Outdoor Extension Cord for Heavy Use?

Question

I have a small shed-like structure in the backyard that I plan on using as an outdoor escape. I am going to install a cable box, dvd player, mini-fridge, 60" HDTV and some other very small appliances. Where can I get an outdoor extension cord (long, 100' to 200') to support this type of demand? I am sure it will cost a couple of hundred dollars, but it's far cheaper to plug this into an existing patio outlet than to hire someone to perform electrical work. Please send me as many direct links as you can, and thanks for reading...

Answer 1

Just put a 100 amp box out there. run the wire to it then run differant breakers off that.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I sometimes used a portable sump-pump actually laying the “good body” (not the connecting ends) of a bright orange heavy-duty extension cord actually in a puddle of water for hours draining the gravel drive during heavy rains. To prevent accidental disconnections of the ends pulling or tripping over the cord, use an over-hand knot, much like a “strain relief” using the cable itself at the connection, if using another extension cord, or just at the termination point. (I’m thinking of a short “pigtail” on the filter motor). To protect the pool itself, try having the cable with about a two foot loop acting as a relief in the event of someone tripping on the cord. I would take plastic garbage can cover over the connections sheltering them from the rain and on high ground. The best thing is to bury a cable for a swimming pool so no one has a chance of a shock though. You might want to ask some one first at Ace or Lowe’s what to do. If using a light extension cord, the resistance goes up and the electrical life goes down and one day the motor doesn't work anymore. Bob

Answer 4

Install a new breaker in your breaker box and run a 12/3 line to your building, install a breaker panel in your building and then install lights switches, etc. Its a lot safer and easier to do that way than use an extension cord, plus its not up to code to run all that off an extension cord. Do it right or don't do it at all.

Answer 5

Buy an industrial grade extension cord. Do not buy a cheep one. I use A 14 gage one to run 50 feet. You could buy one of those power bars to plug what you want in it. It should cost you around 30 or 40 dollars. No one has ever been sorry for buying quality. You could buy A small box with breakers and wire directly to it if you would like.

Answer 6

If you are lucky like me to have no codes to go by then it is easy to take care of this yourself.I have the same situation here.But I took the steps to do it right my adding a breaker in my main then running a bury-able 10/2 with ground out to my shed with a small sub breaker box out there.It doesn't cost near what you would think and you don't have to worry about dragging a cord around.

Answer 7

First of all Steven W is incorrect by saying the heavier the wire, the more resistance. It's completely the opposite. You require larger size wire to compinsate for voltage drop. It's always safe to upsize your wire one size and do not load a circuit over 80% of it's max load.

Personally, I would install a 60A rated panel in your shed.

Install a 60 amp double pole breaker in your main house panel and run 6/3 (6AWG 3 Wire) underground to your shed. Ensure the wire is suitable for burial and it only has to be buried a foot or so down as long as nothing is driving over it. Install your plugs from your 60A panel and Voila! You can get house wiring for dummies at any of your local hardware stores. Make sure you fololow all local building codes so you do not get into trouble.

Answer 8

First of all, and with all due respect, the heavier and longer the cord, the more resitance it has to carry. The better plan is as suggested, either add a higher amp breaker at the house or run a box to the shed,

From what you suggest, especially if you had multiple high amp appliances operating at the same time, you find poor service would likely be the result.

Steven Wolf

Answer 9

i would stay away from an extension cord for this much load. do it right.

Answer 10

I agree with Bill S other wise you may Be sorry . Electricity is nothing for amatures .