[Darylb]

I have just received my 3-axis electronics kit from FineLineAutomation. I have the 7.3A, 48V power supply. I need to get a AC power cord to go from the wall to the p.supply. The problem is that i'm not sure what gauge to use? I have an AWG-18 gauge wire from a computer power supply that I could use. Is this thick enough or do I need to use a 16 or 14 gauge wire?

[Al_The_Man]

18g will carry that current OK, less than 3 amps on the 120vac.
Al.

[Darylb]

18g will carry that current OK, less than 3 amps on the 120vac.
Al.

Thanks for the reply Al. How did you determine this? I'm a little cautious with this as i'd rather not start a fire by melting some wires.

[Al_The_Man]

Oh ye of little faith!

NEC and NFPA79:
Conductor Ampacity
18g 7 amps.
16g 10 amps
14g 15 amps.
It would also be recommended that you fuse the supply at the input.
The supply would be rated for 7.3 at 48v approx 350va, so at 120v supply would = ~2.8amps.
Al.