extension cord?

[accord2007]

i went to lowes today and found a 40ft 16gauge 13 amp extension cord to use with my porter cable is that good enough i read somewhere that you need a big cord so you dont burn the pc is that true...

[imacarnut]

Re: extension cord?

You should be fine and since it has higher amperage and shorter length, you'll have plenty of power. Most would probably use a 50 or 100ft 10 amp cord, which will work fine as well. If you are worried about it, send it to me and I will properly dispose of it for you .

[accord2007]

Re: extension cord?

ok thanks, i only got it for 6 bucks

[TOGWT]

Re: extension cord?

GFCI and Extension Cord

Extension cord sizes are specific for different types of tools. The amperage flowing through an extension cord can ruin a tool. It is important to choose extension cords that are proper for the kind of tool you will be using. Extension cord selection is biased on two main principles. First, the cable should be able to carry the current load imposed on it without overheating.
It should be able to do this in the most extreme conditions of temperature it will encounter during its working life. Second, it should offer sufficiently sound earthing to (a) limit the voltage to which people are exposed to a safe level and (b) allow the fault current to trip the fuse or MCB in a short time.

To meet these requirements requires consideration of the circuit load current (amps) a reasonable voltage drop (5%) cable thickness and length and the over-current protection device. Generally, current delivered to static loads is lowered by increased extension cord length(R) Resistance goes up; current (amps) goes down (I = E / R = Current x Resistance).

Cable Gauge

• 16 American Wire Gauge (AWG) up to 100 feet long will adequately handle loads up to 10 amps.
• 14(AWG) Gauge between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps.
• 12 (AWG) Gauge if the electrical load is between 10 and 15 amps and the length of the cord is 50 to 100 feet

1. Prime Wire & Cable Duplex GFCI (Ground Fault Indicator) - Junction Box with 6-Ft. Cord, Model# GF200806 Portable GFCI duplex receptacle detects power leaks and shuts off electricity in less than a second to prevent shock. Test and reset buttons Tough jobsite box with 6-ft. 12/3 SJTW power cord UL listed, meets OSHA standards.

2. Prime Wire & Cable extension - 12/3 Neon Power Cord — Blue, Model# NS514830 Bright NEON extension cord stands out for easy identification. 12 Gauge, SJTW, 3 prong cord features super-flexible vinyl jacket with a cold temperature rating of -31°F. LIGHTED connector indicates when power is on. Cord is water and flame resistant and rated at 15 amps, 125V, 1875 watts, UL listed and meets OSHA standards – Northern Tool Co

Voltage drop calculator -[U]http://www.supercircuits.com/resources/tools/voltageDrop[/U]

Power cord length (with 5%) voltage drop calc - http://www.lightshow.cc/explorer/Cal...r_/power_.html

[Michael Stoops]

Re: extension cord?

Pages 2 & 3 of the G110v2 manual include the following information:

"When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge."

For 120 volt unit (and similar tools drawing up to 6 amps):

Total length of cord, in feet/Rating gauge of wire (AWG)
0-25 ft / 18 gauge
26-50 ft / 16 gauge
51-100 ft / 16 gauge
101-150 ft / 14 gauge


The Porter Cable is going to have almost identical requirements to the G110v2, so your 40' 16 gauge extension should be just fine.

[accord2007]

Re: extension cord?

Once again thank you guys for the good info..