On Tue, 30 Nov 2004 13:59:47 -0800, Brett A. Thomas wrote:
Charlie Self wrote:
And why would 240 volt extension cords be any more likely to create shop fires
than would, say, 120 volt extension cords?

Just a joke, Charlie. Although, FWIW, I'd tend to be a little more
suspicious of shop-made extension cords (whatever their voltage) than of
the UL-listed ones. No disrespect to Bob's cable-making in particular
intended, though.

Well...if you're using UL listed connectors, and UL listed wire, and
using both according to how they're supposed to be used, you're fine.

An interesting side note - coiling of extension cords while in use is
a really, really bad idea. It makes a huge inductor (coil) which blocks
AC current and generates a LOT of heat. I have a friend who is a master
electrician, and among other jobs always handles the power systems at the
county fair. He's got more than a couple trophies which are melted-together
coils of what used to be extension cords on reels of one sort or another.
Power loss is substantial in a coiled AC cord.

That said, I have no hesitation making my own extension cords where
appropriate, but I do the calculations before I do so.

Dave Hinz