2 PS3's side by side....

[gtmtnbiker]

The 20A extension cord recommendation is not needed as your wall outlets will only provide 15A.

A 20A wall outlet will look like this:


An appliance should not draw more than 15A unless it has a plug similar to the above. It's also common to have 15A outlets on a 20A circuit but the outlet should not draw more than 15A unless some sort of fault exists.

[dsheinem]

Chance of motor overheat if the source does not carry enough amperage
I have seen welders and compressors burn up due to low rated extension cords, the same cord can still run a drill just fine. With too much resistance the Alternating Current spikes and surges is not a good thing. The PS3 doesn't draw near as much juice but still a power hog with internal electric motors that needs an adequate supply. A 15 amp cord plugged into a 15 amp power strip which in turn is plugged into a 15 amp wall socket is not a guaranteed the full 15 amp availability.

Again, we are talking about a PS3. While it draws a lot of power compared to some consoles, we aren't talking about a welder or compressor (as you acknowledge). In this case, the same principle does NOT apply for the reasons jeffro stated.

All the stuff
irixith brought up a good point of other devices plugged in such as the HD that also draw power. You have to also have to consider ALL the devices that are plugged in a given circuit. The overhead light in the other bedroom for instance could also be pulling from the same circuit. All reducing available watts to the console, so why risk adding resistance thru a cheap extension cord or power strip?

What "risk" is there? Certainly no risk of a YLOD, as you first suggested.

There are two ratings to go by
Continuous watt draw and the more important SURGE amp rating from powering on a device. Usually double of the Watts/Amps printed on the sticker.

How does this get us any closer to understanding how a power bar puts your PS3 at risk. It doesn't take a dedicated circuit directly into your fuse box to be as safe as possible.

[jeffro11]

Guys don't even try to argue with me about this. I do this for a living.

This PS3 has a regulated power supply with internal fuses... Case closed.

A 20A wall outlet will look like this:

... Did you even read my post?

[gtmtnbiker]

Guys don't even try to argue with me about this. I do this for a living.

Electricians are not infallible. They can/do make mistakes just like anyone else.

... Did you even read my post?

The issue was with your statement "your wall outlets will only provide 15A". I'm pointing out 20A outlets/circuits do exist.

[jeffro11]

Of course were not infallible. I am just stating cold hard facts here that are being argued over for no other reason other then ignorance on a topic.

Of course they exist. The average home owner does not have these anywhere except the kitchen and perhaps one or two in the garage/shop. Therefore I would say easily 80% of people haven't even seen one.

Also by code, at least in Canada (America is much the same), in a residential setting lighting can only be on a 15A circuit. Typically we have both receptacles and lighting on 15A circuits because it makes it easier for us to run wires and makes more sense to the homeowner when they have to go find a breaker and switch it off. 20A circuits are far and few between and really shouldn't even be thought of in residential save for a kitchen receptacle.