Electronics PSU cable extension question

[OgreArtist]

Situation:
I am installing a 900watt PSU in my custom build case, but its actually going in the front of the machine. So what I did was take the Female plug end from an old 400 watt PSU, and I will install that in the case wall itself.

Between that and the actual PSU, I will run a segment of another power cable(from a 400 watt supply). I cut the wall prong end off the old cable and exposed the three wires. They are AWG 18ga conductors. The end that plugs into the PSU itself remains unchanged.

The trimmed end will be soldered to the inside terminals of the older plug. I'll probably shield it as well as shrink wrap it. So this means I wont have to chop the guts on my new PS unit. I will just run the heavy 900watt AC cord from the wall to the case, and the cable inside the case will attach to the 900w PSU.

The Question:
Is that 18ga wire heavy enough? Would you try to source a 16 or 14 gauge cable for this?

[bulldogjeff]

2 questions for you..Have you cut the wires yet because you can buy proper extension leads for what you need. And how far have you got to extend the cable. The reason I ask is that if you can't find one on line I've got one laying about that you can have, depending what part of the planet you live on of course.

[OgreArtist]

That would be alright.

The cord I chopped was a nearly discarded one from an ancient machine. It wont be missed. I went and bought a 14ga replacement cord locally, though I could return it if your idea is more elegant.

The extension would need to be no more than 24 inches or 60 centimeters if you prefer.

Based on this product: http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/12-200-426CVF-S01?$S640$ I would say that cutting a cord will be more elegant. Is this what you have or something else?



I live in Alberta Canada. You can contact me by private message or just reply here I guess.

[bulldogjeff]

I'm in The UK so might not be cost effective to send it. I'll see if i can find a link . What it actually does is fit into the back of the pc so it looks like a standard kettle lead and then it just connects to the PSU the normal way.

[SuicideNeil]

essentially like that, only with a couple mouting holes/ tabs either side of the female plug so that it can be mounted to the chassis in-place of the normal socket on the PSU.

Just search for 'psu extension lead'.

[Fingers66]

It is called a C14 panel mounted male IEC connector.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_con...C14_connectors



I found this in Canada but no image, double check before buying: http://ca.digikey.com/1/3/iec-320-c1...eneral-purpose

[OgreArtist]

Originally Posted by Fingers66

Thank for searching.

Yup. Thats what I took off my old powersupply - unless its integrated with a cable?

[Fingers66]

Originally Posted by OgreArtist

Thank for searching.

Yup. Thats what I took off my old powersupply - unless its integrated with a cable?

The link I posted above to Digikey seems to list ones that you solder to a cable. They are cheap enough at under $2 each.

Edit: I've just re-read your original post. I think as long as the wire is rated for the volts & amps of your PSU you should be fine. If it was me, I would make it a little heavier than needed just to be safe.

I'm not an electrician so I can't be any more help, sorry.