very basic wire-splicing question

Is it possible to splice together the cords of two small appliances, plug in
to the wall, and not blow the appliances up?

If this challenge is a question of voltage, or amperage, or something of
that nature, what exactly must I calculate before making the splice?

Thanks!

 

[Rich Grise]

jasoo2@copper.net wrote:

Is it possible to splice together the cords of two small appliances, plug in
to the wall, and not blow the appliances up?

In a word, yes.

If this challenge is a question of voltage, or amperage, or something of
that nature, what exactly must I calculate before making the splice?

Thanks!

Mostly a question of current (which a lot of people call amperage) -

it will simply add. Of course, this is assuming that both units are
rated for the line voltage. The socket just has to be rated for
at least the total current.

In a parallel circuit, all the items have the same voltage across
them, and the total current is the sum of the individual currents.
Power, being voltage X current, will, at constant voltage, be
directly proportional to current.

But why splice? You can get a cube tap almost anywhere for about a buck,
and it achieves, electrically, the exact same thing without all the
dicking around that splicing entails.

Have Fun!
Rich