chenopod wrote:
I have a few questions that involve simple electrical wire theory,
but the situation gets a little bit complicated.

I am trying to run an extension cord (or cords) into the woods to
power a stage, with fairly powerful musical equipment, lights, PA,
etc.

I'm assuming the power outlets that will be available are standard
grounded 120 Volt, hopefully on the heavy duty side. The equipment I'm
looking to power totals several thousand watts (rated at, lets say,
3000 W). However, the power draw is not consistent... it fluctuates
with how hard the equipment is being pushed from moment to moment.

The distance is more than 1000 feet (probably more like 2000 ft). If
I were to buy a single cord that is suitable for this job, I'm
guessing the outlet itself would be the limiting factor in terms of
resistance and heat, and I don't want to start any fires. I'm not
even sure if a wire that is a large enough gauge would even come with
the standard outlet plug.

At this power draw and distance, even several 120-V outlets might not
do the job, if the wire that runs from the power lines to the outlet
box (or any internal wiring) is not a heavy enough gauge. For this
type of job, do I need to look into other methods of getting enough
power from the pole besides running several extension cords?

Does anyone have any specific advice on how to tackle this problem?
(i.e. what type of gauge wire, how many extension cords, how to
correctly tap the power lines, etc.)

Your help is most appreciated.

-Dave

One walk-in-off-the-street price for 6-3 outdoor wire comes to about $3.50 /
ft. Say 1500 feet, you're talking over $5000.

Buy a trailer-mounted propane powered diesel generator.