niagara 7000 power cord question
 

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the niagara 7000 unit for my system. My 2 channel audio room right now only has 15 amp circuits and outlets. However, I am currently finishing my basement, which will have 20 amp circuits and outlets.

The back of the niagara 7000 unit has a square, 20 A female receptacle for an AC cord.

I was going to buy a 20 A power cord for this since it is the only one it will accept, but my question for you guys is, can I plug in a 20 amp AC cord into a 15 amp outlet safely in the meantime while my basement is getting ready?

niagara 7000 power cord question
 

You won't be able to plug a 20A plug into a 15A receptacle.

Attachment 49070

Attachment 49071

Thanks for your response.

I was reading the AQ Niagara 7000 manual and it says this

"Ideally, the power source to which the Niagara 7000 is connected should be adequate for use at 120V single-phase
nominal voltage, 20 amps (current capacity RMS). However, the Niagara 7000 will operate very well with a 15-amp
service outlet. If the maximum current capacity available is 15 amps, and the system exceeds 15 amps RMS current
capacity, it is possible that there may be nuisance tripping at your electrical service panel. This is not a safety issue;
the electrical panel’s circuit breaker will trip if the maximum current capacity is exceeded.
For proper operation, the Niagara 7000 requires a safety ground (supplied via the power utility AC wall outlet)."


Here is a copy of the manual:

http://www.audioquest.com/wp-content...nual-EN-r1.pdf

Refer to pages 10-11 for the back of the unit. The receptacle for the AC cord looks like a 20 AMP plug, and that's the only type of cord that will fit (15 amp cord wont fit).

Seems like what you are saying is that the 20 amp cord won't physically fit into the 15 amp outlet on the wall because of the horizontally oriented plug, but according to the manual it says that 15 amp outlets will work.

I'm just confused on how this will work.

niagara 7000 power cord question
 

Yes sir, they are correct.

If you get a 20A cord, it will not fit into your 15A outlets. So what I believe they are basically saying is you can use the 7000 with a 15A cord plugged into a 15A outlet. If your total load connected to the 7000 exceeds 15A, your breaker will trip (as it's supposed to). Once you finish your basement with the 20A service (20A breakers, 12AWG wire, and 20A outlets), you can get a 20A cord to take full advantage of the 7000's 20A load capability.

Attachment 49072

Well now I'm confused. I missed the plug on the back of the 7000. It is a 20A as you pointed out. A standard 15A cord won't fit. :umm:

Exactly my dilemma! Only think i can think of is that they make 20 Amp cords that do not have the horizontal part.

I may give AQ a call tomm.

Do they provide a 15A > 20A adapter cord?

No worries - you can order most high end power cords with a 20 amp IEC connector but with a 15 amp AC plug. It's a commonly requested configuration, I have one which I use with my Rowland 625 amp which has a 20 amp IEC power connection.

Not sure if adaptor cord is available. But I figured this out-and my initial suspicion was correct.

Check out Audioquest's pricebook, page 42-43 on the link below:

You'll note that on the higher end power cables you can select a 20 amp cord. On page 43, it shows the different wall plugs as well as the jack that goes into your unit (niagara 7000 in my case). There is a different jack for 15 AMP and a different jack for the 20 AMP, but the wall plug is identical for either current.

I think the horizontal part on the outlet is made so people (or an electrician) can know from a distance that the outlet is a 20 amp circuit.

http://www.audioquest.com/wp-content...05_r15_Web.pdf

Agree with my theory?

audio bill...

I see. But this cord you have is rated to be a 20 amp cord right?

Do you know if Nordost makes these kinds of 20 amp cords (with the 15 amp type wall connection)?