28 Jan
2002
28 Jan
'02
3:37 p.m.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Duell" <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2002 06:02 PM
Subject: Re: Need source for high current HP type (with dimple) 14 or 16AWG
I have an adapter to hook a 20A recpt to the service drop coming from the
pole... Quite handy at times. :)
One thing bothers me, though. From what I can see, the
contacts in the 6A
(normal) and 10A (hot condition) connectors are the same. Same size, same
surface area. So why one type has a higher rating that the other is a
mystery.
I may be able to shed some light on this subject. It appears that the grade
of a recepticle (now, that _can't_ be spelled right!) is based in part on
how tight the device pinches down on the prongs of the plug. Perhaps a
similar rating is being applied to the cord ends?
I've head it said that in fact both connectors are good to at least 10A,
but that the normal one is normally wired with 6A cable. But why the
_connector_ rating is determined by the cable I've not figured out.
<USA>
It's the cordset as a whole that's limited by the lowest rating of it's
parts. Use 14 AWG and by the NEC it's limited to 15 amps, even if it had a
30 amp cord end on it. It might be possible to get IEC cord ends and roll
your own with something like #12 wire.
</USA>
Also in common usage is a "hot to cold
cable" :&) I'm sure everyone here
can figure that one out.
Hmmm... the 10A socket (cable mounted part) is designed to fit into the
6A plug (chassis mounted part). And obviously that should be safe.
An adapter going the other way, to allow devices with 10A plugs to be
used with 6A cables sounds to be a rather dangerous thing...
-tony
Bob