Sjoow

[Ramper]

My wife ran over my good cord last night with the mower (FIL left it out). I see that Lowes has 250 feet of 12-3 SJOOW for $75. Could I just buy that and some nice plugs and make my own cords?

 

[HAP]

That's a good deal! Must be on clearence... I would do what you mentioned.

 

[n8n]

Only for personal use, made up ends are not legal for commercial/professional use.

 

[Syberia]

Ironic, because I just recently had a storebought cord come apart on me but nothing I've made myself ever has.

Actually, it appears they may be allowed: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=20709

 

[rlitman]

Actually, it appears they may be allowed

I believe so, with some exceptions (hospital grade cords for example MUST have cast ends with clear plastic so you can visibly confirm the status of the connector).

Installed cord ends are a little more susceptible to corrosion when exposed to the weather. If I were using it outdoors, I'd spray the connections inside with WD-40.

But, you may find that you're not saving too much. Cheap plugs ****. Good plugs (I LOVE Hubbel) are expensive, and good connectors (the side opposite the plug) are WAY expensive.

 

[Strouty]

Directly from OSHA:

The practice of assembling electrical extension cords is considered to be in compliance with OSHA standards, provided the assembled cord sets are assembled in a manner equivalent to those that are factory-assembled and approved. Criteria for determining whether shop-made cord sets meet existing electrical standards include:

All components must be approved for the purpose by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory (1910.303(a)) and (1926.403(a)).
Individual components must be compatible for use with the other components of the completed assembly.
The cord set must meet all applicable requirements of 1910 Subpart S and 1926 Subpart K. For example, the assembly must be marked appropriately (1910.303(e)) and (1926.405(g)(2)(iv)); boxing intended for use in a permanent installation may not be used (1910.303(b)(1)(i) and 1926.403(b)(1)(i)); cords must be connected to devices and fittings so as to provide strain relief (1910.305(g)(2) (iii) and 1926.405(g)(2)(iv)); cords passing through holes in enclosures must be protected by bushings or fittings designed for the purpose (1926.405(g)(2)(v) – fittings designed to fasten cables to metal boxes are not acceptable); and no grounded conductor shall be attached to any terminal or lead so as to reverse designated polarity (1910.304(a)(2)) and (1926.404(a)(2)).

The cord set must be assembled by a qualified person.
The wiring of the completed assembly must be inspected by a qualified person before the cord set is used initially. For example, the following checks and tests, or equivalent, should be performed:
Determine that all equipment grounding conductors are electrically continuous.
Test all equipment grounding conductors for electrical continuity.
Determine that each equipment grounding conductor is connected to its proper terminal.
Test each receptacle and attachment plug to ensure correct attachment of the equipment grounding conductor.

 

[Ramper]

At $0.30 a foot, I think I could splurge for quality ends and have some nice extension cords. I would probably only go with 15-amp ends (maybe 20 amp)

 

[Strouty]

At $0.30 a foot, I think I could splurge for quality ends and have some nice extension cords. I would probably only go with 15-amp ends (maybe 20 amp)

You could make up some nice cords, then sell 50' pieces on ebay and make your money back.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/250-SJOOW-1...229?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5668600f0d

 

[Rickster55]

....and tell your FIL "HANDS OFF"

 

[nehog]

... If I were using it outdoors, I'd spray the connections inside with WD-40.
...

WD-40 will completely evaporate in a few days time, and provide no protection against corrosion or deterioration.

Locktite makes a spray that does this however, and as well there is LPS #3, both of which leave a waxy coating that will last.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Only for personal use, made up ends are not legal for commercial/professional use.

If that were the case, the very large corporation I work for would be in deep doo doo! Every cord we have is made up. All twist lock connectors. Most have Daniel Woodhead "boxes" on the ends with twist lock receptacles on both sides, but NOTHING is "store bought".

Charles

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I believe so, with some exceptions (hospital grade cords for example MUST have cast ends with clear plastic so you can visibly confirm the status of the connector).

Installed cord ends are a little more susceptible to corrosion when exposed to the weather. If I were using it outdoors, I'd spray the connections inside with WD-40.

But, you may find that you're not saving too much. Cheap plugs ****. Good plugs (I LOVE Hubbel) are expensive, and good connectors (the side opposite the plug) are WAY expensive.

Woodhead (formerly Daniel Woodhead) plugs and connectors, case of 10 ea, for $90.11 with shipping on ebay, but as good a quality you can get.

Pic from another Ebay ad, male and female for $20 inc shipping. p/n 1447 male, 1547 female.

 

[Kin Creed]

Costco in Eden Prairie MN recently had 50' 12-3 for $20 which looked ok, but not as nice as SJOOW, probably just SJTW. Still not a bad price for 12-3.

 

[n8n]

If that were the case, the very large corporation I work for would be in deep doo doo! Every cord we have is made up. All twist lock connectors. Most have Daniel Woodhead "boxes" on the ends with twist lock receptacles on both sides, but NOTHING is "store bought".

Charles

Well, I hope those are all 8AWG or larger, or else you're not subject to OSHA.

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