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

[Ian McFetridge]

Thanks guys.  I reminded my friend not to go into a store and ask for an
AWG 11 cord.  haha
And I also reminded him to use the surge/startup amperage listed on some
appliances rather than just the steady-state load.  Finally, I pointed out
that he wouldn't have to worry about this if he had an electrician connect
his generator to his panel...he said he is too cheap, we'll see how he
feels about buying all of those extension cords!

- Ian

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