Extra-long Power Adapter Extension Cable Wanted

Question

The 1.8-meter Power Adapter Extension Cable is an AC extension cord that provides extra length for your Apple power adapter. Use it with MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters.

From Apple's page on it.

The only official cord seems to be a 1.8-meter long cable.

Can someone please help me find a much longer version, I am imagining about 5 metres?

I would like one for the UK please. The reason I want one instead of a traditional extension cable, and plugging my charger into that, is so that I can transport it more easily and have less cables and less cable connections to worry about.

Answer 1

Both the long cord for the MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power supplied end with a keyed connector I have not been able to find on cables, but it's similar to the figure 8 connector plug commonly used with all kinds of radios and other electronic devices, aka Non-Polarized IEC 60320 C7.

So, I tried a 'figure 8' cable. It fits, and works with my MagSafe and circa-2012 Unibody MacBook on US mains power. One such US cord, 5m length, is the https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=7674

For a UK cord, here's a 5m version https://www.newark.com/pro-elec/pel00505/power-cord-uk-iec-60320-c7-5m/dp/07AH4471

And, for reference, the stock Apple power cord for the UK (per a consultation with an Apple Specialist in chat) is 1.8m meter long, the https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MK122B/A/power-adapter-extension-cable?fnode=85 .

Answer 2

If you were looking at extending the DC end of a power supply (Magsafe, AC adapter, power brick), you would need to worry about the power drop over a greater length of cable. This is not because it's DC but because your electronics use relatively low voltages.

Because you are extending the AC end of your power supply, you are better off with a proper extension cable. In the same way, this is because the AC end is using higher voltages and can travel greater distance without voltage drop.

This 40ft 16AWG cable is rated for 13A at 120V, that is 1560W, while your Magsafe is less than 100W. For this length, 16AWG wire will only see a drop of about a tenth of a volt for 100W of power. That is perfectly fine. You do not want to go less than 16AWG becuase that will limit what else you can do with the cable. Be wary of any cables that do not list what size the cable is. Here is a similar cable if you only want 25ft.

The apple connectors do not specify a size or wire gauge. They are meant to supply little power over short distances. Any off brand products that go longer will probably be cheap small wires and that kind of power drop is not good for your devices or safety. If you plan to run anything heaver than a computer, or run multiple devices, I recommend a 14AWG cable. This is typically what is installed in buildings and will see much less voltage drop.

Note that any "voltage drop" in the cable is heat in the cable. Small cables over long distances are unsafe.

AWG - American Wire Gauge