Basic question about voltages and amps on plugs/wires

Componentgirl90

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Jan 9, 2015
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I have a plug with a wire which has 250v and 10 amps written on the wire. Does that mean there is 250v across that wire and that the plug and wire (assuming a 10amp fuse) can take up to 10amps up the wire?

Or does the wire actually carry whatever voltage is coming from the mains power supply and can handle up to 250v?

Does it make a difference if its written on the plug vs the wire?
 
Solution
Well the wire will just carry whatever the outlet provides. If it's in the States that's 110V (overseas 220V). The capacity on that cable sounds like normal for that kind of power cable though. If the cable works you're fine (cables like that either work, or don't).
What is this plug for? I'm just asking because that's a lot of power: 10A is huge and 250V x 10 A = 2500W (power = voltage x current).

Well wires themselves don't generate voltage so if it's on a wire that would seem to refer to the rated capacity. If it's on a power brick it could have a different meaning. Current (measured in amps) is always variable based on demand.
 

Componentgirl90

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Jan 9, 2015
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its just a plug I found in my house that looks like a standard computer lead plug to connect the wall to the PSU. I want to use it for a television.

I am really more interested in the voltage rating. I am wondering if the voltage is 250V or if the 250V is the capacity of the wire somehow and that it is actually carrying 240V or whatever is coming out of the mains supply.
 
Well the wire will just carry whatever the outlet provides. If it's in the States that's 110V (overseas 220V). The capacity on that cable sounds like normal for that kind of power cable though. If the cable works you're fine (cables like that either work, or don't).
 
Solution