Den said:
Can anyone tell me what the code H03VVH2-F means (or how to decode it) -
I'm trying to find out the specification of the cable?
Googling on just that code yields as the first hit
http://www.cavifermi.it/H03VV-F H03VVH2-F-uk.htm
which says the conductors are either 0.50 mm^2 or 0.75 mm^2.
More Googling gives
http://www.simetric.co.uk/siwire_elect.htm which
says that 0.50 mm^2 is a little thinner than 20 AWG and 0.75 mm^2 is
between 20 and 18 AWG.
I think 18 AWG is the minimum size that can be generally used for cords
on appliances designed for the US. Most of the table lamps in my house
have 18 AWG cords. I have seen 20 AWG used on Yule lights, but these
usually have a fuse in the plug (just like everything in the UK).
Formerly, it was considered perfectly fine to plug the 18 AWG cord into
an outlet protected by a 20 A breaker. Now there are requirements in
the electrical code for "arc fault current interrupter" breakers on
some household circuits, which are designed to detect and trip on faults
like lamp cords shorting out.
In another thread, someone was looking for a US plug with internal fuse
(like a UK plug). John Grabowski posted:
Daniel Woodhead makes a 15 amp,125 volt plug with a fuse holder in it.
Model number 14F47 is yellow and Model number 85125 is hospital grade
transparent. You can see them here:
http://www.woodhead.com/data/current1864/15amp wd.pdf
You will need to go to an electrical supply house to purchase one. It
may not be a stock item for some of the smaller supply houses.
If you wanted to fuse the cord, the above plug might be a good option.
Another option would be to replace the entire cord on the lamp.
Hardware stores commonly sell 18 AWG lamp cords in 6' (2m) lengths and
various colors that already have a plug molded on the end. You just
have to fish the new cord into the lamp and connect it to the socket.
Or, buy some heavier lamp cord and a separate plug. You can get up
to 14 AWG lamp cord fairly easily, but that size is so thick that it
might be difficult to fish through the lamp. 16 AWG will probably
fit.
I hope this helps!
Matt Roberds