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10, 15, 20A?
in Audio Talk
I'm confused. What's the difference between power plugs/cables rated at these different amperages? The actual "interface" is always the same. (Isn't it?)
Comments
The interface is different between a 10 amp plug and a 15/20 amp plug. Earth pin is bigger on the latter. But in every case, cable size is different. Even so it's not uncommon to find a 10 amp lead with 15 amp cable (claimed). The last 15 amp lead I bought appears to have 20 amp rated cable...
Hi Seano OK I got it now. I never even knew there were different interfaces. Seems that 15A has a bigger earth pin, and 20A also has bigger power pins. So you can plug e.g. a 10A plug into a 15A or 20A socket, but not vice versa.
Seems there are 25A and 32A types as well.
Correct.
The 25 and 32 amp single phase plugs are industrial grade and very different to normal domestic/light industrial three pins.
32A gpo & 6mm cable for the stereo
Mal, what's on the other end of the cord you plug into that? A massive powerboard?
A couple of custom power boards . Once the iso tranny in place there could be other options .
I need to talk to you. We need to get our main powerboard replaced and I was wondering about ("while we are at it"...) putting in a couple of extra dedicated "A/V" circuits. Sounds like you already did it.
I put a single 32A circuit in for the stereo .
I got that
I'm wondering what I should ask the contractor about the rest of it 
I was thinking of asking if they could put in a new circuit to the main powerboard with like 12 10A points on the wall and with a single breaker/switch right there next to them. But I'm afraid I would be speaking a different language. The single high power outlet with separate board might work better.
I can assure you that, even with that request, your sparky will look at you like some kind of alien (or potential drug dealer).
Would you need a 120A single breaker to be able to run 12 x 10A lines back to it .
Do you want to do this so there's no chance of ground loops .
Best to work out how much current draw the stereo gear is pulling at full out put . Then if you can go with a single circuit back to the board .
Send of a pm to 125dbmonster ( Matt ) on SNA . He'll be able to work out what you want . Even get him to join this forum .
Ha! No I don't think 120A is required! I'm just trying to figure out how best to get rid of this total mish-mash of powerboards and do things most sensibly. Since the main powerboard has to be replaced anyway, it seems to make sense to put in a new dedicated circuit at the same time. I like the idea of putting in a high power outlet(s), then the Class 2 electrician can install that so as not to complicate that quote, and I can try to find someone who can do the powerboard.
The one elec should be able to do the new main board & all circuits . mine did ?
The only thing my elec didn't do was the 3 phase connection from the street to the hockey stick ,he connected the meter board .