Can an electric power washer be used with an extension cord? If not, why not?

Question

I have a heavy duty 100 ft extension cord and want to buy an electric power washer. I keep reading reviews that say that they can not be used with an extension cord. However, because of outlet placement, I have to. Is there a guage cord I could use?

Answer 1

Small wire cords will cause a voltage drop and can burn up the motor in the power washer, voiding the warranty. A larger cord will not cause a voltage drop. You need to know the amps required by the washer.

A cord 100 feet long will give you this many amps without a serious voltage drop:
#10 12 amps at 120 volts
#12 8 amps at 120 volts
#14 5 amps at 120 volts

most heavy duty cords are #14

Answer 2

They tell you not to use an extension because people will use any cord they have available. The unit will need a heavy gauge cord. They draw a lot of amperage and if you don't have adequate wire it will, heat up, cause the motor to run slow and overload the circuit. Get a good commerical grade heavy duty extension cord and it should work just fine.

Answer 3

Electric power washers will draw 10 to 14.5 Amps; for this reason your power washer must be connected to a dedicated outlet (meaning one outlet only to the 15 Amp breaker)

It is NOT recommended to use any extension cords with powers washers but if you must, you must use a heavy duty gauge cord and minimize the length of cord.

Maximum lenght of 50 feet with a gauge of 14 AWG

Using an extension cord with an electric power washer will cause the unit to draw much more power due to line loss in the cord. The unit and cord will heat up; the power washer can actually catch on fire.

Answer 4

For your safety and the safety of others, under no circumstances should you try to remedee your situation with a longer cord or extension cords. I am under the assumption that you are not very familiar with electrical wording, mainly because you asked such a question. If your dryer is electric "not gas" it is on a 240 volt circuit which is enough valtage to cause serious bodily harm or death. A liscensed electrician should re-rout your electrical outlet. Electricity is not something to be treated lightly, electrical work should be treated with the utmost fear and respect.

Answer 5

The reason they say that is that some people will use any old cable as an extension. With a good heavy duty extension you shouldn't have any problem. I've been using one for years - mind you, I always unreel all the cable to minimise local heating on the reel and the washer isn't on for longer than necessary. I also always use an elcb.

Answer 6

Unless they have 500 ft cords attached to them, you would most certainly have to use an extention cord with one at some point.

On the box, before you buy it, it should tell you what guage you would need. If not on the outside, then in the owner's manual.

Answer 7

you only lose 5 volts over 100 ft if the breaker is big enough you won;t hurt your power washer.
If you have a 20 amp motor and a 20 breaker then a extention cord might get hot and the motor too using a 100 foot cord..

Answer 8

We use an extension cord with the electric power washer and have never had any problems.

Any 14 or 16 gauge extension cord should work.

Answer 9

The reason people say that is the longer the run of cord you have voltage drop becomes a factor and your amps go up, causing you to trip breakers. To prevent this you should use a cord with the minimum of 12 awg wire in it. This will cost more but you will lesson the chance of voltage drop and blown breakers.