1ft extension cord comparison

[Biggerboot]

I came across both of these listings that I'm considering to save some room on my APC UPS.  Is there a reason to consider the more expensive brand?  They're rated the same.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KBJGTP/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A26OASPQYU1JXQ

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CDVX330/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A99MZGWBBIGK9

[mariushm]

I wouldn't trust them, I would make my own or buy some more "brand name".

The ones linked seem to be both Chinese made, with minimal certifications, so you can't be sure of the quality. They say the cable is thick, AWG16, but you don't know if it's copper or if it's some crap steel wire, or aluminum or aluminum coated in copper (it affects resistance of the wire and how warm the cable will get during use, for such short distance it may not matter much but still...

 

Here's a selection from a reputable distributor of electronic components, for ready made cables with the at least the female socket NEMA-5-15 (the most common wall socket you guys have in us, rated for 125v 15A) : https://www.digikey.com/short/j91nfm

 

An alternative would also be to buy ready made PC power cables, since they're made in huge volume and they're standardized you can easily buy quality ones at low price, and then you can buy from any electric store the actual plugs with female end since those are also mass produced ... you simply cut the power cord to your length, strip a bit of insulation from all three wires, and screw the wires into the connector you buy...

[Biggerboot]

41 minutes ago, mariushm said:

 

Here's a selection from a reputable distributor of electronic components, for ready made cables with the at least the female socket NEMA-5-15 (the most common wall socket you guys have in us, rated for 125v 15A) : https://www.digikey.com/short/j91nfm

Overall I do appreciate the info but most of the stuff we have for consumers are the made in china stuff.  Even Tripp Lite's extension cables are made in China (good products though), and General Cable doesn't really make the type of thing I'm looking for (the two manufacturers on that list).

If my stuff was really high wattage I'd consider that option.

EDIT: I think I actually may be wrong on what I said about Tripp Lite.  Their stuff is on Amazon so I'll see if that's do-able.

[TVwazhere]

Monoprice also has these

 

https://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022802

 

Ironically the 1ft is $1.50, but the 3ft is $0.97

[Biggerboot]

7 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

Monoprice also has these

 

https://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022802

 

Ironically the 1ft is $1.50, but the 3ft is $0.97

On my side it comes up a bit pricier + shipping.  Whatever I end up buying is probably going to be on Amazon Prime.

[Biggerboot]

49 minutes ago, TimsTips said:

I think you guys are overthinking this. I have loads of cheap power cables and they have been perfect. I doubt you will find aluminum wires, but even if you did it’s not a big deal. Keep in mind that the wires running to your house are aluminum. As long as the connections are rated for it, it’s fine.

 

Some will even say that you need high strand count wires because the power flows better, which is technically correct, but I don’t think it matters for this type of application.

I compromised half way and got myself one extension cord from Tripplite which will be used for the router connecting to my UPS - I wanted to be safe with the UPS since it has to get clean current readings, and everything connected to it is powered on constantly.  Likely it's still overkill but it'll be useful anyway.

I still got the cheaper of the 5 packs I linked earlier which will be used on my entertainment system's power strip and probably various other outlets in my house.

All together I paid $12