Everyone here is familiar with the detachable power cords which come with desktop computers, printers, etc.
Can these cords all handle the same amperage? If so what is it? If not what is the range?
Thanks.
The standard for these is IEC 60320. This standard covers a wide variety of power cords. The computer style is C13 and C14 (C13 for the cord side of the connector and C14 for the computer side).
The spec says they should be able to handle 10 amps. There are definitely some that are heavier duty than others, though, and I would be surprised if some of the thin wire cheapies actually met the 10 amp spec. Some of the heavier ones can probably handle up to 15 amps.
The amperage will be noted on the mains plug. Some are rated for 3 Amps, some for 5, and some for 13. At least in the U.K.; I don’t know about elsewhere.
The UK is special in that there is a fuse in the plug, and the cord need only be rated to this lower current.
But, as above, there is a standard, and the usual IEC plug you see is rated at 10 amps, and in general the entire cord should also be so rated. There is a 15 amp version, but it isn’t the same size or shape (clearly a close relative with horizontal rather than vertical pins - and you see that on servers.) The IEC 60320 standard runs from C1 to C24 (odd numbers are plugs, even sockets) from light duty figure 8 cabling up to the 15 amp. The standard specifies the thickness of the conductor, so should prevent light duty cables ever appearing on the wrong plug.
What I have been mystified with is that that some C14 ended cables are rated at 15amps for North American use - which is likely a result of 110v power. We used to see huge numbers of these clearly more bulky and heavier cables with US made computers. Not so much now. (Possibly because I haven’t bought a US made computer in years.)