graphic7 said:
The 6ft limit for fax machine cords is due to signal loss. The longer the cord, the more the signal weakens, which can result in poor fax quality or the fax not working at all. Therefore, manufacturers usually recommend a maximum length of 6ft to ensure optimal performance.
Yes, you can use a shorter cord than 6ft for your fax machine. In fact, some fax machines come with a 5ft cord, which is still within the recommended limit. As long as the cord is not too short to reach from the fax machine to the phone jack, it should work fine.
If you use a cord longer than 6ft for your fax machine, you may experience signal loss, resulting in poor fax quality or the fax not working at all. It is not recommended to use a longer cord as it may affect the performance of your fax machine.
The main factor that can affect the performance of a fax machine cord is the length. As mentioned before, the longer the cord, the more signal loss will occur. Other factors that may affect the performance include the quality of the cord, the quality of the phone line, and any interference from nearby electronic devices.
There could be a few reasons why your fax machine worked with a 5ft cord instead of a 6ft one. It is possible that the 5ft cord you used was of higher quality and had better signal transmission capabilities. It could also be due to your phone line having good signal strength, allowing the 5ft cord to work effectively. However, it is still recommended to use a cord within the recommended limit for optimal performance.