Alpha HC ampere capacity

[chessman]

Rookie question: since Alpha HC is available in 15 amp style termination and in 20 amp style termination, is it safe to assume that the power cable itself is the same and only the plugs differ? I am trying to figure out if I buy 15 amp style now, but upgrade house wiring to 20 amp later, whether using the 15 amp style in a 20 amp circuit is in any way limiting. (I realize that 15 amp plugs fit into 20 amp receptacles.)

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by chessman

Rookie question: since Alpha HC is available in 15 amp style termination and in 20 amp style termination, is it safe to assume that the power cable itself is the same and only the plugs differ? I am trying to figure out if I buy 15 amp style now, but upgrade house wiring to 20 amp later, whether using the 15 amp style in a 20 amp circuit is in any way limiting. (I realize that 15 amp plugs fit into 20 amp receptacles.)

The cable wiring is the same. The cable is more than capable of carrying up to 30A current.

The rating is dependent upon the connectors. The difference between a NEMA 5-15P and a NEMA 5-20P is in pin orientation. The 20A connector has one vertical blade and a horizontal blade. There is no difference in the actual physical capabilities of the connector. This is to prevent a device that MUST have 20A current from being plugged into an outlet only rated for 15A current. It is perfectly OK to plug a 15A AC plug into a 20A rated outlet. That is why the 20A outlet has a vertical and a horizontal slot on the Neutral pin to allow for both a 20A and a 15A connector. The CopperCONN connectors are made with a pure copper base metal as opposed to brass or bronze and can carry more current, safely, than a "normal" plug since it has a lower impedance.

So no problem - go for it. The difference between an Alpha HC 15A and an Alpha HC 20A is at the component end connector not the AC end plug.

A 15A cable uses the standard computer style IEC C15 connector. The 16/20A connector is physically different in size and will not fit a component that was not designed for it. It is the IEC C20 connector that is only used on some power distributors (like the Hydra) that have a true 20A rating and on some power amplifiers.

Understand?

[chessman]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

The cable wiring is the same. The cable is more than capable of carrying up to 30A current. The rating is dependent upon the connectors. The difference between a NEMA 5-15P and a NEMA 5-20P is in pin orientation. The 20A connector has one vertical blade and a horizontal blade. There is no difference in the actual physical capabilities of the connector. This is to prevent a device that MUST have 20A current from being plugged into an outlet only rated for 15A current. It is perfectly OK to plug a 15A AC plug into a 20A rated outlet. That is why the 20A outlet has a vertical and a horizontal slot on the Neutral pin to allow for both a 20A and a 15A connector. The CopperCONN connectors are made with a pure copper base metal as opposed to brass or bronze and can carry more current, safely, than a "normal" plug since it has a lower impedance. So no problem - go for it. The difference between an Alpha HC 15A and an Alpha HC 20A is at the component end connector not the AC end plug. A 15A cable uses the standard computer style IEC C15 connector. The 16/20A connector is physically different in size and will not fit a component that was not designed for it. It is the IEC C20 connector that is only used on some power distributors (like the Hydra) that have a true 20A rating and on some power amplifiers. Understand?

Yes, thanks Caelin. As usual, your explanation is very clear and very helpful.