1 Aug
2001
1 Aug
'01
7:46 a.m.
Certainly in the US. Typical branch circuits are 15 or
20A at a nominal
115V (although voltages between 110 and 130 are common, largely as a
function of how the single phase was derived). The NEC doesn't >consider
the fact that a given appliance that's plugged into such a >branch circuit
may have an attached cord that is rated at less that >the rating of the
branch to be an issue; it simply requires that in >the absence of a
overcurrent that the rating of the cord match be >appropriate for the
current draw of the appliance.
You sure about that?
From what I understand, every conductor must be capable
of carrying a
current greater than the breaker that protects it. Otherwise, the
cord would
be the first thing thing to fail in a overcurrent situation. This would
present a very significant fire danger.
Even the cheapest kitchen appliances have fairly heavy power cords. It's not
because they draw a lot of current or the manufacturers are generous, it's
because the fuses / breakers in your kitchen have a higher amperage rating
than in other places in the home. So, those appliances must have heavier
cords to offer protection.
SteveRob
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