FLEX + Extension cord

**TObleRONE** · 03-28-2008, 01:41 PM

What gauge extension cord should I buy for the FLEX? I want to buy one while I am waiting for it to arrive on backorder...

**YankeeFan** · 03-28-2008, 07:24 PM

Don't see a clear cut answer yet but it depends on the length of the cord. I'm going close to 100' so I got a 12 gauge. I assume if you are around 50' or less you can use a 14 gauge but not positive as I do not believe the manual states anything.

Howard

**MadOzodi** · 03-28-2008, 10:23 PM

Well, I had my halogens on @ 600W while using the Flex at the same time, plugged into my 50' 14 gauge Craftsman extension cord, rated at 1625W...I was afraid to crank the halogens up to 1200W.

**wytstang** · 03-29-2008, 12:07 AM

I just picked up a Yellow Jacket 100 ft 12 gauge 15 amp/125Volt/1875Watt extension cord from Lowes for I think $60 something bucks. It's not cheap but man this thing has quality written all over it. I did the cheap cord a while back and the "jacket" seems to be thinning all ready. I barely even use the darn thing, maybe once a moth if that. This cord is my choice for any machine really, it's just built to take on anything. Worth every penny IMHO heck I'll pick up my dad one so he can retire the hacked up ones he uses just to be safe.
Ace - Ace Tree: Electrical: Extension Cords & Power Strips: Extension Cords: Outdoor Extension Cords: Yellow Jacket Extension Cord

**wytstang** · 03-29-2008, 12:09 AM

Also I'm strongly considering the Flex so this was my main reason picking the length and gauge I did. I know the Flex (or any buffer) has all the juice it needs with no worries.

**Gary Sword** · 03-29-2008, 07:08 AM

I would get a 12 gauge. The smaller the gauge the thicker the wire. So 14 gauge has thinner wire then a 12 gauge. If the wire is to thin you will have over heating problems.

**Al-53** · 03-29-2008, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by wytstang

I just picked up a Yellow Jacket 100 ft 12 gauge 15 amp/125Volt/1875Watt extension cord from Lowes for I think $60 something bucks. It's not cheap but man this thing has quality written all over it. I did the cheap cord a while back and the "jacket" seems to be thinning all ready. I barely even use the darn thing, maybe once a moth if that. This cord is my choice for any machine really, it's just built to take on anything. Worth every penny IMHO heck I'll pick up my dad one so he can retire the hacked up ones he uses just to be safe.
Ace - Ace Tree: Electrical: Extension Cords & Power Strips: Extension Cords: Outdoor Extension Cords: Yellow Jacket Extension Cord

Yes..thats the cord to get...its construction grade and will handle 99% of all applications...I have one in 25ft...50ft and 100ft...and never had a tool over heat or a cord over heat...well worth the money...12 ga is the way to go to feed high amp power tools ....or extractors..

AL

**Jimmie** · 03-29-2008, 04:36 PM

+1 for 12g. Craftsman makes a good one also.

**TObleRONE** · 03-30-2008, 10:10 AM

Thanks for all of the advice everyone!

**Carbon Blue** · 03-30-2008, 05:07 PM

WOW and this whole time i thought all extension cords were the same. Ive been using the same 25 foot extension cord for about 4 years that has been cut in 2 or 3 different places and I just keep fixing it up. Maybe this should be my next purchase.