[Amps] Does it matter?

[Tom W8JI]

>     In terms of a typical amplifier - pick one that uses a 
> pair of
> 3-500z for example; any one - a TenTec Centurion, a 
> Kenwood TL-922,
> an Ameritron AL-82, etc.  Would it make any difference in 
> your
> maximum output power if you used #12 gauge or #6 gauge 
> mains wire for
> the 35-foot run from the distribution panel to the plug in 
> the wall
> for the amp?

It is certainly possible to predict the changes if we know 
power supply ESR and power line drop with a resisive load..

>     I think that was the intent of the question by the 
> original
> poster way back when.  Is the voltage drop on 35-feet for 
> 12 gauge
> wire going to make any difference on the output of a legal 
> limit amp?

The TL922 is not a legal limit amp by any stretch of the 
imagination and it does not have a particularly stiff power 
supply, so I doubt a 35 feet of #12 at 240V will matter.

Sizing the wire for average current is OK for heating, but 
it can fool us if we are looking to improve HV regulation. 
Just like thinking a regular meter measures the real voltage 
drop affecting the HV supply is wrong. I would always size 
the wire for at least twice the expected average current. 
More if the amp has a particularly stout transformer.


73 Tom