There is an electrical source kind of close (maybe 500-1000) feet from my study site. I need power in my study site. Can an extension cord handle ~1500 watts of power at this distance. Is it unsafe to run them this long?
2006-06-18 03:07:32 · 5 answers · asked by brandonbarton1981 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
There are the two problems:
1. Mechanical. The cable must be out of the way to prevent any mechanical damage or injury or even DEATH.
2. Electrical. 1500 watts (~13.Amps at 120 Volts or 6.5A at 240 v could be better choice since a 6.5 A lesser wire gage can be used) will require at least a 10 gage (stranded) (or 14 gage for 6.5A) cable if you are running an inductive load (like motors). Resistive is more forgiving.
There is an easy way to estimate your circuit loading by placing a say 60w incandescent light bulb in series with you load at the end of your 500’ circuit and turning the load on. If the light dims and a lot you are in a little trouble. Do not test if your cable is coiled since as you realize you are adding inductance to the circuit.
This is an estimate. Consult electrical tables, licensed electrician or equipment manufacturer for proper information.
I hope it was useful.
2006-06-18 03:10:39 · answer #1 · answered by Edward 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The internal resistance of an extension cord that long will cause a voltage drop at the end of the line. (V=IR, per Ohm's Law).
Consequently, since the device using the power requires a certain amount of "juice", if the voltage has dropped significantly, it will pull more current to compensate. This will heat the extension cord up, which increases its internal resistance even more, increasing the temperature & so on & so on.
This is one reason the grid distributes power at a much higher voltage (typically 24,000 volts) over long distances, to reduce the necessary wire size and resistance.
Consult an electrician.
The easiest solution might be to run a 240VAC line from the source to your study site. This halves the required physical cross-section size of the extention wire for a given wattage.
Good luck! Don't burn the place down!
2006-06-18 03:17:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try it. Your electrical circuits will compensate for the distance by upping the power output. If you trip a breaker, i.e. if the power goes out at your study site, your home's circuits can't handle it. If the power doesn't go out, spend the first 30 minutes checking the temperature of the cord, starting at the house and working your way to the study site. Then, every 30 minutes or so, check the temp at a few places on the line. Just try to get the thickest electrical cords you can find, and you might want to think about getting rid of a few devices to cut down on the wattage.
2006-06-18 03:15:03 · answer #3 · answered by Robert B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are in america with a 110volt supply (v=ir) you'll be drawing around 13.5 amps...
it's probably not a question of safety as 13 amps is not huge but rather whether you'll still have 110volts at the other end while drawing ~1500watts. due to the resistance in the lead you may drop 5 or so volts...
Just make sure you use the heaviest rated cord you can...there should not be any danger whatsoever.
2006-06-18 03:16:13 · answer #4 · answered by sunset 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got to answer with another question. Where in the world is your study site? In the middle of the woods?
2006-06-18 03:22:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋