Some thoughts on power extension cords A well-known manufacturer of high-end ele

Question

Some thoughts on power extension cords A well-known manufacturer of high-end electric and electronic equipment praises his (12 ft) power extension cords with the following words plus the accompanying picture: "Ordinary extension cords often fail to deliver the high current your high powered audio components need to maintain peak performance. Your high-powered components (like TVs, laser printers, and receivers) may not be getting all the current they need to maximize performance. Ordinary power extension cords with smaller gauge wire often fail to deliver or maintain the consistent level of high current necessary to drive your high-powered components. As a result, you lose the impact and drama in the sound your components were originally designed to deliver. Connecting your high-powered components to a high current extension cable can help deliver greater sound impact and drama. Proper connection with a high current extension cable can help ensure your high-powered components get all the power they need. Advanced winding construction boosts low-end bass for greater sound depth." Let's put our nascent understanding of electric current and circuits to good use and analyze this sales pitch. What might be the physical reason that a piece of electrical equipment is not getting all the current it needs?

Explanation / Answer

Current is directly proportional to the cross sectional area of the wire. Bigger the area (therefore smaller the gauge of the wire) more will be the current passing through the wire.

So if an electrical equipment is not getting all the current it needs, it is because the thickness of the wire is less/cross sectional area (therefore higher gauge) and so the resistance is more.

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