What grade power cord/s to get for my portable generator.
I am looking to find a primary power cord for my modest emergency generator. I have one now, but it’s a friend of mine’s on borrow and I’d like to return it.
The generator stats are:
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2200 Rated Watts/ 2400 Max Wattts
12 VDC @ 10 Amps Current Out
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I have used this a few times in the past couple years to power mostly a small window AC unit, lights and a TV. It worked fine. I think it had power to spare.
I’m just wondering what primary power cord I should buy for this. The max run would be 50′ but 25′ might do with lesser rated cords to the various specific items.
Would buying a 30 Amp cord be a waste for my 20 Amp output?
Not sure of my fridge’s requirements at the moment, but could it be occasionally powered up with this generator with other items disconnected?
Thanks.
Tom
Replies
Mainly you want at least a 20 amp (12 gauge) cord, if you plan to pull the full load on that single cord. Going larger (to 30 amp/10 gauge) will reduce "voltage drop" somewhat, but will also be much stiffer and harder to handle.
You usually only need to worry about voltage drop when you go beyond 100 feet or so.
Thanks.
I doubt I'll ever be pulling the entire max load on one cord. In the past I used both outlets with smaller cords running off the circuit not used by the larger cord.
After looking around at what's readily available for a decent price, I think I'll pick up a 50' 12 gauge 15 amp cord maybe with 3 outlets. 15 amp seems to be the max available with 12 gauge.
Not sure if running the fridge by itself could be done with the 3 outlet cords though.
I was thinking something like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/50-ft-x-12-gauge-triple-tap-extension-cord-with-indicator-light-61953.html
but if the 3 outlet design prevents running the fridge there might be a splitter that could be put onto the end of the cord when it's not used to power the fridge.
The only info I could easily find on the fridge plate and manual is 3.5 Amp which doesn't seem very demanding at all.