Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

[Solittle]

We just got our electric power restored this afternoon after 10 days of shaving with a flashlight - a bummer!! Anyway I fired up our 3KW generator right after Wilma paid us a visit. I used it to power two refrigerators, one light and a small TV.<br /><br />I had to use a real long (maybe 100' - all I had) extension cord for the refrigerator in the kitchen (+ the light and TV). I don't know the gage of the extension cord wire. While the refrigerator worked it was loosing ground (getting warmer) every day. I wonder if the length of the cord and the gage of the wire were the problem??<br /><br />Now that the power is back on the refrigerator seems to be cooling normally.<br /><br />Your thoughts? I am not electrically swift.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

most lilky<br /> the longer the wire the more voltage it needs to push the current through. couple that with most common cords are 16AWG its a big voltage drop.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

Definatly a power drop in the cord.you need some 10 or 12 to be on the safe side while running it that long.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

Yup, 10 or 12 gauge for a 20 amp pull<br /><br />...I've got a 100' cord that's 18 gauge, all it's good for is a light<br /><br />Electric motors don't like running on low voltage

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

Thanks Guys!

 

[Friz]

Re: Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

Use the heaviest and shortest extension cord you can. I made some custom ones just for hurricane season that are heavy duty and just long enough to reach the intended appliance.<br />Small wires (cheap extension cords) and cords that are too long will suck up your precious amperage.<br />One more smart move;<br />GROUND YOUR GENERATOR!!!!<br />Get a grounding rod or park your generator next to the meter ground and hook up a wire from the generator ground (it's an external lug, look for a wire going from the generator to the generator frame) to Earth ground.<br />This will save sensitive appliances like the TV, stereo, smart fridges, etc.

 

[KRS]

Re: Hurricanes, Generators and Extension Cords?

Run 12/3 wire right now, in conduit, from generator location into your house so you don't have to use ext cords in the damp weather outside in an emergency.