Romex as an extension cord?

[turbowoodworker]

Sounds silly right. Well I just got a new table saw (Delta 10", 5 HP, 230v), and hooked up the appropriate breaker and receptacle to the line that was run by the electrician when my new shop was built. I searched for a NEMA 6-20 extension cord and thought I could make one easier than I could buy one. So I did. Made it up from the orange Romex and industrial plugs purchased from Lowe's.

It works great but I got to thinking about the differences between an extension cord and Romex, like stiffness, durability, scuffs and scrapes, single vs. braided wires, etc.

My question for the sparkies is, while it works, was it a good and acceptable alternative both short and long term? Am I missing something or will this fail, get abraded and short out, etc? Should I put it in plastic conduit?

BTW, I have ordered an industrial plastic cover where the cord crosses the working area from the wall to the saw. And I thought about running the power from the ceiling but I prefer to keep stuff out of the way for cutting sheet goods.

Thanks for your advice.
Rick

 

[alfredeneuman]

Just the same as cord is prohibited as an alternate to NM, NM is prohibited for use as a cord. It's just the wrong application, even on a temporary basis.
It's solid wire, and the plugs and connectors are meant for stranded cord.
NM isn't any good for flexible use.
The jacket isn't meant to stand up to abrasions like cord is.

Just buy some cord

 

[Norcal]

I second the statement above NM cable "Romex®" is not extension cord material.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Thanks. Looks like I acted first then thought of the consequences. I just ordered the right stuff. Hopefully my next thread won't be about some electrical disaster caused by an imbecile!

Problem solved.

 

[md21722]

I like SOOW in the garage. Don't use Romex.

 

[Norcal]

Thanks. Looks like I acted first then thought of the consequences. I just ordered the right stuff. Hopefully my next thread won't be about some electrical disaster caused by an imbecile!

Problem solved.

Like this story? http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article94888152.html

In your case, you saw the error of your ways. Some people won't.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The other problem u have is that standard NEMA plugs and outlets arent rated for more than about 3HP.

To be code compliant u need to either find an outlet rated for at least 5HP or hardwire the equipment.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

The short answer is NO.

Tommy

 

[turbowoodworker]

Scary story NorCal. That is the thread I never want to start.

Wylie, the Delta 5 HP saw comes with a NEMA 6-20 male plug installed. I thought of hardwiring it but for now I just ordered the proper cord to make a proper extension cord.

Thanks for all your replies. I learned something and got the answer I needed (expected?) from GJ.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Scary story NorCal. That is the thread I never want to start.

Wylie, the Delta 5 HP saw comes with a NEMA 6-20 male plug installed. I thought of hardwiring it but for now I just ordered the proper cord to make a proper extension cord.

Thanks for all your replies. I learned something and got the answer I needed (expected?) from GJ.

Did u buy it new from the factory with 6-20p on it?

 

[md21722]

My experience is limited, but I have never seen a woodworking shop with hardwired (flexible conduit) for woodworking machinery. It is usually SOOW hanging from the ceiling with a twist lock, or some other outlet on the wall or floor. Heck, you can even buy new from the manufacturer portable 5HP air compressors with a NEMA plug on them and I don't believe any of them are the pin and sleeve type. So there must be some kind of code provision that allows this type of setup... if it ain't bolted to the floor?

 

[Norcal]

My experience is limited, but I have never seen a woodworking shop with hardwired (flexible conduit) for woodworking machinery. It is usually SOOW hanging from the ceiling with a twist lock, or some other outlet on the wall or floor. Heck, you can even buy new from the manufacturer portable 5HP air compressors with a NEMA plug on them and I don't believe any of them are the pin and sleeve type. So there must be some kind of code provision that allows this type of setup... if it ain't bolted to the floor?

If a compressor is portable doubt it's 5 HP, more likely a overrated "SPL" model geared to gullible customers. The weight of a 5 HP motor alone + the pump makes them a stationary model, would way too unstable to tote around.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Wylie,
Yes brand new with NEMA 6-20, just not long enough.

 

[md21722]

If a compressor is portable doubt it's 5 HP, more likely a overrated "SPL" model geared to gullible customers. The weight of a 5 HP motor alone + the pump makes them a stationary model, would way too unstable to tote around.

Jenny/Emglo are the real deal, 5HP, on 30 gallon tank, weighs a lot. It has the same pump as their industrial stationary, and a contactor. Parts list says 6-30 plug.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I wouldn't recommend it but honestly I have done it once to get an outside job done. I didn't have enough cord so rather than pack everything up and go get one, I made do for the moment and bought another cord the next morning before I started work.

 

[mrVanagon]

Am I reading this right? This is a ready-made cord for what the OP needs?

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-5...0-Gauge-Yellow-Outdoor-Extension-Cord/3191749

 

[md21722]

Am I reading this right? This is a ready-made cord for what the OP needs?

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-5...0-Gauge-Yellow-Outdoor-Extension-Cord/3191749

That's a 20A 120V extension cord, OP is using a 30A 230V piece of machinery.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Wylie,
Yes brand new with NEMA 6-20, just not long enough.

Doubt its a TRUE 5HP motor then as the FLA on a 5HP motor is over 20a and the FLC is 28a.

What is the FLA rating on the nameplate?

Standard NEMA plugs and outlets are rated to about 3HP.

Jenny/Emglo are the real deal, 5HP, on 30 gallon tank, weighs a lot. It has the same pump as their industrial stationary, and a contactor. Parts list says 6-30 plug.

What is the FLA rating on the motor?

Same comment as above...

 

[md21722]

The W5-30P and GT5-30P are true 5HP motors as stated. Nameplate would be about 23A. It's physically impossible to generate the CFM that they do with some peak/SPL motor that is half of advertised. It does sound like Delta with the 6-20 is not a true 5HP. Apples and oranges.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

The W5-30P and GT5-30P are true 5HP motors as stated. Nameplate would be about 23A. It's physically impossible to generate the CFM that they do with some peak/SPL motor that is half of advertised. It does sound like Delta with the 6-20 is not a true 5HP. Apples and oranges.

Many of those advertised ratings remind me of my "6 HP" Craftsman shop vac that will run on any 120v outlet in the house..

 

[turbowoodworker]

Zoro delivers. Got the correct cord and ends. All set now, thanks everyone.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Did you replace the existing factory cord with a plug with a longer, properly rated cord with proper male connector on one end, or just get an extension cord with connectors on each end? IIRC, extension cords are not legal for stationary equipment rated over 15A. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.


Tommy

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Zoro delivers. Got the correct cord and ends. All set now, thanks everyone.

What type of plug did u get?

Standard NEMA plugs arent rated for more than about 3HP.

Can u take a pic of the motor nameplate and post it here please