Jeff,
Nope, no hanging curve ball. If the romex is properly terminated at the panel and the outlet (if the outlet is not the dime-store variety), very little impulse current is being "lost". That said, a dedicated 30 amp circuit (no branch lines) with 10 gauge wire will measure better when pulsed than a common branched circuit with 14 gauge wire.
That wasn't my point, however. The point was, that whatever the peak-current measurement is at the outlet is a relative constant. If you place a common 14 gauge or 16 gauge power cord between the outlet and measurement device, there is up to a 53% drop in available peak current versus a 12 gauge, crimped and soldered power cord with decent connectors.
Inexpensive ways to improve peak-current availability include installing a 20A or 30A dedicated line --or two (a separate one for amps). Use a better grade of outlet, such as a Hubbel 5362 ( $25) because they use FAR superior, heavy gauge contact area compared to the tiny metal contacts in the $3 hardware-special models. Have your electrician tighten your main and breakers once every five years as they tend to vibrate loose over time. And yes, consider and test alternatives to stock power cords. In fact, if the electrician hasn't tightened your breakers, have them do that and you should "hear" what I'm referring to without ever having to dirty your hands with an aftermarket power cord...
I'm not interested in on-line argument. I just wanted to add some information to be considered alongside all the "it's all a world wide conspiracy and hoax" comments.
Regards,
Grant
Shunyata Research
