Circuit protection (was: RE: Latest addition : PDP 11/70)

From: Mike Ford <mikeford_at_socal.rr.com>
Date: Wed Aug 1 15:41:22 2001

>Even the cheapest kitchen appliances have fairly heavy power cords. It's not
>because they draw a lot of current or the manufacturers are generous, it's
>because the fuses / breakers in your kitchen have a higher amperage rating
>than in other places in the home. So, those appliances must have heavier
>cords to offer protection.

Kitchen appliances often DO draw a large current and the guage of wire is
based on what the appliance needs, which is why they have power cords of
various sizes, 12, 14, 16, 18 guage. Don't judge the wire by its cover, fat
wires can have thin conductors. I doubt you will ever see more than 16 awg
on a hand mixer though.

Nothing but 20 amp circuits in my house except for the AC, Dryer, etc.
which have dedicated outlets and most of the time are 220. All the 120 volt
outlets in my house are standard 15 amp, 20 amp uses a slightly different
blade size, but isn't something typical for a kitchen.
Received on Wed Aug 01 2001 - 15:41:22 BST