I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. Are these too strong?

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was too
strong? Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

"Dottie" wrote in message
...
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. Are these too strong?

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was too
strong? Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

Check the HP on the generator. Probably 5, not 500.

The 14 gauge cord is too weak, not too strong. The higher the number, the
thinner the wire, the les capacity it can handle.

If the cord started smoking the load was too strong. If the weed eater
started smoking it may be burnt out , can't tell for sure from here. Try it
again on a proper sized cord.

On 8/29/2011 7:16 PM, Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator

I doubt that. More likely, you have a five thousand watt generator.

that I have never actually used. The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords.

Why?

Are these too strong?

Ahh, I see. Apparently you don't understand how wire gauge sizes go. 12
gauge is *heavier* cord than 14 -- the higher the number, the smaller
the wire.

You should have 12-gauge cords.

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was too
strong?

No.

Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's fairly old.

Probably.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

Do you have a neighbor or a relative whom you trust to answer your
questions? You'll undoubtedly get better answers from someone who can
actually see what's going on.

In article
,
Dottie wrote:

I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. Are these too strong?

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was too
strong? Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. Anyway, thank you for your help. And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.

On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:
On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:





In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old..

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

For what it's worth I always though the wire gauge thing was dumb
too. But there it is, smaller number wire means bigger. When they
got to 0 they had to go with mulitples of 0. Sometimes shown like 2/0
which measn 00.

On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:
On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:





In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old..

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

This old guy learned something himself: wire gauges are like shotgun
gauges, the smaller number is the bigger. Figured this was the case
but not sure until now.

If you want to use the generator to power stuff in your house, as I do
during a power outage, you should hire an electrician to put in a
transfer box and the cord to plug into the generator. I don't know
what mine is but the cord is very substantial for the 220 volt plug.
I used the lower voltage once this spring to exercise the generator
and burn out stagnant gas in carburator and strung my hedge clipper to
it with the normal cord with no problem.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"Dottie" wrote in message
...
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. Are these too strong?

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using
one of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was too
strong? Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we
are having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

Check the HP on the generator. Probably 5, not 500.

The 14 gauge cord is too weak, not too strong. The higher the
number, the thinner the wire, the les capacity it can handle.

If the cord started smoking the load was too strong. If the weed
eater started smoking it may be burnt out , can't tell for sure from
here. Try it again on a proper sized cord.

Certainly possible but I suspect there was a short elsewhere; I've never
heard of a weed eater needing a 12 gauge cord (unless she had a tremendously
long extension cord). Heck they only draw about 2-4 amps.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

A weed eater doesn't use all that much power. A 14 gage cord
should run it, fine. My guess is the blades on the plug (or
inside the socket) are dirty. I suggest to wire brush the
blades of the plug, until the metal is shiny. That should
help.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Dottie" wrote in message
...
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used.
The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14
gauge
cords. Are these too strong?

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was
using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and
the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was
too
strong? Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's
fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores --
and we are
having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this
but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

On Aug 30, 7:53*am, Frank wrote:
On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:









On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:

In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

This old guy learned something himself: *wire gauges are like shotgun
gauges, the smaller number is the bigger. *Figured this was the case
but not sure until now.

If you want to use the generator to power stuff in your house, as I do
during a power outage, you should hire an electrician to put in a
transfer box and the cord to plug into the generator. *I don't know
what mine is but the cord is very substantial for the 220 volt plug.
I used the lower voltage once this spring to exercise the generator
and burn out stagnant gas in carburator and strung my hedge clipper to
it with the normal cord with no problem.



I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers that came
with the generator after I posted. It is a Troy Built 5000 watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14 gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will have to go
shopping again.

On Aug 30, 8:06*am, Dottie wrote:
On Aug 30, 7:53*am, Frank wrote:





On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:

On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:

In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

This old guy learned something himself: *wire gauges are like shotgun
gauges, the smaller number is the bigger. *Figured this was the case
but not sure until now.

If you want to use the generator to power stuff in your house, as I do
during a power outage, you should hire an electrician to put in a
transfer box and the cord to plug into the generator. *I don't know
what mine is but the cord is very substantial for the 220 volt plug.
I used the lower voltage once this spring to exercise the generator
and burn out stagnant gas in carburator and strung my hedge clipper to
it with the normal cord with no problem.

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers that came
with the generator after I posted. *It is a Troy Built *5000 watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14 gauge
thinking they would be stronger. *Live and learn. I will have to go
shopping again.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Get a couple of those orange 12 guage outdoor extension cords and you
can use them for your weed eater (presuming it still works) and your
generator.

Your generator probably has a pair of 120v sockets. Each socket
delivers half the rated power of the generator, 2500 watts, so it is
wise to split the things you plug into the generator across both
sockets. To do that you will need two extension cords.

On Aug 30, 7:06*am, Dottie wrote:
On Aug 30, 7:53*am, Frank wrote:





On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:

On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:

In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

This old guy learned something himself: *wire gauges are like shotgun
gauges, the smaller number is the bigger. *Figured this was the case
but not sure until now.

If you want to use the generator to power stuff in your house, as I do
during a power outage, you should hire an electrician to put in a
transfer box and the cord to plug into the generator. *I don't know
what mine is but the cord is very substantial for the 220 volt plug.
I used the lower voltage once this spring to exercise the generator
and burn out stagnant gas in carburator and strung my hedge clipper to
it with the normal cord with no problem.

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers that came
with the generator after I posted. *It is a Troy Built *5000 watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14 gauge
thinking they would be stronger. *Live and learn. I will have to go
shopping again.

The longer the cord the bigger wire you need, voltage drops the longer
the run,
To know what you need lood at a extension cord voltage drop chart,
google one up
, if your run is long and depending on whatbis connected ton the gen a
10 ga
May be needed, mine came with 10ga, as far as weed wackers I could see
at
100ft a 12 ga may be needed , to know you have to measure voltage at
the end
I do it so I know on long runs. But a simple 300$ transfer switch for
the gen is best

The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. Please read the manual for the weed
whacker. I suspect it (weed whacker) is using much less than
5,000 watts. So, the smaller cord is fine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Dottie" wrote in message
...

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers
that came
with the generator after I posted. It is a Troy Built 5000
watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14
gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will
have to go
shopping again.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14 gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will have to go
shopping again.


Go to Home Depot or similar. They have "contractor" extension cords
which are long and larger gauge like 12 gauge. Or larger 10 gauge.

On Aug 30, 6:05*am, Dottie wrote:
On Aug 29, 9:27*pm, Smitty Two wrote:





In article
,

*Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old..

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Most of us here are civil in nature, so jut ignore folks who are mean-
spirited.. Lurk every day and you willl learn a lot as most folks
here are real hands-on types.

On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:
My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.

My advice to you is stop trying to come up with answers and solutions
on your own.

Simply ask the questions. Offering up your theories only makes you
look foolish, and people will think you are a troll...

For example, don't say, "Is it too strong?" Instead, just say "The
generator says to use a 12 gauge cord, but I bought a 14 gauge. Is
that okay?"

On the subject of your cord, you should have noticed that a 12 gauge
cord was MORE EXPENSIVE than a 14 gauge cord of the same brand and
same length. You should have also noticed that a 14 gauge cord is MORE
EXPENSIVE than a 16 gauge cord of the same brand and same length. Such
information should tell you that there is something more to the choice
than picking a higher number.

Pay attention to small details like that. They can tell you a LOT
about how things work without you ever having to ask a single question.

wrote in news:82057c47-87e5-486b-a5e6-
:

On Aug 30, 7:05*am, Dottie wrote:
My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. *I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. *Anyway, thank you for your help. *And I a
m
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.

My advice to you is stop trying to come up with answers and solutions
on your own.

Simply ask the questions. Offering up your theories only makes you
look foolish, and people will think you are a troll...

For example, don't say, "Is it too strong?" Instead, just say "The
generator says to use a 12 gauge cord, but I bought a 14 gauge. Is
that okay?"

On the subject of your cord, you should have noticed that a 12 gauge
cord was MORE EXPENSIVE than a 14 gauge cord of the same brand and
same length. You should have also noticed that a 14 gauge cord is MORE
EXPENSIVE than a 16 gauge cord of the same brand and same length. Such
information should tell you that there is something more to the choice
than picking a higher number.

Pay attention to small details like that. They can tell you a LOT
about how things work without you ever having to ask a single question.

And my opinion is ask whatever you want the best you know how.

It gives the responders a hint as to experience (of which any level is
acceptable) and how to reply to best HELP you - not overwhelm, baffle,
condem, whatever. Sometimes the info provided/sensed gets a reply to
seek outside help for safety or preventing something that could turn
into a cluster-f...,errr.. bomb.

I am a bit dissapointed. I did want to see a pic of that 500hp generator
:-)

Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ...
The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. Please read the manual for the weed
whacker. I suspect it (weed whacker) is using much less than
5,000 watts. So, the smaller cord is fine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


"Dottie" wrote in message
...

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers
that came
with the generator after I posted. It is a Troy Built 5000
watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14
gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will
have to go
shopping again.

Right you are, Daisy Mae!

From the Southwire voltage drop calculator at:
http://www.southwire.com/ProductCata...atorController

A maximum distance of 67.168 feet will limit the voltage drop to 3% or less with a #14 Copper conductor delivering 10.0 amps on a
120 volt system.

A maximum distance of 103.677 feet will limit the voltage drop to 3% or less with a #12 Copper conductor delivering 10.0 amps on a
120 volt system.

A maximum distance of 171.538 feet will limit the voltage drop to 3% or less with a #10 Copper conductor delivering 10.0 amps on a
120 volt system.


"Rev Daisy Mae Johnson" wrote in message
eb.com...
Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ...
The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. Please read the manual for the weed
whacker. I suspect it (weed whacker) is using much less than
5,000 watts. So, the smaller cord is fine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


"Dottie" wrote in message
...

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers
that came
with the generator after I posted. It is a Troy Built 5000
watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the 14
gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will
have to go
shopping again.

I'd like some evidence that a 14 ga extension cord (she
didn't mention buying several cords) is any way inadequate
for a weed whacker.

Since you say I'm wrong, prove it.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Rev Daisy Mae Johnson"
wrote in message
eb.com...
Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension
cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote
in message ...
The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. Please read the manual for the weed
whacker. I suspect it (weed whacker) is using much less
than
5,000 watts. So, the smaller cord is fine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


"Dottie" wrote in message
...

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers
that came
with the generator after I posted. It is a Troy Built
5000
watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the
14
gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will
have to go
shopping again.

Ten amps, at 120 volts is 1200 watts. Which is about 1.6 HP.

Now, how many hand held 1.6 HP weed whackers are there?

I think you're being a bit out in space.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Harvey Specter" wrote in message
...
Right you are, Daisy Mae!

From the Southwire voltage drop calculator at:
http://www.southwire.com/ProductCata...atorController

A maximum distance of 67.168 feet will limit the voltage
drop to 3% or less with a #14 Copper conductor delivering
10.0 amps on a
120 volt system.

A maximum distance of 103.677 feet will limit the voltage
drop to 3% or less with a #12 Copper conductor delivering
10.0 amps on a
120 volt system.

A maximum distance of 171.538 feet will limit the voltage
drop to 3% or less with a #10 Copper conductor delivering
10.0 amps on a
120 volt system.

On Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:51:33 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Ten amps, at 120 volts is 1200 watts. Which is about 1.6 HP.

Now, how many hand held 1.6 HP weed whackers are there?

Go to Sears. They'll have an aisle full of 'em.

I think you're being a bit out in space.

On Aug 30, 8:49*pm, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
I'd like some evidence that a 14 ga extension cord (she
didn't mention buying several cords) is any way inadequate
for a weed whacker.

Since you say I'm wrong, prove it.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
*www.lds.org
.

"Rev Daisy Mae wrote in message

eb.com...
Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension
cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote
in ...

The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. Please read the manual for the weed
whacker. I suspect it (weed whacker) is using much less
than
5,000 watts. So, the smaller cord is fine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
*www.lds.org
.

"Dottie" wrote in message
....

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers
that came
with the generator after I posted. *It is a Troy Built
5000
watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the
14
gauge
thinking they would be stronger. *Live and learn. I will
have to go
shopping again.

Because you nimrod, it isn't just the last 105 feet (extension
cord plus the cord on the machine) you have to worry about,
voltage drop starts at the service panel and keeps going
through the 100 or so feet of wire inside the house to the
receptacle outlet you are plugging the extension cord into...

This is the reason why outdoor receptacles are often
fed from 20amp circuits using a minimum wire size
of #12...

So if we can imagine the OP's situation, where she
has the typical orange 100 foot outdoor 14 gauge
extension cord which is going to suffer about 6 to 7%
voltage drop from the cord alone, is going to have
another equal voltage drop from the long wire run
inside the house unless the electrician who wired
the home was smart enough to use the next size
larger wire for the longer run...

I would say that trying to run a weed whacker at
12% to 15% voltage drop would cause overheating
and arcing...

But you are correct, she never said how many of
such cords she was using with the weed whacker,
nor did she ever say she was using the generator
to power them -- in fact she said the generator was
as yet unused...

~~ Evan

"Red Green" wrote

I am a bit dissapointed. I did want to see a pic of that 500hp generator
:-)

Here it is. Only $35000 too!
http://www.impcorporation.com/Invent...ator-5029.aspx

I, Rev Daisy Mae Johnson, never mentionioned anything about a weedwhacker.

But you, Stormin Mormon, stated that
"The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being used on full power. "
which is untrue.

You, Stormon Mormon, need to reread my original post.


"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ...
I'd like some evidence that a 14 ga extension cord (she
didn't mention buying several cords) is any way inadequate
for a weed whacker.

Since you say I'm wrong, prove it.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


"Rev Daisy Mae Johnson"
wrote in message
eb.com...
Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension
cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote
in message ...
The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power.

Just reset the group, and downloaded the messages, again.
Will go back and read your original post.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Rev Daisy Mae Johnson"
wrote in message
b.com...
I, Rev Daisy Mae Johnson, never mentionioned anything about
a weedwhacker.

But you, Stormin Mormon, stated that
"The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. "
which is untrue.

You, Stormon Mormon, need to reread my original post.


"Stormin Mormon" wrote
in message ...
I'd like some evidence that a 14 ga extension cord (she
didn't mention buying several cords) is any way inadequate
for a weed whacker.

Since you say I'm wrong, prove it.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


"Rev Daisy Mae Johnson"
wrote in
message
eb.com...
Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension
cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon"
wrote
in message ...
The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power.

You're right. You didn't mention weed whacker.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Rev Daisy Mae Johnson"
wrote in message
eb.com...
Bzzzzzzttttt! Wrong answer but thanks for playing.

The minimum wire gage required is a function of extension
cord length AND current flow.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote
in message ...
The 12 gage cord is only needed if the generator is being
used on full power. Please read the manual for the weed
whacker. I suspect it (weed whacker) is using much less
than
5,000 watts. So, the smaller cord is fine.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


"Dottie" wrote in message
...

I did the unthinkable -- I went in and dug out the papers
that came
with the generator after I posted. It is a Troy Built
5000
watts and
further down the page it says Cord Set Gauge 12.

And I do remember seeing cords in Walmart and getting the
14
gauge
thinking they would be stronger. Live and learn. I will
have to go
shopping again.

"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in
:


"Red Green" wrote

I am a bit dissapointed. I did want to see a pic of that 500hp
generator
:-)

Here it is. Only $35000 too!
http://www.impcorporation.com/Invent...ar-d379-genera
tor-5029.aspx



Hmmm, highly recommend not taking the pull rope starting option.

jamesgangnc wrote:
On Aug 30, 7:05 am, Dottie wrote:

On Aug 29, 9:27 pm, Smitty Two wrote:






In article
,

Dottie wrote:

I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. Are these too strong?

Next question. Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. Is it because the cord was too
strong? Or do I need to replace the weed eater. It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. Appreciate any advice.

I'll give you a 1 out of 10 on the troll-o-meter.

My generator is a 5 hp -- sorry about that. I bought the 14 gauge
cords to use with it last year -- thinking they would be o.k. but at
the time I am not sure I saw the page in the book that came with the
generator saying 12 gauge. Anyway, thank you for your help. And I am
not a troll....just an old lady who is trying to learn new things.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


For what it's worth I always though the wire gauge thing was dumb
too. But there it is, smaller number wire means bigger. When they
got to 0 they had to go with mulitples of 0. Sometimes shown like 2/0
which measn 00.

Numbered drills seem to go "the wrong way" too.

I understand the shotgun bore size number thing, it's how many lead
balls the size of the bore it takes to weigh one pound. (Save for the
..410 which is a decimal inch diameter.)

But I don't know where the numbered drill size thing comes from. Can
someone educate me on that please?

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10e12 furlongs per fortnight.

On Aug 29, 7:16*pm, Dottie wrote:
I have a 500 hp generator that I have never actually used. *The
directions say use a 12 gauge cord with it ... I bought 14 gauge
cords. *Are these too strong?

Next question. *Our weed eater stopped working -- my son was using one
of the 14 gauge cords with it when it started smoking and the
connection on one side is black. *Is it because the cord was too
strong? *Or do I need to replace the weed eater. *It's fairly old.

My son and I have recently taken over the outside chores -- and we are
having to learn as we go. *My husband used to do all this but his
health is bad and he can't help. *Appreciate any advice.

WHAT ARE YOU STUPID?
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS NEXT TIME!
PAT ECUM