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extension cord questions

E

Eric R Snow

Jan 1, 1970
0
Greetings All,
Let's say I have two extension cords, both 50 feet long. I need to use
both to reach a device that is 90 feet away from the receptacle. One
is 12 gauge and the other is 14 gauge. Looking in the book I find the
voltage drop for each cord and add them together. The total voltage
drop at the required amperage is acceptable for the device plugged
into the cords. Two questions: Does it matter which cord is plugged
into the power source? And is my assumption correct about adding the
voltage drops?
Thank You,
Eric R Snow
 
T

Tom Biasi

Jan 1, 1970
0
Eric R Snow said:
Greetings All,
Let's say I have two extension cords, both 50 feet long. I need to use
both to reach a device that is 90 feet away from the receptacle. One
is 12 gauge and the other is 14 gauge. Looking in the book I find the
voltage drop for each cord and add them together. The total voltage
drop at the required amperage is acceptable for the device plugged
into the cords. Two questions: Does it matter which cord is plugged
into the power source? And is my assumption correct about adding the
voltage drops?
Thank You,
Eric R Snow

No and yes.
 
S

sanjeevdevasthali

Jan 1, 1970
0
hi,
since the current (ampereage) flowing through both the cords is same,
it does not matter whichever cord u connect first. the voltage drop
will be sum total of both. u r right.
 
A

Alan B

Jan 1, 1970
0
Greetings All,
...Does it matter which cord is plugged
into the power source? And is my assumption correct about adding the
voltage drops?

I'm agreeing with the other posters, and noting out that this is one of
many points where a common analogy - comparing electricity to water flow
and pressure - breaks down.

I also want to caution that you should look at peak current as well as
continuous current before you connect your hundred foot cable. Is the
device you wish to use one that requires a high starting current, for
instance an air compressor? In that case, the voltage drop in the cable
with the inrush current might well be high enough to prevent proper
operation.
 
E

Eric R Snow

Jan 1, 1970
0
I'm agreeing with the other posters, and noting out that this is one of
many points where a common analogy - comparing electricity to water flow
and pressure - breaks down.

I also want to caution that you should look at peak current as well as
continuous current before you connect your hundred foot cable. Is the
device you wish to use one that requires a high starting current, for
instance an air compressor? In that case, the voltage drop in the cable
with the inrush current might well be high enough to prevent proper
operation.
Thanks for all the responses folks. It's nice to know I was thinking
about this correctly. And the device is a battery charger this time so
a high current inrush won't be a problem now. I do know about motors
drawing many more amps when starting than running and always size
wiring for them that takes this into account.
ERS
 
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