Questions tagged [extension-cord]

For questions about extension cords -- i.e. lengths of flexible cord terminated in a cord-mounted receptacle or receptacles on one end and a plug on the other. They are used to bring power temporarily to a location where permanent receptacles are not available or for appliances that need to be mobile over large areas.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
23 votes
7 answers
6k views

Is this two-110-to-one-220 adaptor as fire-hazard as it looks?

I was browsing amazon and found this strange extension cord that takes two 110v circuits and combines them into one 220v circuit. I vaguely understand how two outlets can be on a different circuit/...
Sidney's user avatar
  • 1,625
16 votes
6 answers
4k views

Why do instruction manuals specify, "Do not use extension cord and provide a separate circuit"?

Could someone shed some light on the "do not use extension cord" and "provide a separate circuit" instructions that come with every single refrigerator and freezer? Context: I own ...
Yuri Niyazov's user avatar
3 votes
6 answers
2k views

Are multiple extension cords in series causing significant increase in electric use?

While my dad is building our house he has our new well pump at the site plugged into 4 extension cords until the electrical panel is installed. The pump is serving our current house about 50yds from ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 39
0 votes
0 answers
106 views

Can I run wire under a door saddle?

Is it safe to run an extension cord under a door saddle to get power past the door? I have a window air conditioner that doesn’t have a nearby outlet, and the heavy-duty extension cord I currently use ...
SpackleIsMyFriend's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
81 views

Light duty power strip extension

I have a smart power strip (Max Load: 15A, AC 100-240V 50/60Hz) which I plan to use for automating the led light strips (5V x 5pcs) on my display shelf (built in). I don't plan to plug anything else ...
kiiro sora's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
106 views

How to determine if an electrical box is code-compliant/listed for non-permanent installation?

I'd like to build a cord with a an 14-30P plug on one end and a 14-30R receptacle on the other end. I'll be using 8/4 SOOW cord. Since there are no 14-30R receptacles designed to attach to the end of ...
tinfever's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

what type of extention cord do i need for my mower

I need a long cord to mow the lawn (around 150 ft long) Greenworks 13A mower I could not find any cords this long I am planning to connect two 100ft cords together. my question is what type of cords ...
asmgx's user avatar
  • 941
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

What size extension cord do I need to reach 200’ from the house to run 15A tools?

I need to work out in the woods (building a treehouse) with up to 15 Amp tools about 200 feet from the house. Obviously I should be using battery tools, but all of my tools are wired and I’d rather ...
irrational's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
509 views

30 amp extension cord with 15 amp outlets

I have a 30 amp RV outlet in my garage that I want to use to power a couple of 10 amp battery chargers. The battery chargers have 15 amp plugs. I'm thinking of getting a 10 gauge copper cable, ...
mrog's user avatar
  • 810
2 votes
1 answer
634 views

50 Amp 240 Volt for 20 Amp Power Tools

I'd like to be able to use an existing NEMA 14-50 to power some power tools that are designed to run on 240 volt, 20 amp plugs. To prevent serious damage to myself or any equipment (e.g., table saw ...
senfo's user avatar
  • 429
2 votes
1 answer
93 views

Led indicator on extension cord intermittent [closed]

I have an extension cord running to a shed, providing power to a heated waterer for our chickens in the winter. (I am aware that an extension cord is not ideal! It runs on a GFCI outlet.). The cord ...
nuggethead's user avatar
  • 1,327
0 votes
2 answers
283 views

Do USB and Ethernet extension cords violate typical fire codes?

It is commonplace for firecodes to tell us not to use extension cords. But for living in a rental, sometimes there is no other way to transmit datalines between rooms securely. A reasonable person ...
nick carraway's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
186 views

OK to start a house circuit wire with a plug, to plug into circuit panel outlet or generator breakout box?

Eventually I plan to put in a subpanel and transfer switch or circuit-breaker interlock for several house circuits to run from my generator, with all permitting and inspections. But as a temporary ...
Triplefault's user avatar
  • 6,374
0 votes
2 answers
365 views

How serious is this warning about extension cords?

My AC came with this scary warning -- but the outlet is really not convenient and I'd like to use an extension cord. Not a power strip, just a 3ft simple extension cord. Electrical consumption is not ...
chx's user avatar
  • 223
1 vote
3 answers
2k views

GFI Outlet Tripping (A/C and Extension Cord)

Looking for any insight on my situation: I have an A/C unit that is rated 15A, 1240W, 115V. Since all of the bedroom and living room outlets in my apartment are all on the same 15A breaker, I decided ...
SoundGuySays's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
2k views

Can I connect a 1-3 adapter to a 12/3 extension cord?

Before I ask, I understand how extension cords work to a point. I understand if anything is plugged in, it needs to stay under the rated wattage and amperage. I also understand the way cords are rated ...
user282951's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
875 views

Converting pendant light to wired hanging lamp - what to do with ground wire?

The short: what to do with ground wire from pendant light when converting to hanging lamp? The long: I've found several tutorials on how to add a plug to my wired pendant light, and I've determined ...
Tracy's user avatar
  • 1
0 votes
3 answers
219 views

Why are appliance cords (like a dryer or oven) usually flat?

What is this type of wire called? I've been looking for a longer cord, or just bulk wire without ends for a table saw. I'd like the cord flat as it has to run along the floor, and most extension cords ...
joeking's user avatar
  • 103
1 vote
1 answer
826 views

Why would a polarized plug not fit into a polarized extension cord?

I purchased a somewhat expensive name brand Beautyrest air mattress. Its electronic pump is at the foot of the bed, and its electrical cord is shorter than the length of the bed, making an extension ...
End Anti-Semitic Hate's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
2k views

Adapter to convert a 45-degree angle wall electrical plug into a straight plug [closed]

This is a recurring problem I have: Instead of a traditional, straight plug, I have devices with a three-prong plug that lays flush against a wall and angled at 45 degrees. I find these types of plugs ...
user54379's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
91 views

Getting various non-zero voltages between neutral and ground on daisy-chained extension cords

Backstory: I am running power (temporarily) to a workshop through a 25' and a 50' extension cords. I was worried about the voltage drop over this length so I was measuring voltage to see if it ...
brentonstrine's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
56 views

Faults/current leak in an ungrounded electric setup (connected to a grounded setup)

I'm troubleshooting the wiring from our neighbor's house. His electric setup is ungrounded. Our house, pending an "official" installation, gets its electricity via a ~30M cable (3x1.5mm2) ...
Markus AO's user avatar
  • 121
0 votes
3 answers
240 views

Does the NEC have a table for oversizing wire for extended lengths?

I have a very long property with no power at the back. I'm trying to get a 13A reciprocating saw out there to do some demo work. The cable would need to be ~250'. Does the NEC have a table that ...
mreff555's user avatar
  • 1,247
1 vote
3 answers
108 views

Extension Cords needed, can't find

I have moved into an older home. All of the outlets are two prong only. Is there an extension cord that will plug into the wall with a 2 prong, but has 3 prongs in the extension part? If not, how am I ...
Debra Nuckols's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
2k views

Garage door opener will not close unless the wall button is held

I do not know if this could cause the problem or not but it is hooked up to an extension cord (not sure what size). There are two garage doors plugged in with extension cords. One is working but it is ...
Marvin Schepers's user avatar
2 votes
5 answers
283 views

The plug for my laptop is slowly changing colour, is it still safe to use until I get a new one?

So, right now my charger plug, that connects into the extension cord is slowly changing colour and it looks like it has small bumps, I can’t really tell though. Is it because i’m using an extension ...
Roxxanne's user avatar
23 votes
10 answers
64k views

My inflatable hot tub says "don't use with an extension cord"... but can I?

Sadly they don't explain WHY not to use it with an extension cord. I wonder if it's to do with the risk of having such connections outside in the elements? The cord it comes with is 7m long, and ...
Codemonkey's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
4k views

Making an extension cord

I went into home depot to get an extension cord that was 5 foot 14 gauge. I couldn't find anything that small in that gauge and I asked the employee for his recommendation. He told me to just make my ...
Anthony Perez's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
349 views

Extension Cords - Electrical Hazards & Safety

We are looking at purchasing a Residence that has a Home Office Area attached to it. It is Commercially zoned in a Canadian Province. Upon doing a walk through, we noticed an extension cord layout ...
Ted's user avatar
  • 29
1 vote
2 answers
220 views

How do I prevent water from getting in my landscape spotlight extension cord

If I plug a two prong outdoor spotlight into a three prong grounded extension cord would water getting into the empty hole in the three prong cause the circuit to trip?
Captive in Florida's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
4k views

My house is flooding and I have things plugged into an extension cord that is getting wet what do I do

I'm freaking out because the extension cord that has a lot of things plugged into it is on the floor this whole place is concrete floors and it's flooding or sleeping in and it's right there right ...
Ashley Berry's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
2k views

Two appliances with connection cords sharing power outlet

I have my dishwasher and my garbage disposal fed from two separate electrical circuits but sharing the same power outlet under the sink. I broke off the tabs on the outlet and connected it to two ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 7,357
0 votes
3 answers
286 views

Powering a Window Air Conditioner -- 10' 12/3 SJTW extension cord vs new outlet?

TL;DR: Is it fine to use 10' 12/3 extension cord or should I really have an electrician come out & install a new outlet? I recently installed 8,000 BTU window air conditioner (the LG LW8016ER). ...
Bill's user avatar
  • 407
0 votes
2 answers
163 views

Electrical Appliance Killing Extension Leads

I've got a circular saw that has been responsible for damaging a total of three extension leads. Not in the typical sharp bit cutting the cable you may have expected. I've had the saw for a year and ...
Ciaran Forde's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
8k views

Extension cord reel - (Red) Reset button not staying down

I have the below cord reel, rated 1000watt rolled and 3500watt extended. It was working great until someone used it to power a welder. The person told me that it stopped working a few times and he ...
Chlorinate06's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
42 views

What size and type of wire do I need for a long run?

I'm a DJ and need to power five 20A amplifiers. Since the wall receptacles in most clubs and outdoor events to not have sufficient power to make them sound good. I need a 50 foot length and a 100 foot ...
Bob Gentile's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
3k views

okay to use fatter/longer extension cord than spec'd for power tools?

I want to buy an electric chainsaw, rated at 15A (125V). Manufacturer specifies max 50' extension cord (no gauge spec). There are 50' 14 gauge extension cords that are rated at 15A/125V. Could I use a ...
TimCO's user avatar
  • 113
1 vote
1 answer
3k views

Is it safe to connect two extension cords to reach 75 feet to a generator?

For my generator? It's a duromax xp4850eh with one of those 240v L14-30 outlets. The inlet is about 75 feet away from where I want the generator to sit outside. Because of voltage drop concerns, I ...
Zannon's user avatar
  • 69
-1 votes
2 answers
4k views

3-socket replacement extension cord end? [closed]

I have an extension cord on a retractable reel, and it has a molded-on end with three sockets, like this: Unfortunately, the quality of the sockets isn't great -- at least a couple of them are quite ...
Caleb's user avatar
  • 865
3 votes
3 answers
12k views

Floor outlet protruding under a rug

I have an in floor outlet (under a rug) and I don't want the plug sticking up under the rug. Can I cut off the plug of an extension cord and directly wire it in with the wires of the outlet? Thanks in ...
Bryan's user avatar
  • 31
0 votes
2 answers
283 views

Constant amps maximum

I did some wiring and want to make sure i calculated it all safely. I have a 30 amp breaker, single phase 240volts wired to a dryer outlet, don't know the awg of that as it's in the walls and has been ...
rasmukri's user avatar
  • 317
0 votes
1 answer
588 views

Activating hot water recirculation pump in garage via extension cord under kitchen sink

I have a hot water recirculation pump installed near the water heater that is located in the garage which provides instant hot water via dedicated 1/2" copper pipes. Although I have a timer that ...
Grant's user avatar
  • 605
0 votes
1 answer
490 views

Extension cord female end-3 plug end [closed]

I was needing to replace female end on extension cord. The existing female end is made to accept 3 plugs on that end. Do replacement ends like that exist or will it have to be converted to just a ...
georgia-guy's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
13k views

Passing a generator extention through a wall for use in a power outage

When the power goes out and I use my generator I am currently running an extension cord through a cracked door from the garage into the house, down the basement stairs and to my sump pump (which is ...
Tam's user avatar
  • 13
10 votes
1 answer
4k views

Is it okay to regularly turn off lamps (2) via a power strip rather than their individual switches?

Okay, full disclosure: I know next to nothing about electronics. Just trying out my first little amateur diy project: adding lights to my vanity. So here goes my question. I just bought 2 little ...
Arya28's user avatar
  • 103
0 votes
0 answers
75 views

120/240 circuit extension

I have a 3-wire 120/240 V circuit running to my garage to an l14-30 outlet for an arc welder. Occasionally I want to run that arc welder in my basement. My thought is to cut the existing circuit in ...
Frank2644's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
4k views

Is there a type of extension cord I can use with a gutter heater?

I just purchased a gutter heater (yes I know it may not actually work), and the user's manual said not to use an extension cord. We don't have any outlets within the 6 foot range of the cord on the ...
Josh Russo's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
3k views

Ends of 25' 12/3 and short 14/3 extension cords get warm with 1500W heater

I've 'tested' three listed extension cords, one at a time, by plugging a 4 year old 1500W fanned heater ($10 at Home Depot) into a 20 amp house circuit (no other appreciable load). The cords: orange ...
user's user avatar
  • 23
2 votes
1 answer
151 views

When to retire aged copper extension cords with intact jackets?

If not abused, do the conductors in extension cords degrade over time? If so, how does one determine when they need to be retired?
Jerry French's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
277 views

Extension cords flexible in cold weather

25+ year old 14/3 extension cord. Blue jacket. Still nice and flexible. Jacket stamped "-50C". Surprisingly, it is also stamped "SJTW-A". I thought flexible-in-cold carried the E, not the T ...
Jerry French's user avatar