Outside extension cord ratings

[scuba_dave]

Well. I decided to check my extension cords since I am putting out my Halloween decorations. Since Christmas is not all that far away I'm checking cords & getting my timers organized
Almost every cord (orange) is #16, one is 16-2. I have 3 short cords (orange) that are 14-3. The #16 cords are marked 1675w.

I also just looked at the brown & white extension cords that I also use outside. They are brand new as I went out & bought them 2 years ago to upgrade my wiring. It seems that these are of course for indoor use only
These are also marked 16g 1675w. These are (all) used for less then 30 days. I have always wrapped the connection points with plastic & used ties to seal out the weather

But this seems to be what people have been using for years?
I've been using these same cords (orange/outside & white/brown - inside) outside for years

I have to think that all of these cords are expected to be used according to Mfg ratings/instructions.
16g = 13a = 1675w (listed on cord)
but isn't 13a = 1560w ?? - maybe my eyes are going
14g = 15a = 1800w
20g = 20a = 2400w

For Halloween I've added (3) 1200w foggers - each one uses 10a
This prompted me to check my extension cords :(

Thoughts?
I'm going to check at the store & see what they have for extension cords
This time paying careful attention to the ratings

[mdshunk]

I receltly had to get a new batch of extension cords. The #12 and #10 cords (which is all I'll buy) are expensive. You can spend 100 bucks or more on a good 100 footer.

[scuba_dave]

I wonder if it would be cheaper to just make my own with the setup I have
I'll have to check out the cost of a spool of wire, But as I remember the plugs are expensive

I usually setup my lights in approx the same place every year
Everything is GFCI protected

I guess I'll see what they have at the store tomorrow
I guess I can still use what I have, I'll just have to verify that I do not exceed the ratings of the extension cords that I use

I see some DIY that end up using reg electric wire & putting a quad box outside & plugging stuff in. I'd rather spend some $$ & do it right

I've checked every cord, best I have is 15a 14g - maybe 5 of them

[Bumblerazz]

I've often wondered the same thing. Running my chop saw often heats up the plug/cord and wondered if I'm burning the motor.

I ran into these last year. Seems like reasonable price and I think it would be good for running decorations. They're only 25' but can be used in- and ex- terior. I'm sure your local DIY must have something similar.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=51162&cat=1,240,41065

-please let me know if the link doesn't work.

[mdshunk]

I ran into these last year. Seems like reasonable price and I think it would be good for running decorations. They're only 25' but can be used in- and ex- terior. I'm sure your local DIY must have something similar.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=51162&cat=1,240,41065

-please let me know if the link doesn't work.
The link works..

I saw some fitters on a job last year that had several of those in 100 footers. I'm sure that they were plenty expensive. I think that they were Electricord (Leviton) brand. Really neat, anyhow. Good for a temporary power string running through a house.

[scuba_dave]

Nice setup, but more expensive then I can spend with the quantity I would need. I'll probably buy a 25' 12-3, then maybe a 50' 12-3 to get power out to the areas that I need. Then split off from there with lower cords to different lights.

All depends upon the price, I'd rather get a longer cord then one too short
Wally mart had a 100' 12-3 for $45, the 25' was $23 I think

I'll check around & see what I can find
Halloween is much easier, much less lights
Also warmer weather for setup & breakdown

[Ode2Pops]

My wife is a Holiday Season freak and the house gets decked out every Halloween and (particularly) Christmas.

I became very concerned with the number of extension cords running all over our yard and took the step of installing a dedicated 20A branch circuit to five evenly spaced GFCI-protected receptacles under the eaves around the front of the house (primarily for Xmas lights). The circuit is controlled via a wall switch in the utility room. I still have to use a couple of extension cords for lawn displays, but no longer the rat’s nest of cords running all over the yard that we had before.

[mdshunk]

Yep, every once in a great while I have to run underground circuits to GFCI's in various strategic spots in people's yards just for this purpose. Arlington's "garden post" is great for this.
http://www.aifittings.com/new_images/gardnpost_01.jpghttp://www.aifittings.com/new_images/gardnpost_02.jpg
http://www.aifittings.com/new_images/gardnpost_03.jpghttp://www.aifittings.com/new_images/gardnpost_04.jpg
http://www.aifittings.com/new_images/gardnpost_05.jpghttp://www.aifittings.com/new_images/gardnpost_06.jpg

[scuba_dave]

Yup, I'm working on adding outside circuits for Holiday decorations

1 circuit - tapped into existing circuit that goes to a GFCI outlet on back patio
I used to have (1) plain outlet on the side of the house near the front.
I ripped it off in until the SF was buried & new panel installed
Now a new GFCI outlet has been installed with an in-use wet cover

2nd circuit:
The front patio has been enclosed, (3) GFCI outlets inside the patio for lights, and another new GFCI outlet installed with an in-use wet cover outside (it's hidden from direct site).

3rd circuit:
I'll add another new GFCI outlet with an in-use wet cover outside on the far side of the house. This will be used for Holiday lights too

4th circuit:
GFCI protected outlet. This one I want to install in the front soffit (unvented)
The front of the house has a 8-10" overhang. I was thinking of tapping into the patio circuit so that this outlet would be GFCI protected. It would only be used for Christmas icycle lighst that go along the roof

But it would point down, is that acceptable by code?
An in use wet cover would not work as it would not latch correctly
Are the snap covers still acceptable?

Additional circuits once the garage is built:
Front of garage
Front lightpost with outlet (0ne side of driveway)
Front uplight for Oak tree w/outlet (other side of driveway)
Side of garage & back of garage

This will cut down greatly on extension cords

Inside I am planning on adding outlets in rooms facing the front of the house
These will be tied to a timer to turn decorations on & off automatically

I''l be glad when all this wiring is done
I need my rough inspection done so I can start insulating

[scuba_dave]

Just scored at HD!!

Normal 50' 12-3 cords were $45

Clearance on Special pack 85' 12-3 cords w/2' long triple adapter cord included. Marked down to $24!!
They only had 2 left, I bought them both
There are 2 other HD's in the area, have to check them out

That takes care of my immediate needs for Halloween...I think

Of all the cords on display, a lot were marked 12-3...but only 15a ???

The only one marked 12-3 20a had the twist lock plug ???
If the wire is 12-3, shouldn't it be rated 20a??
I checked the plugs, they look the same exact quality/mfg

I maight add these are really heavy duty wires, not at all like the 16-3 cords I have

[mdshunk]

Of all the cords on display, a lot were marked 12-3...but only 15a ???

Yeah. Even the #10 cords only are rated 15 amp. When I tell you the reason why, you'll say, "DUH" to yourself.
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the ends of the cord are only a 15 amp configuration. That is the limiting factor. The main reason for using the heavy cords is to limit voltage drop over long runs. Your secondary reason is that you are plugging in loads with current draws greater than an ordinary household grade #16 cord will handle.

[scuba_dave]

I was figuring it had to be the plugs, I was just surprised tha they didn't have a single cord that was fully rated. I didn't check out the 10-3 cords
I wandered over to the plug/connections & they were between $5 for 15a & up to $15 or more for the 20a models. I guess that's how they can keep the costs lower (lower rated plugs)

At any rate, I'm much better off then the 16-3 cords. I doubt I will load up the cords to 1800w. Everything is pretty spread out thru different circuits, I have a list of the wattage/amps of the decorations. I usually just spread it out between 5 circuits. I've yet to trip a circuit due to Holiday lighting

And with the addition of the outside outlets next year a lot of the cords will no longer be needed. These will come in handy for tools when I'm working out side.

[skipatroller]

Hey folks,

I recent came across a new device for dealing with cords, hoses, .... Sort of like a reusable zip-tie but easier to use.

I bought a few for dealing with some of my various cords and hoses. When my wife saw them she wanted some for her garden stuff (she has used the ones without handles for tying up flowers)

I am not affiliated with this company in anyway, I am just showing this to let others know about a clever solution to a problem we all have.

http://www.rattail.biz/events.html

Here is the info sheet on the product

http://www.rattail.biz/RatTail_infosheet.pdf

[Rick Christopherson]

I've often wondered the same thing. Running my chop saw often heats up the plug/cord and wondered if I'm burning the motor.
I know this is off-topic from the original posting, but to put your mind at ease, your chopsaw uses a universal motor, not an induction motor, so having a voltage drop is not detrimental to the tool. The motor will run slower, but will not be damaged from a reduction in voltage.

[Bumblerazz]

That's good to hear! Thanks for the confirmation.

Now if I can just get it unjammed from that green peice of 4X4!! :motz:

[Ohm1]

16g = 13a = 1675w (listed on cord)
but isn't 13a = 1560w ?? - maybe my eyes are going
14g = 15a = 1800w
20g = 20a = 2400w

See Table 400.5(A) for allowable ampacity for F. cords

[scuba_dave]

It's nice to have the book & finally be able to look these things up
At least when someone points me in the right direction!
Thanks

[scuba_dave]

I went back & checked at HD & even the 10-3 cord is only rated at 15a