I am an European, so I am not sure if that matters.
All I know is that I need a cable with the right amp or wattage throughput capability. Our cables are named as 3×1.5, 3×2.5, 3×3.5 etc, I guess that is 3 cords that are 1.5 cm thick, 2.5 cm thick, etc..
So I have heard the following and wanted to debunk it if its a myth. If let say an appliance of mine uses a 3×1.5 cable which has max 4 KW throughput, do I need a thicker extension cable than the original cable that this appliance use? Or I am good with the same one as long as the capacity of the cable is higher than the appliance itself.
It seems very pointless to me, but it makes me anxious when using random extension cords on higher wattage units like oil radiators and washing machines, as I never find them thicker then the appliance cable itself.
Best Answer
Basically yes — as the extending cable should be the same or higher in capacity to limit the losses which get turned into heat.
It does depend on the distance — so it may be safer, more sensible and convenient to fit a new supply point where the device is to be used.
As for the sizes, the 3 * 1.5 is three cores or wires of 1.5mm2 in cross sectional area — most in industry just tend to say 1.5 or 2.5 and don’t mention the units as everybody knows... they should, of course, mention the units but ...
As for not finding extension cables that thick - they are obviously not common and are usually made specially as necessary - I have made a few in the past.