On 7/21/2012 5:00 AM, Frank Thompson wrote:
I've heard that there is a limited to the distance that a drop cord
for power equipment can be used. Beyond that limit there is risk to
damage the equipment being used. If this is true, what is this
length? My guess is that it depends on the
rating of the drop cord. Is there a source where I can determine
what size cord is safe at what distance?


I have no cite for this, but it has been the rule that I live by for 30
years. For every 100 feet of cord, you are losing 15% of your power. I
only use 12 gauge cords.

I burned up a perfectly good rockwell circular saw by using too much
extension. I had about 215 feet of extension cord out and after 2 hours
of cutting plywood, poof!

Now I never go over 75 feet, but then, I have a generator, so I don't
have to.

--
Robert Allison
New Braunfels, TX