240V extension cord

[zendriver]

Now now have 100 amp service in my garage and my wire guy just put a jack near the panel box to plug in my electric heater. Which I believe is a 6-30

Eventually I’ll run more wires everywhere, but the problem is now that I don’t really work in the area and the heater only has about a 6 foot cord.

Is it possible to build an extension cord using adequate wire so maybe 15 feet?

TThis is the plug.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Ilikeike]

I cut that one off both my 240v heaters and put the 50amp welder type plug on. so I can plug it in to the 50amp outlets that are all around the shop and my garage, it would be easy to take the cord out go to Home Depot and by a length of soow or something similar.

 

[Dustball]

If you're not using it as permanent wiring, you can use an extension cord.

Here's an example-
https://amzn.com/B07CK63W73

 

[wssix99]

If you're not using it as permanent wiring, you can use an extension cord.

Here's an example-
https://amzn.com/B07CK63W73

+1. I use one of these Amazon cords for my welder and auto lifts. It's phenominal.

 

[justsam]

How much current does the heater draw? Most 240 Volt small garage heaters I have seen are about 5kW, so something just over 20 Amps. Any 10 ga. extension should be fine, the shorter, while still meeting your need, the better. Some pre-made will probably be cheaper than what you could make something up with proper plug and receptacle.

 

[nadogail]

My welder runs on an 8 gauge 3 conductor SO cord, I used 3 prong 50 Amp Range Connectors because of their low cost.

 

[zendriver]

how much current does the heater draw? Most 240 volt small garage heaters i have seen are about 5kw, so something just over 20 amps. Any 10 ga. Extension should be fine, the shorter, while still meeting your need, the better. Some pre-made will probably be cheaper than what you could make something up with proper plug and receptacle.

23.3a

 

[zendriver]

If you're not using it as permanent wiring, you can use an extension cord.

Here's an example-
https://amzn.com/B07CK63W73

This was what I was looking for.

I could used one a little shorter, but the next length down, 10' is fifty bucks. Might as well buy the long one.


Thanks everyone.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I cut that one off both my 240v heaters and put the 50amp welder type plug on. so I can plug it in to the 50amp outlets that are all around the shop and my garage,

Doing so voids the warranty, the listing, and violates the NEC.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would just buy cable & route it to where you want to use the heater . those cords are $$$

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I cut that one off both my 240v heaters and put the 50amp welder type plug on. so I can plug it in to the 50amp outlets that are all around the shop and my garage, it would be easy to take the cord out go to Home Depot and by a length of soow or something similar.

thats a horrible idea. voids warranty and is an NEC violation

 

[Ilikeike]

thats a horrible idea. voids warranty and is an NEC violation

Yeah, I know, sometimes I also use WD-40 and a lighter to kill spiders. I’m living life on the edge in this case.

 

[James-W]

A friend of mine gave me some 8 gauge cable with a rubber coating that was being thrown out at the place where he works as a maintenance man. It was something like 40 feet long so I cut it half and made two cable out of it. Then I bought the ends for for it and made up two cables which I rarely use, but on occasion they have been very helpful.

I have seen cables/cords at rummage sales or garage sales, and also at auctions and they usually go for little or nothing. If you bid a couple dollars for a cable you will likely get it. Many years ago my older brother bought a whole box of cables for $5 at an auction. One of the items in the box was a brand new set of high quality jumper cables. He used them, had them in his truck, for many years and sometimes he would help a fellow motorist out in time of need.

Point is, before buying a cable look around and see if there isn't one you can find at a rummage or something like that. If you can't find anything like you want, then by all means, buy a new one. But if you can find a used one for a few dollars, you may as well get it. The cords don't wear out, although they may be cracked or have other issues with them. But if you take your time and check them over and determine they are in good condition, why not get one and save some money?

 

[dcg9381]

I've built several of my own cords also. I've got a nice rubber coated 50' one that is 10ga. I've used it alternately for 120V and 240V applications (I just swap out the ends)... Just pick the right ground contact, rubber coated wire for your application...

In some cases, it's easier / cheaper just to buy an extension cord that was designed with those ends.

 

[Barnabas]

I could used one a little shorter, but the next length down, 10' is fifty bucks. Might as well buy the long one.

If you do get one that is longer than you need, do not keep the extra coiled up when using it. You need to stretch the cable all the way out if you are running anything near capacity on the cable. If not the cable could get hot.