electrical
extension cord cable size
Refer to the table below to ensure the cable size of the extension cords you use are capable of carrying the required load. Inadequate size cables can cause a voltage drop, which can burn out the appliance and overheat the cord.
Current in | Load in Watts |
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Amperes | At 120V | At 240V | #8 Wire | #10 Wire | #12 Wire | #14 Wire | #16 Wire |
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2.5 | 300 | 600 |
| 1000 ft. | 600 ft. | 375 ft. | 250 ft. |
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5 | 600 | 1200 |
| 500 ft. | 300 ft. | 200 ft. | 125 ft. |
7.5 | 900 | 1800 |
| 350 ft. | 200 ft. | 125 ft. | 100 ft. |
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10 | 1200 | 2400 |
| 250 ft. | 150 ft. | 100 ft. | 50 ft. |
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15 | 1800 | 3600 |
| 150 ft. | 100 ft. | 65 ft. |
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20 | 2400 | 4800 | 175 ft. | 125 ft. | 75 ft. |
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25 | 3000 | 6000 | 150 ft. | 100 ft. |
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30 | 3600 | 7200 | 125 ft. | 65 ft. |
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40 | 4800 | 9600 | 90 ft. |
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electric motor loads
It is characteristic of common electric motors in normal operation to draw up to six times their running current while starting. This table may be used to estimate the watts required to start “Code G” electric motors; however, if an elec- tric motor fails to start or reach running speed, turn off the appliance or tool immediately to avoid equipment damage. Always check the requirements of the tool or appliance being used compared to the rated output of the generator.
Motor Size (H.P.) | Running Watts | Watts Required to Start Motor |
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Repulsion Induction | Capacitor |
| Split Phase | ||
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1/8 | 275 | 600 | 850 |
| 1200 |
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1/6 | 275 | 600 | 850 |
| 2050 |
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1/4 | 400 | 850 | 1050 |
| 2400 |
1/3 | 450 | 975 | 1350 |
| 2700 |
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1/2 | 600 | 1300 | 1800 |
| 3600 |
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3/4 | 850 | 1900 | 2600 |
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1 | 1100 | 2500 | 3300 |
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