Power cords? suggestions?

[westom]

Essentially, you have posted what I had posted in brevity.

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

i would like to add that more than likely, the damage was not the result of high current draw, but more likely the result of high heat caused by a high resistance connection and these types of faults will not trip circuit breakers (in most instances) they will simply sit there and cook until they fail breaking the circuit and causing a loss of all of partial flow of electricity or they will continue heating until they begin to damage the wall (sheetrock) or some other combustable material close to them. they could also damage the conductors attached to the receptacle as well as the receptacle connected to the plug/cord set.

That blackening can be due to high current and lower (but excessive) resistance. Or low current through higher resistance. Or a third category - arcing. In all cases, energy (and burning) is a function of current.

Same current would also be in the other 'neutral' wire. But the neutral connection did not dissipate energy while conducting that same current. Same current says the hot prong had excessive resistance - the neutral did not. Why did the 'hot' have excessive resistance whereas the neutral did not?

One way blackening could occur is if the plug was not fully seated. But then blackening would not be at the base of that yellow plug. The plug apparently was fully seated. Resistance (or an arcing gap) was between that prong and the internal receptacle contact.

Properly noted is a problem common with 'back stab' connections. (An electrical connection that should never exist on circuits that power computers.) Again, not relevant here. Burning is in the wrong location.

Regardless of NEMA 15R, some receptacles (not just hospital type) have receptacle contacts that are superior. Exceed NEMA requirements - rated for more reconnects. And typically sold in the same Lowes or Home Depot for more money. This receptacle demonstrates what happens when a minimal contact is insufficient (ie contact pressure on the plug prong is weak).

His tirade implied a dedicated 20 amp circuit or line conditioner would avert or create this problem. He does not say with clarity. That blackening is consistent with excessive energy dissipated as defined by the famous "I squared R" relationship. A combination of higher current and higher resistance. Both must exist to create that damage. Same current also flowing through the neutral connection caused no damage. Only the hot wire contact was defective on that 15 amp receptacle.

So, how would a dedicated circuit or line conditioner changed that picture - as his outburst implied?