C15 vs C19?

[Ike1985]

I've got a Chord Dave, MPD8, MPSX and Feliks Envy and I'm looking at upgraded powercord to run from the components --> Shunyata Everest. Cables are availble in C15 or C19, I understand C19 is higher power but seems largely unnecessary for my setup. I dont want to use any adapters either, should I get C15 or C19?

TY
Ike

 

[ssfas]

C19 is a higher temperature rating (16A/240v). My Shunyata units had C19 sockets to connect to the wall socket. We have fused 13A sockets and C15 are safe, but could warm up. The Everest is rated for 16A (UK) and 20A (US) output. If you have a component drawing more than 10A (perhaps 12A or 13A in the US?), C19 might be preferable.

At the end of the day, these plugs have IEC ratings and you just need to know the maximum current draw of the appliance and then use the appropriate plug. If it's supplied with C15, then C15 should be safe. Maybe that's wishful thinking. My most powerful component has an 8AT fuse on the power inlet, will blow almost immediately the draw exceeds 8A, so C15 is always going to be safe, my Puritan conditioner is limited to 10A per socket, but also uses a C19 outlet to the wall so clearly is designed to draw more than 10A. A 13A fuse will not blow even with a constant current draw of 20A.

So on second thoughts you should also look at the fuse protection of the component as the fuse may blow long before a C15 plug overheats.

 

[djsina2]

Google IEC plug types and look at the chart. They are not the same. You need to get whatever your device is setup for on the inlet.

 

[microstrip]

The current rating will also depend on the quality of the socket and plug.

In typical audiophile use it is most of the time a question of fashion or status ... For example, ARC preamplfieirs use C19 and are low power. The nice thing about C19 is that they usually have a firmer grip than C15 - a good thhig when using thick, heavy cables. We should remember that 115Volts mains needs the double of the current of 230V, and some class A amplifiers need high current.

Surely the choice is made by the equipment manufacturer, audiophiles simply accept it.