Need a new mains cable for my power supply

[PC-4LIFE]

I'm making a wall build and the nearest outlet is further away than my current cable for power supply can reach.

So I need to buy a 3m cable, there are plenty on amazon and other stores but I'm worried about compatibility and quality.

Are there qualities to the cable or can I just pick up any cable? Will they all work assuming they are UK socket compatible?

 

[Eximo]

For a 3 meter power cable you will want to go with a larger wire (lower gauge) to avoid losses and excess heating. But really that all depends on the power draw. If you are under 500W, almost any cable is good.

 

[PC-4LIFE]

For a 3 meter power cable you will want to go with a larger wire (lower gauge) to avoid losses and excess heating. But really that all depends on the power draw. If you are under 500W, almost any cable is good.

Thanks.
My PSU is an EVGA G2 550w so I'll need that bigger cable I guess.
How can I tell how big a wire is though? The cords I'm looking at online list their length, voltage and amperage only.

 

[Eximo]

No your 550W watt supply doesn't draw 500W unless it is needed, what is the actual load from the system? Should be significantly less then 550W or you should have purchased a larger supply.

Sometimes you can zoom in on the pictures and read the rating on the wire itself. If they don't tell you, then they don't know and are probably a cheap manufacturer.

Only cables to absolutely avoid are where they have shield part of the ground plug. That isn't correct for UK power plugs.

If I had to pick from say Amazon I would go with this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MainCore-Kettle-Monitor-Mains-Available/dp/B075MDMDLC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1530023341&sr=8-8&keywords=computer+power+cable+3m

I can't quite make out the text on the cable, but it certainly looks beefier than the ones that are half the price.

 

[madmatt30]

3m 10amp extender here for a fiver.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Extension-Cable-female-C13-C14/dp/B000KTQI4I/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1530025508&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=computer+power+cable+3m

Will be absolutely fine for your use.

 

[Eximo]

Only use an extension if you have to is my suggestion. Less losses and you don't have a big lump in the middle where the two connectors are. If this is to be a semi-permanent installation anyway.