Shore power and extension cords

[LDB]

The system installed in my van came with a 25' cord with a large unique 3 prong connector that plugs into the side of the van. The other end has a unique connector and a one foot cord that converts it to a standard household 110v plug. The 25' cord is the diameter of your thumb and weighs about 87 pounds. Well, ok, not that heavy but very large and it is heavy. I've looked at cords at Lowe's etc. and none are close to that size. If I start carrying a cord I need more than the 25'.

I know very little about it but I know you want the shortest cord possible. I know the longer the run the heavier the cord should be. That said, what is the minimum gauge one should consider in say a 50' and a 100' cord to avoid any risk of fire etc.? I would get two 50' cords to make the 100' as I figure it it's more than 100' it's too far away to use.

 

[davekc]

Try this.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=Extension_Cords_Reels

 

[greg334]

I have several 50 foot 14 gage cables that I have made. The plugs can be had at places like West Marine and Camperworld. The cable that you have is made for a lot of amperage moving to a Motor Home (like an electric stove, rooftop A/C and full size fridge) and you, like me don't need much. I draw 10 amps at the very very most so I can do 14 gage but if you are drawing 20 amps (like with an A/C unit), I would get 12 gage.

Where to get the wire - Home Depot.

 

[LDB]

I do have the roof a/c and in winter I have a 1500 watt plug in heater so I'd go with the 12 gauge. I'll check Lowe's and Sears. I won't spend a penny at Home Depot.

 

[RLENT]

The 25' cord is the diameter of your thumb and weighs about 87 pounds. Well, ok, not that heavy but very large and it is heavy. I've looked at cords at Lowe's etc. and none are close to that size.

Look harder - they carry them. (I pulled them up on their website in about 20 seconds - search for "extension cord" and then set the display to "highest price to lowest")

The brand is Utlitech I think. Not cheap.

(I have one of them - it's a 100' and 10/3 (gauge/conductors) - it is about as thick as my thumb)

 

[Jason2]

what you have more than likely is a RV cord. check with a RV lot somewhere they will have one also already made up.You can use a extension cord just make sure that it is aleast a 10/3 cord. That will be suffiect enough for you.I've wordrd with the campers for about 12 years on and off. That is the reason I was saying that.Don't try to use one of the adpters from wally world on the a/c during the summer for to long of a period either.They will melt the prongs together on the inside.Don't ask me how I know..... JASON Also that is a 30 amp plug more than likely

 

[pearlpro]

I would look for a cord thats rated, RATED for Severe Duty, at least 14 ga, and preferably 12 Ga, also Id look for cords that are rated for OUTDOOR use, Sunlite and Oil/Water resistant, YOU can build your own cable pretty easily, I do this kinda stuff also, 20 years ago I was in the Generator Business with Cummins/Cat....you can find a good Electrical supply house, Buy the parts and wire up your own custom cord as long as you pay attention to POLARITY, Meaning the Positive/Negative Ground connectors, Ground is always GREEN and with Positive being WHITE and Negative BLACK.

Most common electrical Outlets only require 3 Wires but I do recommend you use a GROUND FAULT outlet in your vehicle, it can save your life if theres a short etc...

Dont use cheap connectors, adapters, wire smaller then 14 ga, and heres a big tip, Never leave your cord rolled up in a circle, It will heat up by way of INDUCTION, If you only need 10' of a 25' or 50' cord, FIGURE EIGHT the rest of the cord and this will prevent Induction heating. I build these cables if you have a question e mail me

 

[pearlpro]

14 ga will handle 15 Amps
12 ga will handle 25 Amps
10 ga will handle 30 Amps

It really depends on what your running, powering etc, if your using an electric heater or Air conditioner its better to buy the next size up to allow for heating etc, dont scrimp it can easily melt and short out if it touches your metal van and your inside, the result wont be nice...

 

[LDB]

My "always" use is my 12v refrigerator, a 150w 12v inverter my computer plugs into and a small fluorescent ceiling light with a pair of I think 10w tubes. My "sometimes" use is one out of either a roof air, 1700 watt heater or a fantastic fan. The fridge doesn't run 24/7 obviously, the lights aren't on 24/7 and the inverter is only used when I am on the computer so the "always" isn't 24/7 just always potentially used along with the high draw a/c or heat.

I figured on a cord or perhaps a pair of cords like this one. The one time I looked in the store they didn't have this or I missed it. I'll look again or order it.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_242167-6690...uct_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=Outdoor|20.0

 

[LDB]

Look harder - they carry them. (I pulled them up on their website in about 20 seconds - search for "extension cord" and then set the display to "highest price to lowest")

The brand is Utlitech I think. Not cheap.

(I have one of them - it's a 100' and 10/3 (gauge/conductors) - it is about as thick as my thumb)

Yeah, I was browsing, not seriously looking at the time so I may have missed them. I've seen them online and will order one if I don't find it on the shelf.

 

[RLENT]

Yeah, I was browsing, not seriously looking at the time so I may have missed them. I've seen them online and will order one if I don't find it on the shelf.

In our local store where I picked mine up, they were right next to the section where most of the rest of the (smaller) extension cords were ..... IIRC (which is questionable), the larger cords are not as obvious and easier to miss .... because they are boxed up.