Check Your Power Cables

delkal · May 31

I finally received all of the parts and made a set of DIY power cables (twisted 12 ga milspec Teflon coated silver plated copper wire for hot and neutral, countertwisted 14 ga copper wire as ground, SonarQuest red copper plugs, and Techflex microfiber nylon sleeving for looks). When I was wiring everything I wanted to make sure I got the polarity and everything correct so I used the old power cables I had for reference. I was surprised what I found! The stock "throw away" cables had MUCH higher resistance than my new finished set.

My mid level digital multi meter reads 0.5 ohms when the leads are shorted and I got the same reading testing my new power cables. But the old power cords I had (and some I had in the basement) read.....

Cord 1- Hot 1.3 ohms , neutral 0.7 ohms ground 5-30 ohms! (and always bouncing around) This one is in the trash can now

Cord 2- Hot 0.7 ohms , neutral 0.8 ohms, ground 1 ohms

Cord 3- Hot 0.7 ohms , neutral 0.6 ohms, ground 0.7 ohms

Cord 4 (2 prong)- Hot 0.7 ohms , neutral 0.6 ohms

All of these old stock cords were plated with something and I would have to rub on the prongs to get the lowest reading. With the new copper connectors as soon as I touched the prongs it would read at my DMM's lowest setting. And plugging them in you can feel the prongs engaging and have to give a slight wiggle to get them seated. Didn't get a chance to listen yet but I have a feeling I will like them.

So check your power cords occasionally. if they read any higher than your shorted DMM you have a problem. Get out the Deoxit or tighten the connections. Or you need an upgrade and throw them away

BlueFox · May 31

It’s a good idea to periodically clean all electrical connections. This includes cleaning the breaker connection on each dedicated AC line, and make sure the AC line on each breaker is tight.

tonyb · June 4

BlueFox wrote: »

It’s a good idea to periodically clean all electrical connections. This includes cleaning the breaker connection on each dedicated AC line, and make sure the AC line on each breaker is tight.

I'll get right on that Bud....not. LOL, you may have a wee bit too much time on your hands now that your retired pal.

motorstereo · June 4

BlueFox wrote: »

It’s a good idea to periodically clean all electrical connections. This includes cleaning the breaker connection on each dedicated AC line, and make sure the AC line on each breaker is tight.

It is a good idea to check things over while you've got the box opened. In my case while installing dedicated 20amp circuits this spring I found an unconnected ground wire on another circuit and a few loose ground connections. I didn't go as far as cleaning the breaker connections but that's not a bad idea.

BlueFox · June 4

Yes. The screws holding the wires to the breaker loosen over time, and should be periodically retightened.

kharp1 · June 4

BlueFox wrote: »

Yes. The screws holding the wires to the breaker loosen over time, and should be periodically retightened.

I recommend a yearly check. Best to get a torque screwdriver and find a good setting and use that setting consistently. Over tightening can be just as bad.

Check Your Power Cables

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Check Your Power Cables

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