I install commercial grade 20 amp outlets in my house (also have 20 amp
circuits). These cost $3 each as compared with 69 cents, but I never have
such problems with them.

Also for construction work; saws, compressors, etc. I get the largest gauge
extension cords I can buy. 12 or 10 ga. (Home deplete your bank account has
these [Home Depot])

And if replacing plugs on an extension cord or appliance, I get commercial
grade heavy duty plugs which also have a screw down wire clamp.

And I *never* pull a plug out of the socket by pulling on the wire. This can
damage the connection between the wire and the plug.

Basically I don't have any trouble.

Note: If the outlet which got fried is a 15 amp circuit, replace it with a
15 amp commercial grade outlet, not a 20 amp outlet. Commercial grade
outlets have much better contact with the prongs on the plug. So the plug
will not be warm to the touch after use.


"Barry" wrote in message
I was using a circular saw to cut some 4x8 sheets of 5/8" fiberboard (not
MDF, the less dense stuff). Halfway through my first cut of the day, the
blade wound to a stop and the saw appeared dead. Checking the outside
outlet I was plugged in to I found a huge black scorch above it and half
of
the plug was melted. One of the prongs melted off and is stuck in the
socket. This outlet is located outside the house but underneath a
protected
entryway. The house is 10 years old and in good repair.

The saw is a 2hp 10amp. The cord is a heavy gauge (was) in good
condition,
40 feet long. Not sure the exact gauge of the cord but it's thicker than
the average outside extension cord.

After this incident I plugged the saw into a different outlet (GFCI
protected in the garage) with a shorter but lighter gauge cord and
proceeded
without incedent to rip my five 4x8 sheets. The GFCI never tripped.

Is a 40 foot extension cord too long to run a 10amp saw with? If that's
not
it, does anyone have any thoughts on what the problem might be? Thanks
for
any help.