VOLTAGE DROP IN ELECTRIC EXTENSION CORDS
When a long electric extension cord is used to connect an appliance or tool to the generator, a certain amount of voltage drop or loss occurs in the extension cord which recuces the effective voltage available for the appliance or tool. The use of improper size or gauge of extension cords may cause unsafe or inefficient operation of your tool or appliance. it may also damage the tool or appliance.
Be sure that any extension cord that you use is rated to allow sufficient current flow to the motor or appliance. Select the required wire gauge size according to the chart below.
Chart lists the minimum wire gauge size for the proper extension cord.
EXTENSION CORD CHART
Use the right extension cord. An extension cord should have a suitable wire size for the overrall cord length and tool amperage rating. This is to prevent a serious voltage drop, power loss and possible motor damage. Generally, heavier gauge wire is required as coad lenght increases. Use the recommendations in this table.
Extension | 0.2 | 2.1 - 3.4 |
| 3.5- 5 |
| 5.1 - 7 |
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Cord |
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Length |
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25 feet | 18 | 18 |
| 18 |
| 18 |
| 16 | 14 |
50 feet | 18 | 18 |
| 18 |
| 16 |
| 14 | 12 |
75 feet | 18 | 18 | I | 16 | I | 14 | I | 12 | 10 |
100 feet | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
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150 feet | 16 | 14 |
| 12 |
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200 feet | 16 | 14 |
| 12 |
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300 feet | 14 | 12 |
| 10 |
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400 feet | 12 |
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500 feet | 12 |
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600 feet | 10 |
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800 feet | - |
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10 |
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aNot normally available as flexible extenslon cord |
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