GROUNDING
EXTENSION CORDS
WARNING!
Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the cord or plug is damaged. If damaged,
have it repaired by a MILWAUKEE service facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a quali- fied electrician.
Grounded Tools:
Tools with Three Prong Plugs
Tools marked “Grounding Required” have a three wire cord and three prong ground- ing plug. The plug must be connected to a properly grounded outlet (See Figure A). If the tool should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low re- sistance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock.
The grounding prong in the plug is con- nected through the green wire inside the cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the only wire connected to the tool's ground- ing system and must never be attached to an electrically “live” terminal.
Your tool must be plugged into an appro- priate outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet should look like those in Figure A.
Double Insulated Tools:
Tools with Two Prong Plugs
Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not re- quire grounding. They have a special double insulation system which satisfies OSHA requirements and complies with the applicable standards of Underwriters Labo- ratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard As- sociation and the National Electrical Code. Double Insulated tools may be used in ei- ther of the 120 volt outlets shown in Figures B and C.
Grounded tools require a three wire ex- tension cord. Double insulated tools can use either a two or three wire extension cord. As the distance from the supply out- let increases, you must use a heavier gauge extension cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage. Refer to the table shown to determine the re- quired minimum wire size.
The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord. When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, be sure each cord con- tains at least the minimum wire size re- quired. If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate amperes and use the sum to determine the required minimum wire size.
Guidelines for Using Extension Cords
•If you are using an extension cord out- doors, be sure it is marked with the suffix
•Be sure your extension cord is prop- erly wired and in good electrical condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
•Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp or wet areas.
Recommended Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cords*
Nameplate | Extension Cord Length | |||||
A m p e r e s | 25' | 50' | 75' | 100' | 150' | |
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0 - 2.0 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 | |
2.1 | - 3.4 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 |
3.5 | - 5.0 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 |
5.1 | - 7.0 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 |
7.1 - 12.0 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
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12.1 | - 16.0 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
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16.1 | - 20.0 | 12 | 10 |
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*Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at 150% of the rated amperes.
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Fig. B | Fig. C |
Fig. A
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