how long can an extention cord be for a 220v appliance?

Question

i have a large 220v air compressor. is 30ft. too long to make an extention cord to use occasionally. id like to plug it in the clothes dryer outlet. thank you

Answer 1

Check the amp rating on your air compressor motor and if it is below 30 amps you should not have any problem if you use a cord with 10 gauge wires. Never use less than a 10 gauge cord for a 30 amp circuit or over heating of the cord could cause a fire.

Answer 2

Most dryers are 30 amps. You would have to use a #10 gauge ext. cord and 30 feet is not a problem you would have to use a bigger cord if it was over a 100 feet. I'm not sure though if you will be able to find a cord with the correct set up to feet into a dryer outlet you may have to make one and that is if the welder has a similar plug on it

Answer 3

You failed to mention the horsepower of the compressor, this is a huge factor. The more horsepower, the higher current draw.What is the wire Gauge of the 30" extension, the bigger the the better. If it runs and doesn't pop the breaker,go for it.Stand by the breaker box with it running, if you hear a humming breaker, try 15' The real answer is that is possible, it is far safer and cheaper to get more air hose! keep that fire insurance paid up and hide the whole rig in the event of a conflagration aka big fire!

Answer 4

i don't wanna give you a headache with a lot of code and stuff, all you need to do is make sure that the wire that you use is #10 ga i'ts better if you use stranded wire just for the fact that it is more flexible. and yes you can do that!.
i hardly recomend that if you have a electrical panel in your backyard, just to the bottom of it install a 4 square box and a 208/220 volt outlet and save you the headache of using the dryer's. it will probably cost you about 20-30 dollars and save you a lot of hassle!.