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Is there a way I can stress test a 'common' electric audio cable? I have a very cheap one that unfortunately holds no info on max Wattage.

I want to re-do the electric cables of my parent's old lamp as the current one is all broken. The idea is to use 12x3W LED E14 220v bulbs. That'd be a total of 36W, which in theory should be enough for an audio cable. But would it support such a high Voltage?

Bit of a noob here, so forgive me for anything weird I might have said :) Cheers

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  • \$\begingroup\$ No, because audio cable has no additional mantle which is required for mains cabling in/on metal frames. You may use single wires and put an additional silicone sheath over each one but honestly, simply buy a cable intended for that purpose. \$\endgroup\$
    – Janka
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 12:28
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    \$\begingroup\$ You can go to your local hardware store and get proper mains rated electrical cable capable of the amps you need. \$\endgroup\$
    – ratchet freak
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 12:58
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    \$\begingroup\$ The wattage isn't the problem, the voltage is. Audio cables simply don't have insulation designed to withstand the same high voltages that mains cable must. \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 13:56
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    \$\begingroup\$ Yeah, as others have said, DON'T DO IT - buy some cable with a mains rating, stay safe :) \$\endgroup\$
    – Rendeverance
    Commented Oct 8, 2017 at 14:24

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If your audio cables are like these AWG 20, they are rated for 300Vac and 3kV spark rated and 2kVac HiPOT tested.

http://www.tensility.com/pdffiles/30-00353.pdf

If not, who knows? If the insulation is >=0.5mm, it will be OK. Normally 5kV/mm

But this is how it is tested per spec above.

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