Log in

View Full Version : Very long outdoor extension cord?


quakerlake
May 18, 2008, 05:50 PM
I need to run an eletrical extension cord anywhere between 250 to 350 feet to run a mini dorm refrig, a light and radio. I will connect it to a outlet in my house which is that far away. Any ideas if this is possible and what type of cord I would need.

Thanks a bunch for any help.

[email protected]

stanfortyman
May 18, 2008, 07:37 PM
You would need at least #10 cord. At that length a small generator would be cheaper. :p

Mr_am
May 18, 2008, 08:59 PM
If possible... take 220 V instead of 110 V to reduce loss.

stanfortyman
May 19, 2008, 03:35 AM
If possible ... take 220 V instead of 110 V to reduce loss.For a lamp, radio and mini-fridge??

ceilingfanrepair
May 19, 2008, 07:59 PM
I suppose you could run 220v and use a step down transformer.. . But that is getting complicated!

Fr_Chuck
May 19, 2008, 08:06 PM
The issue is the amp draw and the loss of amp over that distance.
So it is going to take a much larger wire to hold amp at that distance.
This is why they are giving you the advice they are

KISS
May 19, 2008, 08:33 PM
Come on guys:

A mini-fridge Hotel Refrigerator/Mini Bar/Mini Fridge-BC-46A (http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/9853/hotel_refrigerator_mini_bar_mini_fridge_bc_46a.htm l)

Draws 70 Watts

A radio, say 20 W and lets say a fluorescent light of 10 W. That's 100 Watts.
That is 1.2 AMPS or 1200 milliamps.

Can't do any voltage drop calculations until we know the actual load.

Why is everybody getting so bent out of shape that this is a HIGH POWER requirement.

Bottom line. We don't know.

It could also be a 1200 W Metal halaide lamp and a 500 W stereo and a fridge with a 1/3 HP motor in it, but I doubt it. It's still a light, radio and fridge, Right?

My post got lost somewhere. There were two threads of the same name and my post and somebody else's disappeared.

Washington1
May 19, 2008, 11:11 PM
Come on guys:

A mini-fridge Hotel Refrigerator/Mini Bar/Mini Fridge-BC-46A (http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/details/9853/hotel_refrigerator_mini_bar_mini_fridge_bc_46a.htm l)

draws 70 Watts

A radio, say 20 W and lets say a florescent light of 10 W. That's 100 Watts.
That is 1.2 AMPS or 1200 milliamps.

Can't do any voltage drop calculations until we know the actual load.

Why is everybody getting so bent out of shape that this is a HIGH POWER requirement.

Bottom line. We don't know.

It could also be a 1200 W Metal halaide lamp and a 500 W stereo and a fridge with a 1/3 HP motor in it, but I doubt it. It's still a light, radio and fridge, Right?

My post got lost somewhere. There were two threads of the same name and my post and somebody else's disappeared.
I agree!

KISS
May 20, 2008, 06:36 AM
quakerlake:

Report back with power requirements in watts horsepower or VA and then I'll find a cord for you. I know a manufacturer, who will probably sell put ups of that size.

Portable cord comes in different wire guages and insulation. The insulation is rated: See Portable cord - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_cord)

You would probably want a cord containing the letters S and W which is 600 V and Water, but you may have to get an SOOW rated cord.

KISS
May 20, 2008, 06:44 AM
The 1898/3 on this page http://www.brimelectronics.com/PORTcable.htm would be overkill for the application. Wire gage selection would be dependent on actual power. These guys are manufacturers and have REALLY GOOD PRICES, but you sometimes have to wait until they are running that particular cable.

So, come back at us with real power requirements.

My only guess, is that you have a stream somewhere on your property that you like to fish in.