DIYbanter - View Single Post - 230V Ceiling Mounted Retractable Electrical Cord

(Phillip Hallam-Baker) writes:
"Stephen M" wrote in message ...
[snip]

Just as with a 120v extension cord, the current draw of the tool, and length
of the cord determines how heavy a cord (wire guage) is required.

The problem is that almost any US tool you run off 240V is a heavy user
of current.

[snip]

I doubt there would be a problem running a 240V lightbulb of a repurposed
120V extension. But a Unisaw drawing 20amps on power up is a completely
different matter.

At a minimum check the current rating for the cable. But a better plan
would probably be to buy a purpose designed 240v cable from europe.

Well, wire is wire, and it would be difficult to find cables in europe
with NEMA plugs/receptacles.

Given the length and gauge of the wire, it is pretty simple
to determine both the ampacity of the wire as well as any voltage drop.

Figuring a 3HP tablesaw at about 17A @ 230V and a 100' retractable
extension cord, you're looking at a AWG 10 requirement for the cord and
any circuit feeding it.

scott