AC Power Cord Gauge - Safe to Change?

[Michael Dave]

Hello guys. I need your help/calrifications. I am really noob at this topic.

My current power supply is Seasonic P860 Platinum. It has an 18AWG AC Power cord.

I am planning to make my own, more likely DIY cord. I already have both end connectors and would like to have it sleeved.

My question is, is it safe to use higher gauge wires than the supplied one? Like from 18AWG changed to 14 awg?

You may ask why, but i really find 18 awg too thin even if there are 3 wires in 1 cord.

Really need your advice if it's safe or not? Im not really knowledgeable on 10-15A, 110-220v etc etc

Looking forward to your response. Thank you

 

[drivinfast247]

Yes. Going higher gauge is safe.

 

[Barty1884]

Yes, you can certainly go from an 18AWG to 16 or 14, absolutely.

14AWG is rated for 15A @ 125V ie 1,875W.
https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Computer-IEC-320-C13-P007-003/dp/B00JT0DG94/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540414571&sr=8-3&keywords=14+awg+power+cord

16AWG is 13A @ 125V ie 1,625W.
https://www.primecables.ca/p-314190-cab-5296-all-monoprice-16awg-power-extension-cord-cable-sjt-163c-13a125v-1ft-2ft-3ft-6ft-10ft-15ft-25ft#sku314190

18AWG is rated for 10A @ 125V ie 1,250W
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/15ft-18-awg-universal-power-cord-nema-5-15p-to-iec320c13/6000065102067


So yes, it's perfectly safe (assuming your DIY cord is up to standard, of course).

 

[Michael Dave]

Thank you so much guys, really appreciate it