Do you re-use the power (supply) cable?

[LFaWolf]

I recently retired an old switch after at least 20 years of continuously usage. The switch was paired with a UPS for protection, and was powered using a regular power cable (the one that we use for power supply, 16 AWG). The cable still looks to be in great condition, no melting or degradation. So my question is, will there be internal degradation of the copper wire or the shielding after continuous usage after 20+ years? Is it safe to do so?

I put the arbitrary 5 years because that is what I am thinking, but it could be 10 years?

 

[jboydgolfer]

are you kidding me?! re-use it.
ive got a stack of un-used Power cords, from the last 10 or so Power supplies ive bought, because im still using the same cord i got with the first ones.

on a different note, i do create a grounding cable out of ones i retire for use in the winter.
i pull all but the ground prong from both ends, then i plug it in to a surge protector on my desk.
i touch it to remove static charge , because i have electric heat & in the winter it gets real dry & static is a issue, so i touch it before touching my mouse/keyboard

 

[hat]

I've never replaced a power cable just because. I've been using the same one for... a very long time, couldn't even tell you.

 

[freeagent]

The one I'm using on my brand new Seasonic came from a 19" (I think) Trinitron monitor from the early 2000s.. like a Wega for your desk.. all 85lbs of it. Came with a really beefy high quality cable. I miss that monitor. It put out hella heat in the summer, but it was worth it

 

[qubit]

There's no sell by date on them, but do watch out for cracks or melting on the outer insulation or brittleness and physical damage like a cut. If you see any of these things, then throw it out.

 

[WhitetailAni]

I'm using some white cable that's very thick and annoying to bend.
No idea how old it is, don't care since it works.

 

[freeagent]

That's the spirit.

 

[Prime2515102]

I have power cables that are better than 20 years-old. If the internal wires aren't broken and the jacket is good, there's really no reason not to. If the jacket is compromised and you can see the internal wires, replace it.

I've noticed the quality of power cables have, overall, gotten worse in quality in the last 10-15 years or so, but still. If you're not using them as lasso or a whip (not that I've ever done that ) and you disconnect them by pulling the connector and not the cable itself, and you don't run over them with vacuums n' such, they should last pretty much forever.

 

[LFaWolf]

Hmm, seems like the overwhelming consensus here is that it is safe to re-use. I don't see any cracks or brittleness on the outside. To be clear I have a box full of power cables as well, I just thought after 20+ years, maybe I should recycle it.

 

[8BitZ80]

I don't understand where this myth of electrical wire internal degradation comes from. Most resources I've found on the matter seem to think it's a non-issue:

How Long Does Electrical Wiring Last in a Home?

How long does electrical wiring last? The useful life of electrical wiring is about 50 to 70 years. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), the copper in electrical wiring can last over 100 years; however, the outer protective sheathing will breakdown much sooner. The sheathing type often determines the useful lifespan, which is typically 50 to 70 years.

 

[oobymach]

I use the short heavy gauge one that came with my 1000 watt psu to a heavy gauge surge protector, I won't use a lighter gauge (despite having several from past computers) since I've seen the results of trying to do so with a monster psu and spoiler alert: it gets so hot it melts.

I almost always use the power cable that comes bundled rather than the old one unless the new one is really light gauge and the old one was heavier.

 

[John Naylor]

When I buy a new PSU, I use the cable that came with it. The other one stays with the old PSU whether in storage of in "da box' of bygone wires. The concern about cables is not much related to age as it is bending.

My son did the random grab thing outta the box when he changed rooms ... No more 144 hz and related features cause the random grab was not dual link.

 

[ixi]

Really good question. I think in my lifetime i have used 2 power cords , so while it works don't see the necessity to change it.

Never have seen any probleme with system or hear any weird sounds using previous cable/old cable.

 

[MIRTAZAPINE]

Those 3 pin power cord could be use indefinitely as long as the rubber insolation is intact. I still use the power cord I have since the pentium 3 days until now. They are made of fairly thick wire with thick insolation unlikely for it wear down if it is not exposed to the weather. I even grab power cords from rice cookers and kettles, they still work. The wires would not degrade, the only degrade you have to care is the insolation to see if there is any cracking or breaking. If none pretty much it is all ok to use and no short circuit can be caused.

 

[Deleted member 205776]

I don't re-use them cuz I like using everything that came with my PSU lol

 

[P4-630]

If the cable is still in good nick there's no reason to replace it IMO.

 

[64K]

I do a new build every 4 to 5 years and get all new stuff.

 

[Splinterdog]

On my main rig I use the hefty cable supplied with the Corsair PSU with the UK plug on the end and on my other rigs I check the quality first.
Most of the crappy low-end PSUs that I often have to fit for customers come with terrible cables, many of which have failed in the past.

 

[maxfly]

I dont reuse any powersupply cables. When i move an old powersupply to a backup rig or box it up the originals go with it. Theres generally a reason manufacturers use what they use is my logic.

 

[P4-630]

I only use the same cable(s) that originally came with the electronic item.

 

[Night]

I use a new cable that comes with a PSU, but I don't throw away the older ones that are in good shape, some are 15 years old. I think I already gifted 2 of them.

 

[Caring1]

I use the thickest cable and that seems to be one of the older ones, most new PSU cables are thin compared to it.

 

[GerKNG]

the wall plug? yes
everything else? absolutely not.

 

[R0H1T]

Seasonic came from a 19" (I think) Trinitron monitor from the early 2000

Not a surprise, I'm using one from an LG CRT monitor 16 years back. Needless to say the monitor's (working) no more but cable is as good as they come!

 

[freeagent]

Not a surprise, I'm using one from an LG CRT monitor 16 years back. Needless to say the monitor's (working) no more but cable is as good as they come!

My Wega died with a white screen

That power cable is as thick as my thumb lol.