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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Hellothere on March 04, 2008, 02:13:00 pm

Title: A/C wire
Post by: Hellothere on March 04, 2008, 02:13:00 pm

What gauge wire should I use to plug the arcade machine in.

Should I use a 14,16, or 18 gauge A/C wire.

Thanks

Title: Re: A/C wire
Post by: MaximRecoil on March 04, 2008, 02:42:39 pm

The AC is normally wired with 18 AWG in an arcade machine. Using larger (14 or 16 AWG) wire won't hurt a thing.

Title: Re: A/C wire
Post by: Hellothere on March 04, 2008, 04:46:28 pm

I'm sorry, but what I meant was the A/C power cord itself.
When I buy the wire with the three prongs on it already do I buy the 14,16, or 18??

Sorry for the confusion.

Title: Re: A/C wire
Post by: shardian on March 04, 2008, 04:51:37 pm

IIRC, a standard PC power cord is 14 gauge. If you are using a PC, this should be fine. I've always noticed that many arcade games appear to have 12 gauge power lines, but they might be replacements at some point.

Title: Re: A/C wire
Post by: MaximRecoil on March 04, 2008, 05:29:10 pm

Quote from: Hellothere on March 04, 2008, 04:46:28 pm

I'm sorry, but what I meant was the A/C power cord itself.
When I buy the wire with the three prongs on it already do I buy the 14,16, or 18??

Sorry for the confusion.

Bob Roberts sells 18 AWG AC line cords (including the PC type with IEC connector) as standard, and 16 AWG as "heavy duty". As long as you get at least 18 AWG you shouldn't have any problems. And remember, with wire, it never hurts to go heavier than what you need—just don't go lighter.

Title: Re: A/C wire
Post by: Hellothere on March 04, 2008, 05:38:54 pm

Thanks for the answers!!

Much appreciated

Title: Re: A/C wire
Post by: SirPeale on March 04, 2008, 06:51:45 pm

Generally, the larger the gauge, the better.  Though 18 is fine, using 16 or 14 would be better.  Wouldn't go much larger than that, though.