Voltage drop on long extension cord

[Hobby_Man22]

I usually measure between 120-125v but really jist as long as you have 110v that should be sufficient to run anything, right? Say you connect 200ft of 12 guage extension cords together, the voltage drop will be more and you just won't be able to run as many amps, correct?

 

[theoldwizard1]

For a constant load, lower voltage (at the outlet) will result in MORE amps being drawn.

The voltage drop is caused by resistance in the wire. The resistance causes (wasted) heat. Unfortunately, higher heat in the wire means more resistance, more voltage drop, more heat and around and around we go.

 

[u2slow]

The important measurement reference is the voltage at the device, while it is running.

A heater will run at reduced power/heat. A power tool may run slow, hot, and/or trip the breaker.

Usually the plug end connections take the brunt of the heating effect, and eventually melt.

 

[nadogail]

Voltage Drop caused by using an overly long and small gauge extension cord is as bad as paying the high interest rates on Credit Cards; something we should try to avoid whenever possible.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I usually measure between 120-125v but really jist as long as you have 110v that should be sufficient to run anything, right? Say you connect 200ft of 12 guage extension cords together, the voltage drop will be more and you just won't be able to run as many amps, correct?

totally depends on what equipment youre plugging into the extension cord. nominal voltage is 120v not 110v

 

[Hobby_Man22]

totally depends on what equipment youre plugging into the extension cord. nominal voltage is 120v not 110v

lots of things ran for years off 110. 110 was the standard for years

 

[Innovate1]

The issue is worst with motors - many have high start up current. With a long cord the motor may never come up to speed and can overheat if left in that condition for much time - been there, done that. But I immediately recognized the issue and shut it off before any damage was done.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

lots of things ran for years off 110. 110 was the standard for years

Yeah but that doesnt mean what youre plugging in now will run off of it

 

[Sumboodie]

lots of things ran for years off 110. 110 was the standard for years

Sure, 75 years ago.

 

[The Cobbler]

25 cycle used to be common too, but that was many years ago