www.AsktheBuilder.com founder, Tim Carter, demonstrates how easy it is to select the correct extension cord. NEED MORE HELP? Tim can call you: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-min...
Great video. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I know this is going to be a dumb question but I can't seem to find a definitive answer. What is the problem with always using a thicker extension cord than is necessary as long as I don't go longer than is necessary? So would there be a problem with replacing all of my cheap extension cords with outdoor rated, grounded, 10 gauge contractor extension cords? (Other than the cost).
So an easier way to visualize the formula is amps x volts = watts or watts / volts = amps and in Canada you could usually find both amps and watts on the sticker of most appliances if not then it's probably from another country
Correct. I thought I covered this in the video. Maybe not. For sure it's here along with a handy SIZING table: www.askthebuilder.com/extension-cords-size-chart/
Good video.. I have a fan blower for a bounce house. It’s a 2 hp. Says 6 to 13 amp when running the house . What type of extension cord should I run? What gauge?
Hi, I have 2 questions - My new Greenworks electric 3000 psi pressure washer says 14 Amps in its manual. (1) Using your formula, I calculated that it pulls 1,680 Watts. So, I'm thinking a 12 Amp extension cord (10-ft long) would do me right, correct? Also the pressure washer comes with a 2-prong-in on its cord. (2) is there any reason why I can't plug a 2-prong cord into a 3-prong outdoor extension cord?
You're smart to use a 12-gauge cable. It's perfectly fine to plug a two-prong power cord into a three-prong female end of an extension cord. I'd guess the end of the washer cord is polarized. That's the most important thing. If the washer is NOT equipped with its own GFCI, then I'd buy an extension cord that has one.
In Canada it's a little bit more simple everything here is three prong I got the greenworks 13 amp snow thrower and I use a 12/3 contractors grade 100 ft extension cord I have a 90 ft driveway
What is the power strip rated for??????? Everything MUST be rated as high, or higher than the output of the generator. If you want to talk through this before you BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE, get on a call with me: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
...and some extension cords have really thick insulation with very small wires. How many times I've seen "Heavy Duty Extension" cords that are 16Ga or even 18Ga. These are HEAVY cords, but yikes. 20A = 12Ga, 15A = 14Ga for short runs. If you need to run 100' at 15A, get a 12Ga cord...
I purchased an electric leaf blower. The farthest distance in the yard to the nearest outdoor plug is 135Ft. I assume I need a really thick extension cord? I think 150FT is the longest cord I've seen online.
Tim hi what is the best set up my my current situaton . my nearset outlet is to far for my work area. just got a 33 gal air compressor will be working aprox a little more then 25 feet away from my nearest outlet what size gauge ext hose and what lenth air hose ? the compressor is rated for 15 amps
I do quite a few each week. Many homeowners are pretty smart. They are more than willing to invest $50 to save $2,000 or more. I have quite a few homeowners that buy chunks of time, $500 at once, so they can talk to me at different points in a big job as problems arise. They want to talk with someone that doesn't have a dog in the fight.
Where can I find or can you recommend a 150' cord? I have literally been looking for one for 3 days now and although often mentioned or referred to (in concept), in various places, I can't actually find one for sale ANYWHERE ! EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING ! P L EA S E H E L P ! (I have a TORO 120-volt, 12 AMP Ultra Electric Blower &Vacuum Mulcher, Model # 5619, Serial # 320208820)
