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How big an extension cord?

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  • How big an extension cord?

    I'm no electrician or electronics expert, however I've seen a few threads of electric tools failing, and a few G110's.

    Not sure why, but my dad who has been an electrician for 45+ years and uses some of the same electric tools to this day from that era, swears that using too small of an extension cord may ruin an electric tool. After seeing a member tear his G110 apart and how the brushes wore unevenly, that could be a sign...not sure though.

    Meguiar's has put a extension cord section in the directions of my G100 and I scanned the instructions and cropped out the graph showing how big of an extension cord to use, depending on how long, amperage it draws etc.

    It does make sense though, you don't see any little tiny wires for big amps and speakers for car stereo's, same principal, more amperage and longer cords should = larger gauge wire. My extension cord is 200' (I think) and I use a 12AWG cord which is made for outdoor use. Don't use those little extension cords with the multi plugs on the ends! Those are firefighters favorite cords!

    Anyways.....I personally wouldn't go smaller than a 12ga wire for your cords. They aren't much more expensive and you save all your power tools, not just your buffers, your drills, saw zaws, skil saws etc etc.

    Here ya go. The graph shows for 230V as well for our over seas friends


    L8R

    Aaron
    Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

  • #2
    Re: How big an extension cord?

    Thats what im talking about! Prevenative maintenance! Good looking out Nappers
    "Every moment frontin and maxin
    Chillin in the car they spent all day waxin
    "

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    • #3
      Re: How big an extension cord?

      A nice tip too to test if your cord is too small, if you touch it and it is physically warm... it's too small.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: How big an extension cord?

        I've studied this to some degree. There is an actuall measurement for the length and diameter of cable. It's called RO...It includes temperature ratings aswell...

        It's part of physics aswell.It's quite complicated and not easy to work out.If you like I can dig out the formula for you?

        I just use a good quality extension and make sure it is opened out fully.

        TOP

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        • #5
          Re: How big an extension cord?

          Originally posted by Mark Kleis View Post
          A nice tip too to test if your cord is too small, if you touch it and it is physically warm... it's too small.
          That's a great tip and I forgot to mention.

          After a long day of using my rotary and G100 on a smaller cord, it was warm to the touch, which is why I use a 12ga extension cord now.

          Thanks Mark!
          Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

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          • #6
            Re: How big an extension cord?

            Thanks Aaron and Mark, great tips. It makes a lot of sense.
            quality creates its own demand

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            • #7
              Re: How big an extension cord?

              Thanks bossman for the reminder.
              Learning new things everyday

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              • #8
                Re: How big an extension cord?

                Excellent thread.

                The larger gauge cords will cut down on resistance as well as reduce heat buildup.
                r. b.

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                • #9
                  Re: How big an extension cord?

                  As a side question, does anyone know of particularly good cord prices? Or brand? I was at a Lowe's buying a cord (16/3) and the heavier gauge 100' ones (12/3) were more than "slightly more expensive".
                  2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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                  • #10
                    Re: How big an extension cord?

                    Originally posted by Murr1525 View Post
                    As a side question, does anyone know of particularly good cord prices? Or brand? I was at a Lowe's buying a cord and the heavier gauge 100' ones were more than "slightly more expensive".

                    i don't know makes,prices in the states....GEC?

                    I'd just go for a good heavy duty.There's lots of other items you can use with the same one.If it can handle 13/16amp you'll be fine.

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                    • #11
                      Re: How big an extension cord?

                      Originally posted by Murr1525 View Post
                      As a side question, does anyone know of particularly good cord prices? Or brand? I was at a Lowe's buying a cord (16/3) and the heavier gauge 100' ones (12/3) were more than "slightly more expensive".
                      DOH, can't remember the price of mine,it was I think $25 bucks for the 12ga outdoor cord at our local Ace Hardware......the cheapo ones were anywhere from 15-20 bucks.....

                      Haven't bought a cord in a long time....I wore out the plug end and bout had a stroke when I bought a replacement end for it though!
                      Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

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                      • #12
                        Re: How big an extension cord?

                        Just looking at the Lowes' website, a 100' 16 gauge is $15, and a 50' 12 gauge is in the $50's.
                        2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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                        • #13
                          Re: How big an extension cord?

                          Originally posted by Murr1525 View Post
                          Just looking at the Lowes' website, a 100' 16 gauge is $15, and a 50' 12 gauge is in the $50's.

                          Even if it's expensive,it's worth it.They last a lifetime.

                          TOP

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                          • #14
                            Re: How big an extension cord?

                            Originally posted by Murr1525 View Post
                            As a side question, does anyone know of particularly good cord prices? Or brand? I was at a Lowe's buying a cord (16/3) and the heavier gauge 100' ones (12/3) were more than "slightly more expensive".
                            You might want to try Sam's Club.

                            I purchased a 100' 14/3 Romex cord for about $20 at Lowe's, but that was a few years back.
                            r. b.

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                            • #15
                              Re: How big an extension cord?

                              For brand I'm a Yellow Jacket guy! In construction we used a lot of extension cords. The Yellow Jacket ones are great and super flexible. Nothing worse than a stiff extension cord. The only down side is they are expensive, but you get what you pay for.



                              Almost forgot they have a lifetime warranty too.

                              The best power cords on the market are backed up with the best guarantee- for as long as you own a Yellow Jacket product. If for any reason you are not satisfied, return the cord to Woods for replacement.
                              Scott

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