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15 amp vs 20 amp difference?

Been wondering about this for a while, some power conditioners (Shunyata in particular) and other equipment spec. to use a 20 amp power cord. What is the physical difference between the two? Would the plugs for iec and male input be different and not fit into the regular outlets (ie like the Oyaide GXS or PS Audio Ultimate or do they require a different type specifically just for 20 amp usage? I do realize the amp rating (that they'd draw) between the two would be different. Your help would help to further edudate me, Thanks.
rsjm80
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
The blades of a standard 20A IEC receptacle are horizontal(http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=110-429), those of a 15A are vertical(http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=110-432). The IEC plugs will not interchange. If you are asking about wall outlets and AC plugs; the basic configuration is also different for 20A and 15A(125V), a true 20A plug will have one horizontal blade(Nema 5-20), and a 20A outlet a dual-use(15 or 20A) slot.(http://www.elect-spec.com/nema_plgsokt.htm)
rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Rodman99999, Thank you! I have never known (or investigated the differences before and your inclusion of the websight and the pictures that were provided helped to make all perfectly clear now for me. Thank you again for your help. :)
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
No problem. =8^)
nikturner920
144 posts
 
Seems to be common on the Shunyata products to use a 20amp IEC and the use a 15A AC plug with just the vertical plugs on the other end.

Just make sure that the cable you want to use is rated for 20A, not that you would usually ever draw that much current.
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
I've never actually seen a 20A audio power cord with a true 20A plug. I just recently bought a 20A ZU Mother, and it had a 15A Wattgate plug.
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