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What makes a 20A IEC rated for 20 amps?

What makes a 20A IEC rated for 20 amps?
I now the blades go in a different direction but are the blades thicker to carry more current?
I ask this because I have a component that I am demoing that has a 20A IEC on the back. I have some pretty pricey power cords available with 15A Furutech NCF fittings. A 20A Furutech replacement 20A IEC connector sell for almost $300! Or I could always use a 20-15A IEC adapter. But that would add a (cheapo) connection.

So how about if I just change the IEC in the unit to a 15A Furutech NCF about $80. Hence the question.

ozzy
128x128ozzy
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,149 posts
 
20A IEC are used to enable a more secure and reliable connection to the component. They do not need to be used with 20A rated plugs (which as you observe have different blade orientation). Any power cord manufacturer can supply a power cord terminated IEC C-19 (20A) with a normal wall plug.

Use of adapters is fine (I have a nice Voodoo one that is very reasonable price and as far as I can tell doesn't harm performance http://voodoocable.net/product/15-amp-to-20-amp-iec-adapter/ but don't go changing the IEC inside the component -- that's just making it a oddball chimera and harming resale
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
3,650 posts
 
bsmg,

That's kind of what I think. As long as the cable can conduct 20A then the connector shouldn't matter. As long as it is of high quality.

folkfreek,

I here you about resale value, but IEC's are relative easy to change, if you can get at them.

ozzy
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Ozzy, I think this is a really great question. I had never even considered it, and I have been in the hobby for 45 years. I can’t answer it, but it seems a totally original, and thoughtful, question that is a respite from all of the repetitive, “Should I buy a turntable?” And “What’s spinnin’?” threads.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
3,650 posts
 
Well it is odd that the male plugs are rated for 15A while the female end can be a 15 or 20A IEC. 
So, does the 20A component chassis mount IEC really matter if its a 20A or 15A as long as the wire used is rated for 20 amps?

ozzy
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,149 posts
 
Ozzy. 99 times out of 100 manufacturers put 20A IEC on their piece for looks, or in belief of a better connection. Few items will ever pull more than 15A and if they do you need a 20A circuit all the way to the breaker

ARC for example use 20A IEC on all of their Ref pre amps but they are all low current draw.  So in this case you could buy an AQ Dragon power cord source version, which is only 16AWG but can be supplied with 20A IEC for use with such a pre amp.
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