.html>)  Just 
make sure that the cable you use is AWG 16 and not 18.  You will 
probably find more 18 than 16 but I have found many are indeed 16. 
The UL label on an AWG 18 cable will be marked good for 10 amps which 
is more than needed for the 6 amp fuses in the KPA500, but Elecraft 
seems to like them oversized by one step.  This is true of the 110 v 
cables, too.  AWG 16 meets code but Elecraft uses 14.  Just add the 
plug you need.

If you buy a cable from any source make sure you are getting the size you want.

David K0LUM

At 8:01 PM -0800 12/10/11, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>...
>Also, note that the cord is a standard 3-wire type used on many computers
>and other electronics. I bet you can get one at just about any electrical
>supply to put whatever plug you need on.
>
>Ron AC7AC
>
>-----Original Message-----
>
>... I hate to ruin that really
>nice power cable by chopping off the plug and substituting a 15-Amp 
>240-Volt plug; but if that's the way to
>do it, I'll get another cable and that way I'll have both AC Voltage (USA)
>...
>73, Bert N4CW
>
>______________________________________________________________