Which power cable do I need for my new PSU?

Jul 5, 2018
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Hi,

I just got an EVGA Supernova 1600w psu, assuming it used the same kettle lead mains cable as my old PSU, but the connection is bigger and the pins are vertical instead of horizontal. I'm having trouble finding which connection/cable I need (the evga website says 1800mm, but gives no more info), does anyone know what I should be looking for?

Thanks,

Ash
 
Solution
You are correct, they are different plugs.

C13 / C14 plugs are usually used for power supplies and monitors and referred to as "kettle plug" (even though kettles use a different plug). They are rated for a max of 10 Amps, which is 1200W on 120V input.

Since the EVGA 1600 is rated higher than 1200W on 120V input, it needs a cable with a higher current rating. It used C19/C20 plugs, which are rated for 16A (1920W).

This would also mean the PSU needs atleast 83.3% efficiency at 100% load to not exceed the cables ratings, which it does.

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/evga-supernova-1600-t2-psu,5414-2.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320
You are correct, they are different plugs.

C13 / C14 plugs are usually used for power supplies and monitors and referred to as "kettle plug" (even though kettles use a different plug). They are rated for a max of 10 Amps, which is 1200W on 120V input.

Since the EVGA 1600 is rated higher than 1200W on 120V input, it needs a cable with a higher current rating. It used C19/C20 plugs, which are rated for 16A (1920W).

This would also mean the PSU needs atleast 83.3% efficiency at 100% load to not exceed the cables ratings, which it does.

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/evga-supernova-1600-t2-psu,5414-2.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320
 
Solution
In the US, most household circuits are rated at 15A. The exceptions being kitchen, bathroom, dining room and occasionally the master bedroom which are 20A rated. A 15A plug has parallel vertical prongs and works in a 15 or 20A socket. A 20A plug has an offset prong |- and only works in a 20A socket. This is done to prevent overloading of circuits.

With that 1600w monster psu, you'll need the correct circuitry as adapting it's cable to fit a lower rated circuit means you'll turn on the bedroom light and the pc possibly shuts down or suffers brown out conditions if taxed hard due to things like mining.