I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

On 7/28/2012 9:27 AM, Novel8 wrote:
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.


Voltage drop with a known load will tell you the wire gauge.
Do you have a volt meter?

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:27:41 -0700 (PDT), Novel8
wrote:

I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.
Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

Most positive way is to take an end off and measure the wire with a
gauge.

On Saturday, July 28, 2012 10:34:55 AM UTC-4, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:27:41 -0700 (PDT), Novel8

wrote:



I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.

Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.



Most positive way is to take an end off and measure the wire with a

gauge.

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks

In a moment like this, I'd try to find a small town hardware store. Carry
the cord in, and ask the people there. The old guy with the grey hair should
be able to heft the cord, look at it, and guess pretty close.

Old cords often have corroded plug and socket, and might not be worth the
effort.

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

"Novel8" wrote in message
...
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I
looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.
Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using
it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

By the time you go to all that work, might have been easier to go buy
another cord. I've put ends on cords, over the years. Hardly worth the
effort.

I'm guessing you are a home user. I was told (and found it on the net) that
business users are not allowed, by OSHA, to repair extension cords. Nor, to
tape the cords when they wear or fray.

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

"Novel8" wrote in message
...

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:27:41 -0700 (PDT), Novel8
wrote:

I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

Hey, don't worry about that. I've been using an electric lawnmower
for at least 4 years. I have a heavy duty 50 or 100 foot cord, but
the outlet is hard to reach so I plug it into a 12 foot indoor light
gauge extension cord and everything works fine.

Just feel the cord to see if it's getting hot, expecially at the plug
and the wire within a half inch of the plug. My thin cord doesn't.

Also, if the voltage were so low the blade slowed down a lot, or at
least if it stopped altogether. that might burn out the mower, or
maybe there's a thermal fuse, but the same thing can happen if you try
to mow really heavy grass. You should know the sound of your mower
when it's spinning at or near the right speed. Get out of the grass
or turn the t hing off it is much slower than it shoudl be.

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:06:24 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:27:41 -0700 (PDT), Novel8
wrote:

I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

I would be dubious of any cord that was not marked. U/L and NEMA
require marking every couple feet along the cord jacket.
Have you had a kid look at it? Sometimes those embossed markings are
hard for old guys to read ;-)

Maybe there's a way to brush dark dust over the cord to read the
embossed print, like they do in detective stories.

On 7/28/2012 9:27 AM, Novel8 wrote:
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.

Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.


Personally I'd be more concerned if it's outdoor rated than guage rated.

As for the gauge: 12 amp lawnmowers, which most are, only need a light
duty 16 guage for the first 50 feet. But keep in mind that you
shouldn't put more than 80% of the rated load on a cord.

I only keep 12 gauge extension cords in my garage, that way I never have
to worry for 15 amp tools or heaters in case I have to run the cord 100
feet or longer. I can run my electric lawnmower or an air compressor or
table saw and not have to worry about the cord overheating.

Yeah they are bulky and thick and heavy and more expensive but they are
better insulated and much longer lasting.

Novel8 wrote:
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

Hi,
If the cord is warm to touch when you use it, you know then.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote:
By the time you go to all that work, might have been easier to go buy
another cord. I've put ends on cords, over the years. Hardly worth the
effort.

I'm guessing you are a home user. I was told (and found it on the net) that
business users are not allowed, by OSHA, to repair extension cords. Nor, to
tape the cords when they wear or fray.

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

"Novel8" wrote in message
...

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks

A decade or so ago my son was helping a rich lawyer guy clean out his
garage. When I went to pick my son up, I saw a 25' 12 gauge extension cord
with a reel on top of the trash heap. It looked brand new.

I looked at it and found that the cord had been cut about 6' from the end.
Both pieces were still there.

I took it home, put a plug on one piece and a socket on the other.

All these years later I'm still using both extension cords on a regular
basis. It was well worth the minor effort and cost.

On 7/28/2012 12:23 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
"
A decade or so ago my son was helping a rich lawyer guy clean out his
garage. When I went to pick my son up, I saw a 25' 12 gauge extension cord
with a reel on top of the trash heap. It looked brand new.

I looked at it and found that the cord had been cut about 6' from the end.
Both pieces were still there.

I took it home, put a plug on one piece and a socket on the other.

All these years later I'm still using both extension cords on a regular
basis. It was well worth the minor effort and cost.

With the price of copper these days, it does pay to salvage 12g cords.
Amazing how the price escalates when you compare 18/16/14/12 g cords of
the same length and number of conductors.

Mow your lawn. If the cord is appreciably warm after you're done,
replace it with at 14 or 12 gauge extension cord.

On 7/28/2012 7:41 AM, Novel8 wrote:
On Saturday, July 28, 2012 10:34:55 AM UTC-4, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:27:41 -0700 (PDT), Novel8

wrote:



I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.

Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.



Most positive way is to take an end off and measure the wire with a

gauge.

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks

Bennett Price wrote:
Mow your lawn. If the cord is appreciably warm after you're done,
replace it with at 14 or 12 gauge extension cord.

Mow your lawn. If the mower is burned out at the end, the cord was too small.

On Jul 28, 9:36*pm, "Bob F" wrote:
Bennett Price wrote:
Mow your lawn. *If the cord is appreciably warm after you're done,
replace it with at 14 or 12 gauge extension cord.

Mow your lawn. If the mower is burned out at the end, the cord was too small.

just monitor the cord temperature as you mow, just feel it up

"Novel8" wrote in message
...

I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed.
I
looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely
none. Is
there a way to check the gauge of it?

What did they tell you at the hardware or electrical supply store when
you showed them the cord and asked?

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

On Saturday, July 28, 2012 11:51:23 AM UTC-4, Duesenberg wrote:
On 7/28/2012 9:27 AM, Novel8 wrote:

I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.



Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.





Personally I'd be more concerned if it's outdoor rated than guage rated.



As for the gauge: 12 amp lawnmowers, which most are, only need a light

duty 16 guage for the first 50 feet. But keep in mind that you

shouldn't put more than 80% of the rated load on a cord.



I only keep 12 gauge extension cords in my garage, that way I never have

to worry for 15 amp tools or heaters in case I have to run the cord 100

feet or longer. I can run my electric lawnmower or an air compressor or

table saw and not have to worry about the cord overheating.



Yeah they are bulky and thick and heavy and more expensive but they are

better insulated and much longer lasting.

Yes, my lawn mower is a 12 amp job according to the manual, but I was using it with an outdoor cord that says on it "13 Anp,125v, 1625W for a couple of years with no problem, though the orange cord was getting 'rings' around it. Finally the other day after using it a couple of minutes, the motor went "dead'...i thought i blew a fuse. That was when I noticed another orange colored cord with no info on it at all, albeit shorter than the one I had. I think its about 15'. So i tried the mower on solid ground and it worked just fine...but I am still nervous in using it not knowing about its limitations. This is NYC and there is no small town hardware that I know of to bring it too. I did see a 16 gauge extension cord by accident in one of those .99 cents stores of all places...albeit it was like 9' long ( too short ) and fragile looking..more for indoors, I think. Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even attempt to buy that one.

On 7/29/2012 2:26 PM, Novel8 wrote:
....

Yes, my lawn mower is a 12 amp job according to the manual, but I was
using it with an outdoor cord that says on it "13 Anp,125v, 1625W...
... the other day after using it a couple of minutes, the motor went
"dead'...i thought i blew a fuse.

More than likely just broke a conductor. NEC ratings are 15A for 14 ga
conductors so one can assume that's what that one is...

....

... So i tried the mower on solid ground and it worked just
fine...but I am still nervous in using it not knowing about its
limitations. This is NYC and there is no small town hardware that I
know of to bring it too. I did see a 16 gauge extension cord by
accident in one of those .99 cents stores of all places...albeit it
was like 9' long ( too short ) and fragile looking..more for indoors,
I think. Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even
attempt to buy that one.

That it ran on the other cord is even more indication that all that
happened is a conductor broke on the other--likely could be near the
plug or receptacle end and could be repaired w/ $2 replacement.

The inexpensive cord is undoubtedly 16 ga at best and is an appliance
cord for stuff like a lamp or similar loads indoors, indeed.

Nothing really drastic is going to happen using a 15-ft cord unless it's
so warm after use you can really tell it easily--the length is simply
too short for the voltage drop owing to the conductor size alone to be
an issue--so, if it's warm it's clearly because the conductors are small
for the load and you need a heavier cord. If it carries the load w/o
being noticeably warm, its heavy enough it's not going to cause a fire
or do damage to the mower motor because of low supply voltage.

How long a cord do you need and what could it possibly cost to go to a
WalMart or whatever is similar nearby where you buy stuff in general and
buy a new outdoor cord of 14 ga that will be rated adequate and quite
worrying, though? $15 at the extreme outside, maybe?????

--

Novel8 wrote:
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the
shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is
absolutely none. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is
usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an
example.

Tell us why you are nervous - you may be trying to solve the wrong problem.

The OP, not having either a VOM or a wire gage, sounds like it would take
him MUCH longer to go to the store, try to find the proper end, and then
spend a bunch of time buying a wire cutter, a wire stripper, screw drivers,
and learning how to put the ends on. And after all that time invested, not
be sure his results were safe. Because he'd never done one of those.

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

"Ashton Crusher" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 10:59:17 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

By the time you go to all that work, might have been easier to go buy
another cord. I've put ends on cords, over the years. Hardly worth the
effort.


Take a lot more time and effort to run out and buy a new one instead
of taking the 10 minutes to repair the end.

On Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:26:18 PM UTC-4, Novel8 wrote:
Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even attempt to buy that one.

Because it's the diameter of the WIRE, not the thickness of the insulation, that determines gauge.

Indoor cords don't need as much insulation because they are not being dragged around on sharp stones or whatever other obstacles may be out in the yard.

On Jul 30, 10:22*am, wrote:
On Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:26:18 PM UTC-4, Novel8 wrote:
Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even attempt to buy that one.

Because it's the diameter of the WIRE, not the thickness of the insulation, that determines gauge.

Indoor cords don't need as much insulation because they are not being dragged around on sharp stones or whatever other obstacles may be out in the yard.

I was at a BORG store when a customer inquired about running a
extension cord stuffed in the control joints of his driveway.

the clerk tried to explain why it was a bad idea.....

I finally added if anyone walks on your driveway espically in wet feet
they could get electrocuted thats when the shopper admitted the cord
was for a swimming pool for kids

bob haller wrote:
On Jul 30, 10:22 am, wrote:
On Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:26:18 PM UTC-4, Novel8 wrote:
Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even attempt
to buy that one.

Because it's the diameter of the WIRE, not the thickness of the
insulation, that determines gauge.

Indoor cords don't need as much insulation because they are not
being dragged around on sharp stones or whatever other obstacles may
be out in the yard.

I was at a BORG store when a customer inquired about running a
extension cord stuffed in the control joints of his driveway.

the clerk tried to explain why it was a bad idea.....

I finally added if anyone walks on your driveway espically in wet feet
they could get electrocuted thats when the shopper admitted the cord
was for a swimming pool for kids

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

On Jul 28, 8:27*am, Novel8 wrote:
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric lawn mower, as an example.

Discard the cord. You need something a) safer and b) adequate for the
purpose you intend. No point in obsessing over dubious junk.

Joe

"HeyBub" wrote:
bob haller wrote:
On Jul 30, 10:22 am, wrote:
On Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:26:18 PM UTC-4, Novel8 wrote:
Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even attempt
to buy that one.

Because it's the diameter of the WIRE, not the thickness of the
insulation, that determines gauge.

Indoor cords don't need as much insulation because they are not
being dragged around on sharp stones or whatever other obstacles may
be out in the yard.

I was at a BORG store when a customer inquired about running a
extension cord stuffed in the control joints of his driveway.

the clerk tried to explain why it was a bad idea.....

I finally added if anyone walks on your driveway espically in wet feet
they could get electrocuted thats when the shopper admitted the cord
was for a swimming pool for kids

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

You are kidding, right?

I hope you are not suggesting running an extension cord underground.

On Jul 30, 10:22 am, wrote:
On Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:26:18 PM UTC-4, Novel8 wrote:
Why would they rate them the same 16 gauge? I wouldn't even attempt
to buy that one.

Because it's the diameter of the WIRE, not the thickness of the
insulation, that determines gauge.

Indoor cords don't need as much insulation because they are not
being dragged around on sharp stones or whatever other obstacles may
be out in the yard.

I was at a BORG store when a customer inquired about running a
extension cord stuffed in the control joints of his driveway.

the clerk tried to explain why it was a bad idea.....

I finally added if anyone walks on your driveway espically in wet feet
they could get electrocuted thats when the shopper admitted the cord
was for a swimming pool for kids

Hiring a licensed electrician is a lot cheaper than a hospital bill or a lawsuit.

DerbyDad03 wrote:

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

You are kidding, right?

I hope you are not suggesting running an extension cord underground.

Sure. What could go wrong?

"HeyBub" wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

You are kidding, right?

I hope you are not suggesting running an extension cord underground.

Sure. What could go wrong?

Well, for one thing the voltage would be lower.

DerbyDad03 wrote:
"HeyBub" wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

You are kidding, right?

I hope you are not suggesting running an extension cord underground.

Sure. What could go wrong?

Well, for one thing the voltage would be lower.

Ah ! I see.

Better, then, would be overhead wiring.

On 8/2/2012 5:49 AM, HeyBub wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

You are kidding, right?

I hope you are not suggesting running an extension cord underground.

Sure. What could go wrong?

Well, for one thing the voltage would be lower.

Ah ! I see.

Better, then, would be overhead wiring.
....

Nah, the underground voltage depression will return when the cord comes
back up just the same as when it comes back down from overhead. It's
all ok at the point of use...

--

On Aug 2, 7:53*am, dpb wrote:
On 8/2/2012 5:49 AM, HeyBub wrote:



DerbyDad03 wrote:
*wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Yep. It's not TOO hard to run the wire UNDER the sidewalk.

You are kidding, right?

I hope you are not suggesting running an extension cord underground.

Sure. What could go wrong?

Well, for one thing the voltage would be lower.

Ah ! I see.

Better, then, would be overhead wiring.

...

Nah, the underground voltage depression will return when the cord comes
back up just the same as when it comes back down from overhead. *It's
all ok at the point of use...

--

yep its not like a car battery sitting on the ground they go dead and
cant even be recharged ever....

Years ago, when I was a teen, I helped my father doing construction.
He asked me to bring up his circular saw (he was on the roof). This
was in the days before double insulated tools, the skill saw was all
metal and three wire plug. I grabbed the saw took a couple steps to
the aluminum ladder and started up. About two rungs in I got a huge
shock and my hand clamped around the rung I was hanging on and my
other hand clamped around the metal handle of the skill saw. I
couldn't let go! So I made a throwing motion with my arm so that the
weight of the saw would cause it to pull out of my clenched hand. I
had to make the motion a couple times and threw the saw to the ground
breaking the connection. My dad saw that and yelled at me that it was
no way to treat his tools!! I told him what happened and he said his
dumb assistant had cut thru the extension cord yesterday but had fixed
it. We took the tape off the "repair" and saw that he had paid no
attention to any of the wire colors and just hooked em up at random.
Up until I grounded out on the aluminum ladder the saw and ext cord
had worked fine all morning......


On Mon, 30 Jul 2012 06:26:20 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

The OP, not having either a VOM or a wire gage, sounds like it would take
him MUCH longer to go to the store, try to find the proper end, and then
spend a bunch of time buying a wire cutter, a wire stripper, screw drivers,
and learning how to put the ends on. And after all that time invested, not
be sure his results were safe. Because he'd never done one of those.

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

"Ashton Crusher" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 10:59:17 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

By the time you go to all that work, might have been easier to go buy
another cord. I've put ends on cords, over the years. Hardly worth the
effort.


Take a lot more time and effort to run out and buy a new one instead
of taking the 10 minutes to repair the end.

I hope you had the dumb assistant saw some boards, while standing in a
grounded barrel of salt water?

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

"Ashton Crusher" wrote in message
...
Years ago, when I was a teen, I helped my father doing construction.
He asked me to bring up his circular saw (he was on the roof). This
was in the days before double insulated tools, the skill saw was all
metal and three wire plug. I grabbed the saw took a couple steps to
the aluminum ladder and started up. About two rungs in I got a huge
shock and my hand clamped around the rung I was hanging on and my
other hand clamped around the metal handle of the skill saw. I
couldn't let go! So I made a throwing motion with my arm so that the
weight of the saw would cause it to pull out of my clenched hand. I
had to make the motion a couple times and threw the saw to the ground
breaking the connection. My dad saw that and yelled at me that it was
no way to treat his tools!! I told him what happened and he said his
dumb assistant had cut thru the extension cord yesterday but had fixed
it. We took the tape off the "repair" and saw that he had paid no
attention to any of the wire colors and just hooked em up at random.
Up until I grounded out on the aluminum ladder the saw and ext cord
had worked fine all morning......

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 10:59:17 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

By the time you go to all that work, might have been easier to go buy
another cord. I've put ends on cords, over the years. Hardly worth the
effort.

I'm guessing you are a home user. I was told (and found it on the net) that
business users are not allowed, by OSHA, to repair extension cords. Nor, to
tape the cords when they wear or fray.

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

"Novel8" wrote in message
...

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks


As stated before, installation of a certified cord end, male or
female, is NOT a repair. You may not tape or otherwize repair any
damage between the cord ends. You MAY cut the cord at the damaged
point and make 2 short cords.

On Sun, 29 Jul 2012 15:12:29 -0500, dpb wrote:

On 7/29/2012 2:26 PM, Novel8 wrote:
...

Yes, my lawn mower is a 12 amp job according to the manual, but I was
using it with an outdoor cord that says on it "13 Anp,125v, 1625W...
... the other day after using it a couple of minutes, the motor went
"dead'...i thought i blew a fuse.

More than likely just broke a conductor. NEC ratings are 15A for 14 ga
conductors so one can assume that's what that one is...
What do you suppose was causing the "rings" around the cord? Perhaps
it was overheating?????

On 8/7/2012 8:54 PM, wrote:
....

What do you suppose was causing the "rings" around the cord? Perhaps
it was overheating?????

What rings were those? Nuttin' about no "rings" in any posting I
replied to...

--

He wasn't there. I was the replacement dumb assistant for the
Saturday.

On Sat, 4 Aug 2012 20:30:35 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

I hope you had the dumb assistant saw some boards, while standing in a
grounded barrel of salt water?

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

"Ashton Crusher" wrote in message
.. .
Years ago, when I was a teen, I helped my father doing construction.
He asked me to bring up his circular saw (he was on the roof). This
was in the days before double insulated tools, the skill saw was all
metal and three wire plug. I grabbed the saw took a couple steps to
the aluminum ladder and started up. About two rungs in I got a huge
shock and my hand clamped around the rung I was hanging on and my
other hand clamped around the metal handle of the skill saw. I
couldn't let go! So I made a throwing motion with my arm so that the
weight of the saw would cause it to pull out of my clenched hand. I
had to make the motion a couple times and threw the saw to the ground
breaking the connection. My dad saw that and yelled at me that it was
no way to treat his tools!! I told him what happened and he said his
dumb assistant had cut thru the extension cord yesterday but had fixed
it. We took the tape off the "repair" and saw that he had paid no
attention to any of the wire colors and just hooked em up at random.
Up until I grounded out on the aluminum ladder the saw and ext cord
had worked fine all morning......