question about extension cords

[The motor guy]

Say for example you have a three outlet extension cord that's 15 amps. Does that mean it will handle three different things with a 15 amp load? Or is it still 15 amps total divided by 3. I want to run some stuff off of a generator and am wondering how much you can hook up to the extension cords.

 

[zrxkawboy]

The total load cannot exceed 15A.

 

[awoess]

15 amps max....

 

[Rand]

15Amp Total.

 

[strat81]

I believe you'll need an 8 gauge cord to run 45 (15*3) amps. It won't be cheap.

 

[HardbodyLoyalist]

Actually, you'd need 4-gauge, and that's assuming it's 50 feet or less.

https://www.icmag.com/modules/Tutorials/ElectricalSafety/1655.htm

 

[The motor guy]

I want to get a couple of these halogen worklights on stands to shine on the water when night fishing and plug into my generator.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200596484_200596484

I guess two of them would be too big of a load. Either that or hook one extension cord into each one. I was going to get one to shine on the water and another shine on us so we can see since there is zero lighting where we go fishing and you can't even see to re rig your pole.

 

[strat81]

Originally Posted By: HardbodyLoyalist
Actually, you'd need 4-gauge, and that's assuming it's 50 feet or less.

https://www.icmag.com/modules/Tutorials/ElectricalSafety/1655.htm



Yes, if he's running 120 volts.

At 240, 8 gauge should work.

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I want to get a couple of these halogen worklights on stands to shine on the water when night fishing and plug into my generator.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200596484_200596484

I guess two of them would be too big of a load. Either that or hook one extension cord into each one. I was going to get one to shine on the water and another shine on us so we can see since there is zero lighting where we go fishing and you can't even see to re rig your pole.


Does your generator out 120v or 240v?

My B&S generator is a 240v unit and the onboard 120v receptacles operate off separate legs of the 240v. Two 12ga cords would work for me.

 

[The motor guy]

It has both. 20A 120v 30A 120v and a 30A 120/240V

 

[Rand]

use 2 cords.. one per light.
get 12gauge and keep it at 50ft or under.
if possible

 

[The_Jeff]

They make LED lights that draw practically nothing.

The "rules" about cords assume you want less than 2-3% voltage drop, on something like a halogen light, it's not mission critical. Just don't want to overheat the cord. If your cord runs on wet sandy beach, no big fire danger.

Most halogens I've seen are 500 watt, or 3.5 amps. Could probably cram two on a 16 gauge cord.

Might want to consider a ground fault doohickey if you have lights teetering over the drink.

 

[supton]

I talked to an electrician friend recently, as I have an electric gridle that draws 12A (I think), and it as tripping a 15A breaker. He said that was about right: it should trip after a minute or so at 75% loading.

 

[kschachn]

That's not correct. By design a properly operating circuit breaker will allow the continuous current rating indefinitely. If it is rated at 15A then it should allow 15A without tripping.

Conductors are underrated by 25% but the breaker is not.

Originally Posted By: supton
I talked to an electrician friend recently, as I have an electric gridle that draws 12A (I think), and it as tripping a 15A breaker. He said that was about right: it should trip after a minute or so at 75% loading.

 

[supton]

Hmm, it's possible I forgot the gridle current then. I'll have to go look again tonight. I could have sworn it was 12A though, and the breaker was 15A.

 

[IndyIan]

Also the LED headlamps are pretty handy for providing light for yourself. Or even an LED camping light to provide area illumination. A good head lamp will have spot light for a couple hundred feet, a wide angle setting, and a red wide angle to preserve your night vision if you want.
I can't really imagine going fishing and setting up light stands and a generator, is it a common way to fish down there?

 

[kschachn]

Well to be completely accurate the rating is in open air, and despite the way that sounds it also applies to breakers installed a box - for the most part.

12A for a griddle sounds about right. That allows it to be used on a standard 15A branch circuit, but remember that (most) kitchens have two 20A circuits. That gives you a bit of leeway for having a coffeemaker or mixer going on the same branch.

Are you certain this is the only load on that circuit?

Originally Posted By: supton
Hmm, it's possible I forgot the gridle current then. I'll have to go look again tonight. I could have sworn it was 12A though, and the breaker was 15A.

 

[supton]

At the time, pretty sure it was the only load. There is a 12V convertor, but it powers at most a small lamp, and I'm pretty sure it was off.

 

[The_Jeff]

Time for a kill a watt. Either the griddle is drawing too much or the breaker is over-sensitive.

Breakers are supposed to run at 100-130% of rated "Forever" with time/current curves popping them at some point with higher current.

siemens

schnieder

 

[The motor guy]

Thanks guys. I found this cord. Allows me to hook it up to the 240v outlet.


http://www.target.com/p/dek-acc01-240v-twist-lock-adapter/-/A-14743730?ref=tgt_adv_XSN10001&AFID=Nextag_df&LNM=|14743730&CPNG=Home+Improvement&ci_src=9324560&ci_sku=14743730&ntclickid=-8357933224797617405