Not all power cords are created equal. Yowser!

[PHC1]

This power cord was one of the stock power cords for an audio piece. I have no way of knowing which since I have a whole bunch of them from all the years I've been in the hobby. I was using it on my LiPo battery charger I use for my radio control hobby. I was charging at around 11 amps total between a few battery packs when I heard a pop in my hobby room. I came running in and found my chargers dead. Upon further investigation, this power cord somehow overheated and shorted. The two sections of the power cord were fused together where they were touching. Luckily it simply opened up internally and did not catch on fire but this event did not even trip a breaker for the outlet!

What can I say, not all power cords are created equal and my amperage draw was less than a typical outlet can deliver. I found a heavier gauge power cord I will use from now on for the battery chargers.

[Cohibaman]

Like a built in fuse/fire starter. Good thing you were around!

[PHC1]

Mystery solved during closer inspection. The power cord was rated for 10 amps only. Mental note, always check! I was drawing more than 10 amps so it is my own fault for not checking. Must have been a power cord from one of the digital audio products.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I have no way of knowing which since I have a whole bunch of them from all the years I've been in the hobby.

Serge, for what it’s worth, I find it a good idea to label OEM power cords so I know what they came from, just in case. Also makes it easier when I sell something to pack in the original cord.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Serge, for what it’s worth, I find it a good idea to label OEM power cords so I know what they came from, just in case. Also makes it easier when I sell something to pack in the original cord.

Yes good idea. Lately I’ve just been leaving the factory power cords in the box so they don’t get lost or mixed up

[Questortapes74]

Glad you are ok Serge. I find that stock power cords can be extremely unreliable over the years. Many times I have found the PVC type cords beginning to decompose in which I was not comfortable in any degree to use further. The wife and I when we first got married had an old “hand me down” Kirby model vacuum cleaner probably 20 to 30 years old with an attached power cord with fabric insulation. The cord easily outlasted the vacuum itself. When possible I try to avoid the stock rubberized PVC power cords for safety reasons.

Regards