URGENT HELP NEEDED for performance tonight

[wages]

I've got a Behringer Keyboard Amp/PA System Model KX 1200. It uses a power cable that looks exactly the same as a computer power cable. The problem is, I can't find the official cable that came with it. is it OK to substitute a computer cable without risk of hurting the amp?

The back of the amp shows:
120 V - 60 Hz 260 W
FUSE: T 5.0 AH 250 V

Please let me know right away. I can't seem to find the answer online, granted, I don't know where to look. This technical stuff, geez!

[Billy's Little Trip]

Does it have the triangular shaped end with 3 holes that plugs to the unit? if so, it's safe, that is a universal cord design.

If the original cord was just a straight cord with NO box between where you plug into the wall or to the unit, then it's 120V. Boxes inline are generally step down transformers.

Good luck with your gig, Phil.

[Spud]

YES

I searched for your amp on line and found the user guide on the Behringer site. The input is 120V, so there is no transformer involved, and the user manual describes the "Mains Connection" as "Standard IEC Recepticle". A computer power cord will work. When I take my Behringer amp on the road, I leave the power cord plugged into the wall and grab another one from my pile of computer power cords to take with me.

[irwin]

Short answer: Almost certainly.

Long, nerdy answer: The socket you describe on your keyboard is most likely an IEC 320 C14 socket, into which you'd plug an IEC 320 C13 plug. Most standard computer cables are a NEMA 5-15P on one end and an IEC 320 C13 on the other. You'll occasionally see IEC 320 C14 to IEC 320 C13 cables as well.

A NEMA 5-15P means a 110V (that's the 5), 15A (that's the 15), Plug (that's the P). That plugs into a NEMA 5-15R (receptacle). The IEC 320 C13/C14 cord is, however, not limited to just 110V.

[Edit: I just re-read and realized you're talking about the amp, not the keyboard. Reading comprehension FAIL. Still, 230W is only 2A so you are still fine. I wouldn't worry about it if the cord feels sturdy until you get up to 500W or so.]

So, as long as your cable is a NEMA 5-15P on one end and an IEC 320 C13 on the other, you're fine, so long as the cable is thick enough to carry the current required by your keyboard.

I have seen a few really skinny cables that I would hesitate to use on, say, a power amp, but for a keyboard you should be fine. If you want to be sure, you could look at the plate on the back of your keyboard. It will probably say something like "AC 120V 50/60 HZ 26W". Look at the Wattage number, divide by 110 to get an estimate for the current, in the case of my keyboard above about 230 mA. (This ignores power factor, assuming W == VA, which is not always true, blah blah blah, but should be close). Now, if you look along the cord, it may have stamped on it the size. I just grabbed one off my desk and it says "18 AWG". 18 gauge wire should be fine for at least 7A. If your computer is a typical modern machine it probably draws in the neighborhood of 1-3A (give or take 150-400W), which is almost certainly more than your keyboard.

Anyway, more than you probably wanted to know, but I hope it's useful.

[wages]

Thanks guys! I went ahead and plugged it in and every works (and sounds) fine. SongFight saves the day!

The butterflies in my stomach will be released in 2 hrs 20 minutes! (how's that for a song title?)