Are Power Chord Specifications Important?
Are Power Chord Specifications Important?
I need a fresh power chord for my PC. My Thermalright Toughpower GF A3 1050w PSU is the model. I've contacted Thermalright but haven't received a response yet. I've looked on Amazon and Newegg, but there are many choices available. Should I consider the specifications when purchasing a new one? Specifically, the amp rating and voltage requirements? AWG sizes, etc. Could you suggest some places to buy it?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Thermaltake doesn't make PSU's... you meant Thermaltake and I hope you've sent an email to Thermaltake, not Thermalright.
Just purchase the exact cable set for your PSU, rather than buying cables with similar connectors, since not all PSUs have the same pinout. 17~18AWG is the recommended gauge if you want to make your own cables with the correct connectors.
Yes, I meant Themaltake.
Regarding the AC power chord that connects to the wall, I assumed it would be obvious when I mentioned the "POWER" chord. All other (CABLES) are not power chords—they are cables. I haven’t heard it referred to as a PCIe chord or a SATA chord? What about you?
See if you can locate something with a gauge at 18 or lower, according to length, to go from the wall to the power supply. This absolutely does matter. It is a direct correlation between power hungry computers and such as using power tools on a long cord. You cannot run a circular saw on the same thin gauge wire that Christmas lights would be fine on.
In my own case I not only upgraded the outlet that my main battery backup is plugged into, but due to the layout constraints I selected large gauge wire plug strips and/or extension cords. I also upgraded the breaker for that one outlet. My home has a basement/crawl and quite opportune that the AC unit had to be replaced, and a new circuit ran where the old one was left in place and able to be repurposed.
Thank you,
The ones I discovered on Amazon are typically 18 gauge but include amps and volts. Does this affect the choice based on the PSU I have? Would you know the appropriate amps and volts to seek for a 1050 watt PSU?
Yeah, you're right about Thermaltake. I've been joking about that wall AC power chord for years. It's the one that connects to the wall, not the ones linking to the motherboard.
In most US homes, wall outlets are being converted to "120VAC15A" standards. The 15A rating connects to the breaker in standard outlets and matches the gauge of Romex wire used. Some may have 20A, but this usually applies when a bigger appliance is planned for that breaker. The label on your power source should clearly indicate what it powers and assist in choosing the right size.
The amperage is definitely important. I've noticed IEC cables rated for as little as 3A, all the way up to the typical 13A in my British standard country.
Look at the connector for any signs of current and voltage ratings – both the AC side and the IEC side.
Search through your old equipment and locate the largest amp you can handle (15A for USA's NEMA 5-15) – that way, you can safely use any device with that connector.
The voltage rating is somewhat relevant but not crucial; it mainly depends on the standard, design, and local electrical codes. If you purchase an AC power cable in a country using 125V NEMA (like the USA), you won't find a cable rated for 250V. Plus, finding stores that sell power cables following other countries' standards is unlikely to be an issue.