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New Member
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May 29, 2011, 10:29 AM
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Whould it be safe to run use an extension cord like the following?
I want to run a heavy duty extension cord 100 ft. long from my condo to my neighbor's generator when we lose power. The cord must be strong enough for a vehicle to drive over it. At the other end I would plug into it the refrigerator, a fan, a light, at the most three items. Is this possible and what advice can you give me?
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Full Member
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May 29, 2011, 12:37 PM
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Although it is not really recommended, yes, you can do that. I have two neighbors that do the same thing. Make sure you are using at least a 12 or 14 AWG heavy duty cord. A vehicle running over it could cause some scuff marks and maybe eventual wire damage, but if it's just for the duration of a simple power outage it shouldn't be a problem. However, if it comes to the point where individual wires are damaged inside the cord (bare copper showing) you will have to throw it away or remove the damaged part. Good luck.
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New Member
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May 29, 2011, 05:21 PM
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Comment on Kyle_in_rure's post
Therefore, get a 200 ft. heavy duty extension courd to lay the cable outside the travel area and not have vehicles possibly run over it?
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Electrical & Lighting Expert
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May 29, 2011, 06:14 PM
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Just get two 8' 2x4's and lay them side by side with the cord in the middle. The car will run over the 2x4's and never touch the wire.
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Full Member
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May 29, 2011, 06:40 PM
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No I just meant that the cord may wear out after while, not that you have to avoid the area entirely. I would use stanfortyman's Idea. That's actually a really good idea.
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Home Improvement & Construction Expert
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May 29, 2011, 06:48 PM
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This sounds like a good plan. It might work and then again it might not
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It might work
IF the generator puts out the advertized 120 volts. Most of the time the portable emergency generators just barley do.
IF the extension core is 12 gauge wire. The term "Heavy duty" means nothing.
IF the distance is kept to 100 foot.
IF the fan and light are not being used when the refrigerator starts up.
We do not know the amperage draw of the refrigerator nor do we know the starting amperage.
If we assume a 6 amp draw and an 8 amp starting amperage the estimated voltage drop for 100' of 12 gauge wire would be 3.1 volts. Giving 116.9 volts at compressor start up.
The compressor might start at that voltage or it might not.
What do you think Stan? Am I all wet here?
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Electrical & Lighting Expert
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May 29, 2011, 06:52 PM
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Personally, with a newer refer I think a 100' 12ga cord will be fine.
Think about job sites with 100 footers all over the place and 15A circular saws running amuck.
As long as it is a temporary situation!
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Full Member
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May 30, 2011, 08:38 AM
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What wattage generator is your neighbor's? And do you know how much stuff they will be running? I've personally ran a fridge, 2 lights, and a fan all on one 100' 14 awg cord at the same time. Every situation is different, though, my fridge uses 2.5 amps running (I forgot the startup)
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