Home Cable Asylum

Interconnects, speaker wire, power cords. Ask the Cable Guys.

Re: Questions re: UL Approval and Power Cables

Over the years I have had failures in UL-listed appliance power cords either at the point where the cord enters the appliance or at the junction of the cord and molded plug. Does this mean that in cases where I cut off the offending plugs and installed new ones (DIY) that I suddenly have a non-UL listed cord on my appliance ? How is this now much different from if I had made up my own power cord ? Why does Home Depot et al sell male and female plugs, sockets and raw power cable ? Aren't they encouraging the public to risk having their insurance claims denied because they DIYed a power cord. My view is that the majority of high-end PCs I have seen and examined exceed the current requirements of the equipment with which they are used. That 9 gauge power cord on my amp is overkill for its 1,500 watt (12.5 amps) total power consumption. I don't see it overheating and causing a fire under any circumstances. How many reports have there been of high-end or DIY power cords causing fires ? Personally, I would worry about other potential causes. Do as I do and install AFCI breakers. Any arcing in a handmade cord should cause the breaker to open.




This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Amplified Parts  


Follow Ups Full Thread
Follow Ups


You can not post to an archived thread.