To buy or not to buy ?

[Bill1234]

Hello all, I have been trying to keep my cars clean over the winter and I have been using a 5hp shop vac. I was wondering if I should buy those heavy duty contractor extension plugs. Is it worth it and is it safe to? Would the vac be more efficient?

[BobbyG]

As long as you're the receptacle your using meets the electrical requirements of the vacuum you should be all set....or are you referring to an extension cord?

[Bill1234]

Im referring to the contractor grade extension cords. I would like to know if you can use one with a shop vac?

[vet]

As far as I know, you can use them. I use a 14 gauge on mine. A 12 guage wire would be even better. It kind of depends on how long you need it to be. The longer it is, the lower the gauge should be. Someone with a lot more knowledge than me will chime in, I'm sure.

[Bill1234]

I gets expensive with these things but I think I would go and buy a 75 to 100 ft one. Somewhat standard and are still reasonable

[Bill1234]

btw, can I use a 12 or 14 on a shop vac, I don't want to stress the motor out

[cartman57]

I gets expensive with these things but I think I would go and buy a 75 to 100 ft one. Somewhat standard and are still reasonable


Look into 2- 50', easier to coil up after using. Minimun would be 12 gauge at that length. 50 Ft. Extension Cord - 12 Gauge Outdoor Extension Cord (http://www.harborfreight.com/50-ft-x-12-gauge-outdoor-extension-cord-41444.html)
Sometimes the big home stores have good deals on them too.

[wanabe detailer]

I am Electrician . That vac probably draws 10 amps. 14 ga. wire rated for 15 amps. Long story short for 100' cord 14 ga. is sufficient. You would have to go to 12 ga cord for 200'.

[cartman57]

I am Electrician . That vac probably draws 10 amps. 14 ga. wire rated for 15 amps. Long story short for 100' cord 14 ga. is sufficient. You would have to go to 12 ga cord for 200'.

All depends what the HP of the vac is, 1/2 hp 10a, 3/4 14a. When in doubt check the nameplate rating.

[Bill1234]

mine is 5 hp. should I get the 14 g cord or 12 etc

[wanabe detailer]

mine is 5 hp. should I get the 14 g cord or 12 etc
14 ga. for up to 100'

[wanabe detailer]

Vacuums say "Peak HP" for marketing. This is not true HP. Yours most likely is 1/2 HP if it says "Peak HP". This would be 10a. Most 5hp motors are 230v

[wanabe detailer]

All depends what the HP of the vac is, 1/2 hp 10a, 3/4 14a. When in doubt check the nameplate rating.
Most shop vacs don,t have name plate. they usually just have a sticker telling you voltage and amps not motor size.

[Bunky]

If you do purchase an extension cord, get one decent 12 AWG rated for outdoors. This way you can handle most any power load.

[louie]

The cords labeled contractor or heavy duty probably have a tougher outer jacket to stand up to abuse on the job site. What matters to the motor is the wire size. Chances are the outlet you are plugging into is fed by #12 or #14 wires. I have a couple is #12 extension cords and one has a very thick outer covering, is not very flexible, and is on the heavy side. The other is much more manageable for frequent coiling and general working.

I would go with a #12 if you want the lowest voltage drop, but a #14 would also work. Shop around for one that is lightweight and flexible.

Buying Guides: Extension Cords (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=Extension_Cords_Reels&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053)

I found a 5 Peak HP vac on line that draws 8A, so using the chart in the link, you could go up to 100' with a #14 and 150' with a #12.