Can You Generate Power from a Wrapped Power Cord and a Metal Hanger?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of generating power from a wrapped power cord and a metal hanger, focusing on electromagnetic principles and the behavior of alternating current (AC) in a circuit. Participants explore the implications of wrapping a power cord into loops and the potential for inducing current in another wire loop placed within the changing magnetic field created by the cord.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that wrapping a power cord into loops while it is connected to a device could create a current loop that generates a varying magnetic field, potentially allowing for power generation in another wire loop placed nearby.
  • Another participant counters that the power cord typically contains two wires with equal and opposite currents, which would ideally cancel out the magnetic fields, resulting in a net magnetic field of zero.
  • A participant questions whether unraveling the power cord would change the situation, suggesting that a load on the device might create a net current and magnetic field due to differing currents flowing in and out.
  • One participant warns against experimenting with AC mains power cords due to safety hazards, recommending the use of a low-voltage transformer for safer experimentation.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about using a long coil of copper wire connected to a high-wattage appliance, noting the significant inductance observed.
  • Another participant mentions that the operation of power adapters involves a step-down transformer that converts AC to a lower voltage, which is then rectified to DC.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of generating power from the wrapped power cord, with some arguing against the possibility due to the cancellation of magnetic fields, while others propose that unraveling the cord could yield different results. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight safety concerns regarding high voltage experimentation and the need for proper knowledge before attempting such experiments. The discussion includes hypothetical scenarios and personal experiences, which may not directly apply to the original question.

NotoriousNick
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basic E and M from purcells:


A change in magnetic field with respect to time, will induce a current in a conducting loop that is located in that changing magnetic field.

Does that mean, that if I take a power cord that is plugged into a device while it is running, so that way it is taking a load, and wrap it into loops, that I now have a current loop alternating at 60 Hz, and therefore a varying magnetic field.

With this magnetic field, could I stick in another wire loop inside and power a load?



IE Let's say you wrapped the cord for your toaster oven around a metal jacket hanger. Would you be able to pull a current off of this hanger?
 
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No, because the power cord contains two (often twisted) wires. The same amount of current is flowing in (in the "hot" wire) and out of the device.
Ideally the fields from the two currents cancel out meaning the net magnetic field is zero.
 
So if I unraveled the power cord, I'd be able to perform this experiment?




Also, since there is a load drawn from the device, let's say coffee maker, wouldn't that make the currents flowing in and out different? therefore having a net current? and net magnetic field?
 
NotoriousNick said:
So if I unraveled the power cord, I'd be able to perform this experiment?




Also, since there is a load drawn from the device, let's say coffee maker, wouldn't that make the currents flowing in and out different? therefore having a net current? and net magnetic field?

Please don't start taking apart AC Mains power cords for experiments. You need a lot more knowledge and experience before you start messing with high voltages. The shock and fire hazards are just too great.

Instead, get a 12Vac "wall wart" transformer power supply (like a charger from Radio Shack, etc.), and then you can start splitting the output wires apart to experiment with AC magnetic fields. Much safer!
 
These are purely hypothetical questions
 
I once bought a very long (I think 500 feet) coil of 14-Ga coiled copper wire (like contractors use for house wiring) and plugged it into the wall in series with a 1-KW kitchen appliance. Works nice. Lots of inductance.
 
NotoriousNick said:
So if I unraveled the power cord, I'd be able to perform this experiment?

Yes, that's exactly how the power adapters that convert AC to DC work: they have a step-down transformer that converts 120V to a lower AC voltage, which is then converted to DC with a rectifier circuit.
 

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