What gauge of an electrical cord do I need?

**Whitethunder46** · 02-10-2007, 03:23 PM

I'm trying to figure out what extension cord I need to get. I definately need a 100 footer, but they can get expensive.

It's either between a 14 gauge, which is 15 Amps up to 50 ft, and 13 amps to 100 ft, or a 12 gauge which is 15 amps all the way to 100 ft. All cords are 125 volts.

The only three machines that I'll be running are a PC 7424 which is rated at 3.7 Amps and it's an HD, so it has a 25 ft. 16 guage cord built in.

Also will be running a Rigid 4 gal., 5HP wet/vac which was rated at 9.0 Amps, 120 volts.
And a 1400PSI Karcher pressure washer. 120volts/60 HZ. I can't find the amp rating for the life of me.

Only one machine will be plugged in and running at a time, so should a 14 gauge extension cord be fine? There's a $20 difference between a 14 and a 12 gauge cord, so hoepfully the 14 gauge should be good. Any thoughts?

**nick19** · 02-10-2007, 03:46 PM

14g. will be fine.

Are you using your 'Stang to detail out of?

**Al-53** · 02-10-2007, 04:46 PM

I would go with a 12 guage...I use a 100ft 12 Ga with the power washer it does draw some power...I had a 50ft 14ga and the plug would get warm..and that was with a 50 footer...also if you do not plug into a ground fault I would recommend one on the extension...nothing worse than getting thrown 20 feet from a shock from working on a wet area using a PC....

Al

**RTexasF** · 02-10-2007, 04:55 PM

I agree with Al-53. Spend the extra $20 and buy for the future, not just what you have now.

**Stittville Ed** · 02-10-2007, 05:02 PM

They do make a #10 gauge

Go with the #12, at 100' you have to look at the voltage drop.
I will see if I can find the formula for voltage tonight

**Whitethunder46** · 02-10-2007, 05:09 PM

12 gauge it is. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Nick, I really hope to have the Stang sold before I get appointments. I'm looking at getting a Vibe since it's in my price range, great gas mileage and reliability, and the rear seats fold down flat for a lot of room.

**Jimmie** · 02-10-2007, 05:43 PM

I've got a 12 guage, 75' with one place to plug on the end. Here's what I wish I'd have gotten: 100' 12 guage with the wide three or four plug-in receptacle. With that set-up you could do things like plug in your PC and halogen light, etc. Those 12 G, 100 footers will dent a budget, huh.

**ScottB** · 02-10-2007, 06:02 PM

I have always found in life, buy up whenever possible, as likely you are to purchase something down the road that requires the better part. So buy as much as you can/willing to spend.