[Shop-talk] Extension cord length vs. wire gauge

[DAVID MASSEY]

 16 AWG wire has a resistance of about 4 ohms per 1000 ft.  A 300 ft run there and back will mean the current has a 600 ft round trip.  600 ft at 4 ohms per 1000ft means there is a total of 2.4 ohms.  2.4 ohms times 4 amps equals 9.6 volt drop in voltage.  If your load handles a 10% drop in voltage you should be fine.
Keep in ind that the "Neutral" connection at the load will be about 5 volts above earth ground but if that is all insulated there should be no issue.  It won't kill you but you will probably feel it if you do touch it.
 
Dave 

 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Hall <scott.hall.personal at gmail.com>
To: shop-talk at autox.team.net <Shop-talk at autox.team.net>
Sent: Tue, Oct 30, 2018 7:52 pm
Subject: [Shop-talk] Extension cord length vs. wire gauge

Guys,
I need about 300 get of extension cord. 16 AWG was fine at 100 ft. Can I string 3 of those together without a problem, or should I go up a size? Draw is 4 amps.
Thanks, 
Scott_______________________________________________

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