Need to buy new power cords for my DJ Set up what Gage should they be and what kind of cord reel do you guys use an any toher power cord suggestions you have.
Extension cord question
- Thread starter Ben Auletta
- Start date
Depends on what you intend for their use. Amp and total system cables are suggested at 12 gauge. Smaller amp draws can be 14 . Anything smaller is playing with fire (figuratively and literally). I arm wrap and then double sided Velcro the coils which are never longer than 50'. Tried many different types of reels and all are cumbersome or bulky or both.
Extension Cord Length Maximum Amperage Wire Gauge
25 10 18
25 13 16
25 15 14
50 5 18
50 10 16
50 15 14
75 5 18
75 10 16
75 15 14
100 5 16
100 15 12
25 10 18
25 13 16
25 15 14
50 5 18
50 10 16
50 15 14
75 5 18
75 10 16
75 15 14
100 5 16
100 15 12
I have one of the extension cords on a reel. It's easy to wind and the only thing i don't like about it is that it takes up a lot of space with the extra hardware involved.
I also went a little overboard when I purchased 10 gauge 50 footer. That's a heavy and cumbersome ext. cord to carry around. But it's good when the nearest outlet is 50 or more feet away (connect more ext cables if needed and tie them so they won't disconnect).
I also went a little overboard when I purchased 10 gauge 50 footer. That's a heavy and cumbersome ext. cord to carry around. But it's good when the nearest outlet is 50 or more feet away (connect more ext cables if needed and tie them so they won't disconnect).
Please learn to wrap the cords - power, speaker and XLR - the correct way!
They will last much longer and not be as prone to problems if you use the "arm over elbow" method.
They will last much longer and not be as prone to problems if you use the "arm over elbow" method.
Anything under 20' and 14ga is fine. Up to 100', then use 12ga .. preferable SOOW. Longer than 100', even if you're plugging one into another, best to use 10ga, unless you have a very low draw load. Voltage drops over distance. I have one 150' 10ga cable .. all other extension cables are 12ga SOOW or SJOOW. IEC cords are a mix of 14 and 12 ga.
I got one custom made from an electrical shop. It has 1.5 sq mm tricore wires inside. I use this to power my laptop , traktor controller and 1 1500 watts 18 inch jbl prx 718 subwoofer. I use a powerstrip for my tops and another one for lights. I use different main power outlets for each extension
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I do find it harder to find all black 12 ga. premade cords these days.
I've been making cables to order for over 45 years. Let me know what you need.
That is good to know! Do you have a website or just do it on the side?I've been making cables to order for over 45 years. Let me know what you need.
