Plugging computer into cord extension

[ikmal2129]

Is it safe to connect computer directly into cord extension? My extension labelled max to 5AMP , Does 5Amp enough to power up my computer? also, I only plug my computer to that extension

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Depends on the computer and what voltage power you're running. At 240V, you won't get to 5A.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

At 115 volts, 5 amps is good for about 575 watts. At 220 volts, your 5 amps will yield you approximately 1100 watts. You should be able to do the math and decide for yourself.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

You're forgetting power factor, though. A cheap PSU with no PFC will have about twice as much apparent power as real power, and it's the apparent that matters to cabling.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

Was your statement about forgetting aimed at moi? I made no statements about his power supply, just that his cord is rated for loads up to a certain wattage. The efficiency of his PSU is entirely irrelevant. What matters is that the amperage passing through the cord does not exceed the 5 amp rating for safety.

 

[ikmal2129]

this is my psu http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=248&area=en

and i think im running at 240v, so that mean it safe?

 

[Someone Somewhere]

@OP: You're fine.

@bigpinkdragon286: I didn't say efficiency. I said power factor.

There's a difference between VA and W on AC loads, and that difference depends on the power factor.

EDIT: The cord would be rated for 1100VA or 575VA, but with a low power factor PSU that could mean only ~400W plug load, before you take efficiency into account.

 

[ikmal2129]

Ok thanks all for reply my question

 

[aldan]

the cord means nothing,its the same as plugging in to an outlet.i take it you are in europe as you are running 240v? unless it is a really cheap extension cord it will power the computer just fine. what i am saying is that the extension cord has nothing to do with the efficiency of the psu as long as it can deliver enough current which it can.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Only issue is that, were the person in the US, it's possible that there would be more than the rated 5A.

Extension cords tend to get quite warm when overloaded, especially if it's partially coiled up.

 

[aldan]

if he is running 240v he is not in the U.S. 240v is mostly in europe so heres the math.double the voltage half the amperage.so a 10a 120v service here will be a 240v 5a service there.and further to that no computer ive ever seen in a home draws more than the 10a or the breaker would blow.this debate is over.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Yeah, I know that. But that conversation started before he revealed that.

And FYI, I'm in a 230V area (NZ). Breakers are commonly 20A; you'd need several to blow one.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

Heck, I've seen as many as four computer running on a breaker without blowing, yet the outlet was nice and warm. Not everybody feels the cord for heat before a problem occurs.

 

[aldan]

wow,i forgot about this thread.i musta been real cranky that day.LOL