Aus, 240V typically most power cabling is rated 10A = 2400W
Of course no one wants to be near the limit
Looking at the different replies - it seems that 1500W is probably about as high as any device should go to get general acceptance for everyone.
(aside, the whole advantage of 240V is it's the A that kills you not the V - thus also higher power with lower A)
Most != high current. Here in the US we have "lamp cord" which is just enough to run a lamp or some other low wattage device, and high current devices use lower gauge (== thicker) wiring. I think its 14 AWG for low wattage, 12 AWG for higher current, and 10 AWG for 20amp or 208v or 240v (dryers, ovens, etc), but I might be wrong.
BTW, a lot of devices are using universal IEC 60320 plugs on the device side: C5 and C7 (2.5a, grounded and ungrounded respectively) are common on laptops, DVD players, some LCD monitors, etc; C13 (15a) is the plug thats on computer power supplies, and C19 (20a) is the enterprise high amp version of C13.
1800w is as high as you can go for temporary usage in the US (there are toasters and blenders and electric water kettles this high). Everything else seems to max out at 1400, and you don't see quality computer PSU's above 1200w. 1000-1100w continuous usage/1200w peak, is low enough that you can plug two into a 120v 20a line for rack mounting.
