Question #
Can the power supply of the CT3017 Parrot Soundbar be extended to reach further distances?
Answer #
Yes, the power supply may be extended. However – there are serious considerations. Ensure you use materials and devices comply with the recommended specifications to avoid problems.
Issues/ Problems #
Extending the power cable by can cause issues, especially if the cable used is too thin or not rated properly. Here’s why:
1. Voltage Drop: #
- A longer cable increases resistance, which leads to a voltage drop.
- If the voltage reaching the soundbar is too low, the power supply may have to work harder, generating more heat and stress on components.
2. Increased Current Draw (Higher Load on PSU): #
- If the voltage drops at the soundbar, the internal circuits might draw more current to compensate.
- Higher current demand can overload the power supply, causing excessive heat and premature failure.
3. Possible Surges & Spikes: #
- Longer cables can introduce more resistance and inductance, which can cause voltage spikes.
- This can lead to stress on capacitors, MOSFETs, and diodes, accelerating failure.
How to Fix It: #
✔ Use a thicker cable (lower gauge number, e.g., 16 AWG or lower, depending on current draw).
✔ Check voltage at the soundbar end using a multimeter to see if there’s a drop.
✔ Use shielded cables to reduce noise and interference if applicable.
The power supply for the CT3017 Sound Bar is rated at 19V / 1.89A, which means:
Power Calculation: #
- Total Power (W) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)
→ 19V × 1.89A = 35.91W (~36W)
Voltage Drop & Cable Gauge Selection: #
Extending the cable by 5m (16.4ft) introduces additional resistance, which can cause a voltage drop. To minimize the loss, the correct wire thickness (AWG) must be chosen.
Voltage Drop Formula: #
Vdrop=(2×L×I×R)/1000V_{\text{drop}} = (2 \times L \times I \times R)/1000Vdrop=(2×L×I×R)/1000
Where:
- L=L =L= Cable length in meters (5m)
- I=I =I= Current in Amps (1.89A)
- R=R =R= Resistance of wire per meter (Ohm/m, based on AWG size)
| Wire Gauge (AWG) | Resistance (Ω/m) | Voltage Drop (V) | % Voltage Drop | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 AWG (0.82mm²) | 0.021 Ω/m | 0.20V | 1.05% | Good |
| 20 AWG (0.52mm²) | 0.034 Ω/m | 0.32V | 1.68% | Acceptable |
| 22 AWG (0.33mm²) | 0.053 Ω/m | 0.50V | 2.63% | Risky |
| 24 AWG (0.20mm²) | 0.085 Ω/m | 0.80V | 4.2% | Too High |
Recommended Cable Size: #
✔ 18 AWG (0.82mm²) or thicker (16 AWG preferred) is ideal for a 5m extension to keep voltage drop below 2%, preventing overheating and power supply stress.
✔ If using a thin wire (22-24 AWG), voltage drop increases, leading to higher current draw, heat buildup, and PSU failure.
