toolinarnd
NH
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I was given 40' of 6ga. and 25' of 10ga. wire, is worth it to make a couple of 30 amp ext cords, or is the 10ga wire two light? Is there such a thing as two many power cords. I've had to use and 10amp cord before and just didn't us the a/c or micro wave. thanks for your replies. This is UL rated outdoor use wire.
* This post was
edited 01/26/12 07:34pm by toolinarnd *
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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10 gauge is exactly what you need for 30 amps. I would certainly use it to make an extension cord. Free wire is a great thing. The #6 could be used to make a 50 amp RV extension cord if it is 4 conductor. 50 amp services are 240v so they require 2 hot wires. The ##10 only needs 3 wires. The #6 is probably too big to fit into the terminals of 30 amp plugs.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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I agree with above. We HAVE needed an extension more than once in campgrounds (we like the little out of the way places). In fact we carry two 10 gauge extensions, but only rarely use the second one.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
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Lad79der
Bucks County, PA
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toolinarnd wrote:I was given 40' of 6ga. and 25' of 10ga. wire, is worth it to make a couple of 30 amp ext cords, or is the 10ga wire two light? Is there such a thing as two many power cords. I've had to use and 10amp cord before and just didn't us the a/c or micro wave. thanks for your replies. This is UL rated outdoor use wire.
What kind of jacket is on the cable? I know you say it is rated for outdoor use, but is it solid copper conductors or stranded? direct burial, pvc?
If its the right jacket and gauge, make some new cords for sure!
-Matt
2007 Ram 2500 5.9HO Cummins 4x4 Quad Cab 6spd Manual
2007 Cherokee Lite 28A+ TT
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ExRocketScientist
Laurel, MD
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I have needed an extension cord on several occasions. I carry two and use them every year when boondocking so I can hide the twins behind some bushes away from the trailer so people driving by don't see them and stop to steal them.
ERS
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aruba5er
Neenah Wisconsin
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You can probably buy a 25 ft 10/3 extension cord for what the ends will cost. I did. How many conductor is the #6. Would be overkill in most cases. What is the covering of the cable? Is it a cable or just wire. Some of that stuff is so stiff it is hard to coil up. After priceing the ends only you can make the final decision.
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toolinarnd
NH
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Lad79der wrote:toolinarnd wrote:I was given 40' of 6ga. and 25' of 10ga. wire, is worth it to make a couple of 30 amp ext cords, or is the 10ga wire two light? Is there such a thing as two many power cords. I've had to use and 10amp cord before and just didn't us the a/c or micro wave. thanks for your replies. This is UL rated outdoor use wire.
What kind of jacket is on the cable? I know you say it is rated for outdoor use, but is it solid copper conductors or stranded? direct burial, pvc?
If its the right jacket and gauge, make some new cords for sure! They are both three wire stranded, with I believe rubber coating, My customer that gave them to me is a master electrician and said they are what they would use for powering a temp generator on a jobsite. He is also going to get me his cost on the plug ends, if they don't have any hanging around the shop. Thanks for all the replies, I was surprised how light and flexible they were right out of the back of his truck, in subfreezing weather.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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IS it worthwile? YES!!!! if it's 3 wire (White black green) 30 amp for the 10 ga or the six ga, if the six GA is 4 wire (Add a red) then put 50 amp ends on it.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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bka0721
Republic of Colorado
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I always make my own drop cords. Lowes is a great source for the supplies. Short cords are cheaper to just purchase, but when they get up to 50' or more, you can make them for about 40% less that what you would pay at Camping World or Home Depot. I have even made my own, "Dawg Bones," adapter connectors out of scrap cords, so I get the lengths that work best for me, rather settling for what is there to buy.
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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Check at Lowes or Home Depot after your electrician friend gets you prices on the cord ends. I'm an electrical contractor, I have accounts with 3 large wholesalers. When I buy cord ends Lowes is usually cheaper than any of the 3.
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