How do I figure out what gauge extension cord I need?

BlazerGuy · 10-31-2009, 03:21 PM

The closest outlet is 125'-150' away from the work area. I'll be demoing(sp?) a steel framed awning/carport using a Sawzall which I believe uses 11 amps.

I was looking at picking up two of these:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/home-im...istant-3227596

Those are 100' 12 gauge cords.

dhcomp · 10-31-2009, 05:54 PM

Buy the largest one you can find around that is 100 or 100+ feet. For an 11 amp sawzall, i wouldn't really be too concerned.

ryoken · 10-31-2009, 06:37 PM

x 2...

always buy the biggest "you feel like affording" that day.... but yup, sawzall wont be bothered, we do it in boat yards all the time on some standard orange cords, prolly 14/3 in it....

here's a link I use to crunch numbers if I'm in the mood...

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

thebird00 · 11-03-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryoken

x 2...

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

For the voltage drop calculator in the link it says

"Enter 1-way circuit
length in feet (the calculation is for the round trip distance)"

So would a 100 ft cord be entered as 200ft "round trip distance"?

ryoken · 11-03-2009, 03:34 PM

no, the length of the run.... the calc does the doubling iirc...

AZ79K5Project · 11-08-2009, 08:28 PM

Try this: http://www.csgnetwork.com/wiresizecalc.html

By code

Quote:

We allow a maximum voltage drop of about 3% before the wire specification increases. If you need to calculate actual voltage drop, you might want to consider using our voltage drop calculator for both wire circuits and circuit boards, AC and DC

I personally think that 12/3 would be an adequate extension cord for that distance even though code calls for 10 gauge.

moneypit_K5 · 11-10-2009, 08:58 PM

if your going to go out and buy a cord, might as well buy a high quality 10 guage cord. something you can use in the future.

10-31-2009, 03:21 PM	#1
BlazerGuy Shoot, Move, Communicate. Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Outside the Wire Posts: 9,156 i Trader: (0 )	How do I figure out what gauge extension cord I need? The closest outlet is 125'-150' away from the work area. I'll be demoing(sp?) a steel framed awning/carport using a Sawzall which I believe uses 11 amps. I was looking at picking up two of these: http://www.tractorsupply.com/home-im...istant-3227596 Those are 100' 12 gauge cords. __________________ "You have never lived 'til you have almost died. And for those who fight for it, life has a flavor that the protected will never know." - Anonymous quote penned on a sign in Khe Sanh, RVN. Beans: Neither musical nor a fruit.

10-31-2009, 05:54 PM	Posted in reply to BlazerGuy's post "How do I figure out what gauge..." #2
dhcomp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Davis, CA Posts: 3,555 i Trader: (3 )	Buy the largest one you can find around that is 100 or 100+ feet. For an 11 amp sawzall, i wouldn't really be too concerned. __________________ Darren 91 V2500 Suburban - Tow/Travel Rig 95 BMW 540i 6 speed (E34) DD (until i get in trouble) Women come and go, but a man can depend on a truck The Pessimist Complains About The Road. The Optimist Expects It To Get Better. A Leader Never Lifts The Throttle.

10-31-2009, 06:37 PM	Posted in reply to dhcomp's post starting "Buy the largest one you can find around..." #3
ryoken Vertasaurus Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 9,330 i Trader: (6 )	x 2... always buy the biggest "you feel like affording" that day.... but yup, sawzall wont be bothered, we do it in boat yards all the time on some standard orange cords, prolly 14/3 in it.... here's a link I use to crunch numbers if I'm in the mood... http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm __________________ 87 K5. 350 TBI. 700R4/NP205. 4" TC Ez-Rides, zero rates.. Dana 60 moved up 1", 5:13's, 35 spline stubs with Rockcrusher Flanges... .4" DIY4X flip out back with 6" x-tied shackles and 56's. 14bff, 5:13's, disced and welded. 38" TSL radials. My Build Thread Gallery 1 Gallery 2 Posted by boggerless i hope the discharge from 1000 prostitutes is the mayo on your next samich Liberals feel zombies are just misunderstood, a conservative has a plan...

11-03-2009, 03:34 PM	Posted in reply to thebird00's post starting "For the voltage drop calculator in the..." #5
ryoken Vertasaurus Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 9,330 i Trader: (6 )	no, the length of the run.... the calc does the doubling iirc... __________________ 87 K5. 350 TBI. 700R4/NP205. 4" TC Ez-Rides, zero rates.. Dana 60 moved up 1", 5:13's, 35 spline stubs with Rockcrusher Flanges... .4" DIY4X flip out back with 6" x-tied shackles and 56's. 14bff, 5:13's, disced and welded. 38" TSL radials. My Build Thread Gallery 1 Gallery 2 Posted by boggerless i hope the discharge from 1000 prostitutes is the mayo on your next samich Liberals feel zombies are just misunderstood, a conservative has a plan...

11-10-2009, 08:58 PM	Posted in reply to AZ79K5Project's post starting "Try this: ..." #7
moneypit_K5 Thats right, Punk! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vancouver, Washington Posts: 1,255 i Trader: (0 )	if your going to go out and buy a cord, might as well buy a high quality 10 guage cord. something you can use in the future. __________________ '84 CC K30, 6.5TD NV4500 6" lift,35's Ive got parts for sale, whaddya need?

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