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Power cord thickness

catcauphonic

catcauphonic

High Freak of the Low Frequencies
Mar 30, 2012
6,221
45,710
Seattle WA
#1
A few years ago i picked up a used Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 that came with it's original power cord (the thicker one), & i just recently acquired a GB Streamliner 900 from a TB'er that i only now noticed has come with what appears to be a substitute power cord (the skinnier one.)

When i first received the SL, I just set it under the Shuttle and have been using it's power cord. It wasn't till i packed it up for a gig on Saturday that i noticed the one it came with was thinner, so i took the fat one. Haven't even used the thin one yet.

My mind is telling me don't worry, it's probably not going to make a diff in any way, but i figured I'd run it by the collective wisdom here (calling @agedhorse!:) ) just to see what the consensus is on thick vs thin.

Appreciated!

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#4
The thickness is just the difference in overall jacket. The thinner SVT jacket is the most common in the smaller portable amps nevause they are easier to handle (especially in cold weather), wrap, and store. Both are UL approved for portable applications such as for amps. I suspect that the thicker one (SJT) did not come with your amp originally.

18 gauge is the minimum conductor size you are going to see due to listing regulations.
 
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#5
Thanks fellas. I know about gauges, but don't really have much understanding of how all the other numbers work together to make sense. But basically, it's saying I'm ok with this 18.

So these are essentialy the same on the inside, but the thicker cord is just a little more durable because of it's protective wrap? Is my takeaway correct?
 
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#9
Killed_by_Death said:
the thicker cable has thicker conductors
14 awg is a bigger diameter than 18 awg
if I were choosing between the two, I'd definitely choose the thicker 14 awg cable
Click to expand...
My Genzler 800 came with an 18 AGW power cable, as has many of my other amps. I trust what Mr.Genzler has included for use in his product. @catcauphonic will be fine with either of those cables.
 
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#11
Killed_by_Death said:
the thicker cable has thicker conductors
14 awg is a bigger diameter than 18 awg
if I were choosing between the two, I'd definitely choose the thicker 14 awg cable
Click to expand...
Not always the case, my friend. It depends on the thickness of the wires insulation as well as the outer jacket, as Andy said. Probably usually the case on provided power cords, but really should look at the rating stamped into it or RTFM if replacing. You are right on erring on the larger gauge is the better way to go if unsure.
 
#15
catcauphonic said:
Posted that ^ before i saw Agedhorse's response. Swell. I just took a shot of the one that came with the Shuttle >

View attachment 1175461


That doesn't look like the one that comes with it, you think? Interesting.

(Edit> i know my nails need a re-do, so lets not even derail it there :p )
Click to expand...
No, that cable did not come with your Shuttle originally. It will work fine, but be kind of stiff and unwieldy with small, lightweight amps.
 
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#18
BadExample said:
Not always the case, my friend. It depends on the thickness of the wires insulation as well as the outer jacket,
Click to expand...

the wire is 14 awg, nothing to do with the insulation
it's a larger diameter than 18 awg & this is indeed always the case

insulation matters, but my statement still stands correct
 
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#19
BadExample said:
Not always the case, my friend. It depends on the thickness of the wires insulation as well as the outer jacket, as Andy said. Probably usually the case on provided power cords, but really should look at the rating stamped into it or RTFM if replacing. You are right on erring on the larger gauge is the better way to go if unsure.
Click to expand...

Correct, the jacket thickness has nothing to do with conductor gauge.

In this case, there is zero practical benefit to using a 14 gauge conductor compared with an 18 gauge conductor i.e. To the short length and low current draw. The difference is way to the right of the decimal point.
 
#20
Killed_by_Death said:
the wire is 14 awg, nothing to do with the insulation
it's a larger diameter than 18 awg & this is indeed always the case

insulation matters, but my statement still stands correct
Click to expand...
Sorry, I wasn't 100% clear, it's a combination of the gauge of the wire + insulation + jacket that determines the outside diameter of the cable. So a thicker assembled cable is not always containing thicker conductors inside. Yes, the lower gauge is thicker wire, and that usually doesn't hurt to have some overkill, except for weight and maybe stiffness depending on the construction.
 
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