cannot use radiator without extn. Any way around this please? Thanks.
2007-02-09 01:08:13 · 6 answers · asked by eristanco 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Why not get a socket installed in the area you need to use the heater. Then you will not need to use an extension cable.
2007-02-09 02:39:47 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the electrical department of a hardware or home improvement store (Lowes or Home Depot) and ask for what you need. I have bought heavy duty 12 gauge extension cords for window air conditioners so I'm sure they would have what you need. These are available in lengths as short as 3 feet and as long as 100 feet. Don't buy more than you need because a coiled up cord with a lot of current flowing through it can cause problems including overheating and magnetic fields.
Some product manuals will say not to use an extension cord because the product uses enough current that an extension cord with small wires will overheat. Then you can have an unwanted fire. But if you get a cord with heavy gauge (thick) wires that will not be a problem. A 12 gauge cord is sufficient for most household uses because standard household copper wiring for standard wall outlets is usually 12 gauge or smaller.
With electrical wires a smaller gauge number is a thicker wire. The thinner 18 gauge wire is used on lamp cords. A 14 gauge wire is a medium duty extension cord suitable for most power tools such as a drill. And 12 gauge is the heavy duty cord with a thicker wire suitable for larger equipment and larger appliances.
Sometimes it helps to have the wattage or amperage information and other details from the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) plate that is located on most products. This information may also be in the owner's manual that came with the product.
Or if you think you need to, take the heater with you to make sure you get exactly what you need.
2007-02-09 02:04:40 · answer #2 · answered by Dogz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use a heavy duty extension lead - the smallest length you can find.
They say not to use an extension because the cable is normally very small crosssection and made of stranded wire to keep it flexible. Also, a wound extension has no air around the cable so heats up more.
try to find a heavy duty 10 metre extension and unravel it all.
You'll be fine if you do that.
2007-02-09 02:39:44 · answer #3 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cable on an extension lead is too small. You increase resistance to earth. You heat a smaller cable more readily. The use of extension leads is often abused, in ignorance of the problems or dangers it causes. Have a fused spur, or socket fitted in a convenient location to supply your heater.
2007-02-12 07:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because too many people use too small a wire gauge extension cord and end up burning their house down. As long as you use a 14 or 12 gauge (AWG) three wire extension cord, you should be fine.
2007-02-09 01:29:13 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because a looped ext. lead will induce a powerfull magnetic field and cause overheating in the cable
The bigger the loading (i,e 2k.w rad.) the greater the risk.
NEVER leave unattended if used in this manner!
2007-02-09 06:19:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋