electric trimmer - what is maximum length of extention cord?

Question

I melted down my electric trimmer recently, bought a new one, who also gets really hot. I have an acre of land. I use 200 feet of 12 or 10 professional grade extention cord, but wonder if the 6 Amp motor just draws to much resistance in the line and ..... overheats

The cord I use is an AWG-12 3C cord, so it is gage 12, not 10. Yes I use it for trimming and getting rid of high grass where my riding lawn mower does not reach. Steap banks, around poles etc. Exactly there were a trimmer is used for.
Reason, I do not go for a gas trimmer is the cleanliness of an electric mower and it always starts, if it does not burn out!

Answer 1

The source below is an arbitrary tool users manual, but has a table of recommended extension cord sizes. It doesn't go up to 200 ft, but says it is based on 5 volt drop at 150% ampere rating. So the size would be the same for 12A at 100ft. This says 10 gauge wire. You said you used 12. If you can find 8, it wouldn't hurt, but use at least 10. Undervoltage can cause a motor to overheat.

Answer 2

From what little I know about size of extension cords, I would think that what you have should handle a 6 amp motor.

However, if your trimmer is getting hot, I doubt if it is from the extension cord. If the extension cord was not heavy enough, *it* would be getting warm and melting.

An acre of lawn to cut with a electric trimmer is quite a lot, of course, if you are meaning that you cut ALL the acre with it, or just trimming? If you are cutting ALL the acre with it, it sounds like it may not be heavy enough.

Just some thoughts.

Lawrence

Answer 3

Get as gas trimmer and that will solve your problem

Answer 4

IT IS CALLED AN EXTENTION CORD. WE HAVE ONE THAT IS 25 FEET LONG.