Iron cord gauge - too thin?

[CopperSplinter]

Hi, first time poster here.

I've had a relatives iron come my way that is in need of a replacement mains cord but I'm a little confused as to what gauge the replacement flex should be.

It's stated on the bottom of the iron that it draws 2kW max, which just over 8.5 amps at 230V. According to what I've read online this means that I should use flex with 1.0mm[SUP]2 [/SUP]cores, but upon closer inspection the factory installed cord is only 0.75mm[SUP]2 [/SUP]flex which contradicts what I've read online regarding gauge vs current draw.

I'm guessing it has something to do with the heating duty cycle and cord length (2 metres in this case) but would like some advice before I go ahead and order something that may not be suitable.

Will .75 mil be suitable or should I just go with 1 mil to be safe? Also are there any regulations regarding the maximum cord length that can be installed on an appliance such as an iron, say 3 metres vs the factory 2 meters?

Any advice here would be appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Engineer54]

If you're not replacing like for like (eg 0.75mm X 2m cord type) then go up a size to cover yourself...
It could also depend on cable/cord type and what the cords max operating temperature is rated for. eg 60C, 85C, etc....

Manufactures also take account that current flow isn't constant, but thermostatically controlled.

 

[Farmelectrics]

Consult a qualified electrician

 

[Geordie Spark]

Hi, first time poster here.

I've had a relatives iron come my way that is in need of a replacement mains cord but I'm a little confused as to what gauge the replacement flex should be.

It's stated on the bottom of the iron that it draws 2kW max, which just over 8.5 amps at 230V. According to what I've read online this means that I should use flex with 1.0mm[SUP]2 [/SUP]cores, but upon closer inspection the factory installed cord is only 0.75mm[SUP]2 [/SUP]flex which contradicts what I've read online regarding gauge vs current draw.

I'm guessing it has something to do with the heating duty cycle and cord length (2 metres in this case) but would like some advice before I go ahead and order something that may not be suitable.

Will .75 mil be suitable or should I just go with 1 mil to be safe? Also are there any regulations regarding the maximum cord length that can be installed on an appliance such as an iron, say 3 metres vs the factory 2 meters?

Any advice here would be appreciated.

Cheers!

The best people to ask will be the manufacturer.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There are different types of wire.
In general you will find solid, stranded and fine stranded.
Wires with the same gauge will have different current ratings depending on type of wire.
In general, the greater the number of strands, the greater the current rating.
It could be that the original power cord has more strands that the code you have looked at to use as a replacement.
In any event, if you do replace the cord, you will want to use a cord with either the same or greater current rating than the original cord.

 

[Marvo]

Consult a qualified electrician

Isn't that what he's doing or are you still training?

As Spin says keep the current rating of the cable the same or greater. Don't install a flex that's too long because it will be more prone to damage and especially if it has a European plug (unfused Schuko) then disconnection times under fault might become an issue.

 

[Knobhead]

Re Post 2A (deleted),

Marvo;
Saying the guy shouldn’t be touching electrical equipment isn’t irrelevant.

The flex the guy needs is well known to UK electricians as it is designed specifically for the purpose in question. I note no one has pointed the fact out. The flex is available in a 3m length complete with a fitted BS1363 plug on the net if he looks.

He clearly doesn’t know what he is doing and it would be remiss of me to advise. This little job isn’t for himself.
Will he take responsibility for his work? Will he retain the cord grip and strain relief? I don’t know what he will do and therefore will not offer advice in DIY matters.

The best thing would have been to put this thread and the OP in the DIY section. Others can then take responsibility for any advice given.

 

[telectrix]

could always cut cord off and heat iron in the coal fire. (geordie spark can advise on time/temperature graphs for this method).