[Shop-talk] Extension cord gauge per load and distance

[Doug Braun]

Ehow can be a rather dubious source of information.
That formula looks reasonable, but the example in the description suggests
using 11 gauge wire, which does not really exist.

Assuming he has a 120-volt generator and a 120-volt load,  he should get a
12-gauge
cord for a large load, or a long run.  14 gauge is OK for smaller stuff, or
even 16 gauge
for little things like electronics.

Doug


On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 10:28 AM, Ian McFetridge
<shop-talk2 at mcfetridge.org>wrote:

> Quick question.  Has anyone created an Excel spreadsheet to calculate
> extension cord gauge requirements?
>
> A friend of mine asked what size extension cords to get for his generator
> and I of course I said "it depends."  Not being an electrician or an EE, I
> pointed him to the formulas on eHow and showed him how to create a
> spreadsheet (attached) that would calculate what extension cord gauge is
> needed.
> http://www.ehow.com/how_7812266_calculate-needed-make-extension-cord.html
>
> Before he goes out and buys extension cords based on what the spreadsheet
> says, I told him to hold-off until I could at least ask some other people
> to double-check the spreadsheet theory and answers.  If you have a moment,
> let me know what you think of the spreadsheet results.  Also, would be
> interested in knowing if there is a better spreadsheet/calculator for this.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Ian
>
> [demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/vnd]
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