I’m going to get 25 foot power cables for my JBL EON 715 speakers – they take IEC C13, regular computer cables. Looks like the speakers draw 1300 peak, 650 continuous.
The only ones that Monoprice seems to have in stock are 18 AWG (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5278), which seem to show 1250W.
Will that actually be OK? Is 18 AWG sufficient for 25 foot cables? Or, should I look for another vendor?
ETA: looks like Amazon might have the 14AWG (one from Monoprice, one from CableLeader(?). Do I need to spring for the extra copper?
18 AWG is a bit thin for that much power. I’d go with 14.
I looked at the spec sheet, and indeed it says 1300 watts peak, 650 watts continuous. I am assuming that’s the power going to the speaker, and not the power from the wall outlet.
The 1300 watt rating doesn’t tell us much, since dynamic power can be delivered to the speaker by the capacitors. So let’s assume worst case that 650 watts is being continuously delivered to the speaker by the internal power amp. The power from the wall outlet must be more than this, obviously. But we don’t know the efficiency of the amp. So let’s just assume 1000 watts of power is supplied by the outlet when 650 watts is being delivered to the speaker continuously. A power cord that uses 18 AWG wires has a resistance of 6.385 mΩ per foot. The length is 50 ft (25 ft X 2), and thus the total resistance would be 0.319 Ω. At 1000 watts, the current would be 8.33 amps (assuming 120 VAC). This is O.K. for an 18 AWG power cord from a safety perspective. The voltage at the speaker unit would be 2.66 V less than whatever the voltage is at the outlet. (If the outlet is 120 VAC, the voltage at the speaker unit would be 117.3 V.) This is probably O.K.
No disagreement with me. Whenever I buy power cords or extension cords, I tend to buy a larger gauge than what my load calls for. The cost isn’t that much higher, plus I might later on use the cord for a load that does require the larger gauge. Plus the larger gauge extension cords tend to be made better, and have better connectors.
So while an 18 AWG power cord is fine for these speakers, if it were me, I would probably bump it up to at least 16 AWG if such a cable can be found. (I haven’t looked, but I am assuming long IEC power cords are sorta rare.) Another idea is to use 25 ft extension cords, along with standard length 18 AWG or 16 AWG power cords. But the OP would definitely want the extension cords to be 16 AWG at a minimum.
A heavier cord will also be tougher, assuming you are using these speakers on stage.
Here’s a 25’ 14AWG power cord:
CableLeader 25ft 14 AWG Universal Power Cord IEC320 C13 to NEMA 5-15P, Extension Power Cord, Compatible with Computers, Monitors, Printers & TVs, Black, Pack of 1 Amazon.com
Do like those better than the Monoprice? They do look a little more sturdy.
Wouldn’t Home Depot or Lowes have suitable cords?
The OP isn’t looking for extension cords. The OP is looking for long cables that have a standard 120 VAC plug on one end (NEMA 5-15P) and a “computer receptacle” on the other end (IEC C13). A long, AC cable for a computer, essentially. They exist, but are kinda rare.
OK, sorry. Yes, those cables are a little harder to find.
Though even that type of cord can be ordered from Home Depot for ship to store.
I bought 2 of the CableLeader ones – I like the look of the end plugs better than Monoprice. I know I’m shallow.
I just earned $50 for a gig on Friday (it was at a club I’m a member of, so I told the rest of the band not to pay me for playing bass, but they paid me something anyway because they used my JBLs). So, that almost pays for the more expensive ones anyway.
Thanks for the advice and help!