3 
1 Why did my cable melt?
I have a water distiller plugged into an extension cord. It uses a 3 pin/3 prong cord. I used to have it plugged into a smaller gauge extension cord until I noticed a plastic burn smell, so I bought a large gauge extension cable which seemed to have resolved the issue. Now it seems that it has melted where the two cables connect! I understand that there is resistance there causing non-conductive material to become conductive, but how can I know if the issue is because of the machine, because of the cable or because of the power coming from the outlet. Thank you for your help community!
-Izz
Update (02/24/2019)
Back panel of the water distiller: http://starsound-kontinuum.com/wp-conten...
Cable provided with machine: http://starsound-kontinuum.com/wp-conten...
Burnt extension cord:http://starsound-kontinuum.com/wp-conten...
2.6千 
5条评论
Your very lucky you didn't set your house on fire!
由 Dan 完成的
Hi @izzycarus ,
What is the power rating on the water distiller model information plate?
This should give you the current rating of the extension cable necessary to handle the current flow required.
e.g if the power used by the distlller is 580 watts and the mains supply is 120 Volts then the current required is 4.83 Amps.
The wall outlet is capable of supplying it but perhaps the extension cable is not capable of carrying it.
It is not a case of resistance causing the material to become conductive.
Where there is resistance to current flow there is power dissipation which generates heat.
If the extension cable cannot handle the required amount of current due to insufficient cross section area of the wires this also causes the build up of heat, which causes resistance which causes heat until the cable melts.
This is the principle of how a fuse works.
Find a suitably rated extension cable which can handle the necessary current to supply the distiller. Always err on the high side of what is required (i.e. add a bit to be safe) that way the cable doesn't become a fuse
The cord from the distiller which the manufacturer has connected (provided?) will be of the correct rating. They don't want to start fires by using the incorrect wiring. Bad for business ;-)
由 jayeff 完成的
@jayeff - Its more than just the cords rating, Any break in the pathway adds resistance and the terminations as well. Thats why the connectors melted Vs the cord its self. The voltage of the device also has a bearing (220 Vs 120).
由 Dan 完成的
Hi @danj ,
I'm always forgetting to state the obvious (obvious to me that is) that such things as a poor termination of the wires of the cable in the cable plug (or even an incorrectly rated plug) can also cause problems.
As you say, voltage is a consideration but assumed that the extension cable and its' plug/socket voltage rating insulation specifications but maybe in this case perhaps not its' current rating would have be suitable for the location it was being used in, but I guess that I shouldn't assume anything.
Cheers ;-)
由 jayeff 完成的
If it’s rated 14amps the two separate connections (outlet & Extension cord) might just be too much resistance. Maybe check resistance through the element in the unit to make sure it isn’t going bad causing higher than rated resistance creating higher than rated amperage. Make sure your outlet connection isn’t loose. If all test good maybe pigtail and solder the extension with the appliance cord to ensure a good connection with no resistance or eliminate the original appliance cord and solder a longer cord direct to the appliance. Make sure the extension is only as long as it needs to be because that in itself will add resistance.
If there is no information regarding resistance through the element in the unit, use ohms law to calculate.
Your getting resistance somewhere.
由 Jason Carpenter 完成的