Length of extension cord

Sheryl
Reg. Oct 2003

Posted 2009-07-04 3:45 PM (#107517)
Subject: Length of extension cord

Veteran

Posts: 233
100

Location: Tennessee

Is 200 feet too far to run my a/c for short periods? I have 12 gauge cord and a regular plug to plug into. I don't want to damage my a/c or cause any other problems. Thanks for all answers.

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CrazyAgain
Reg. Jun 2004

Posted 2009-07-04 4:21 PM (#107519 - in reply to #107517)
Subject: RE: Length of extension cord

Member

Posts: 46

Location: Prior Lake, MN

I had this same question a few years ago and found a great deal of information on RV electrical cords - just google for info. BTW, I bought the best gauge extension cord that I could find and afford in the shortest possible length to do the job. Here is a link of helpful information: http://rvtravel.com/blog/lowtech/2007/07/rv-extension-cord-safety.h...

Edited by CrazyAgain 2009-07-04 4:22 PM

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hosspuller
Reg. Oct 2003

Posted 2009-07-05 12:31 AM (#107535 - in reply to #107517)
Subject: RE: Length of extension cord

Expert

Posts: 2957
2000

Location: North Carolina

Originally written by Sheryl on 2009-07-04 12:45 PM

Is 200 feet too far to run my a/c for short periods? I have 12 gauge cord and a regular plug to plug into. I don't want to damage my a/c or cause any other problems. Thanks for all answers.

Short answer... Yes. 200 feet of 12 gauge cord is too much distance and too little cord for your a/c unit...

The long small cord reduces the voltage to the a/c unit. This low voltage creats excess heat in the motor. (if it starts at all) Each time the motor cycles, the heat degrades the winding insulation... Leading to an expensive compressor replacement.

My 13500 btu Carrier unit draws about 1850 watts at full load cooling or 15.4 amps.

The calculator below says the max distance for 12 gauge wire limiting voltage drop to 3% is 67 feet.

Here's a reputable voltage drop calculator for you to play with.

http://www.southwire.com/voltagedropcalculator.jsp

For some of the info required: Select

desired solution "circuit distance"

phases "single"

Conductor "copper"

Installation "overhead"

Voltage "120"

Maximum voltage drop "3"

Conductor size "whatever size cord you use in numbers 14 12 10 etc "