How long does a power cord need to be?

[Lgboro]

I've run out of money again for my build and working with whats at hand. What is a good length for a tear main power cord? I'm thinking 20 to 25 feet times 2 to keep from having to fight with a long cord when I don't need the length. I'm cutting down a 50' high quality 10/3 and can make it any length I need before the first cut.

[Woodbutcher]

I have never needed more then 25 feet.

[Wolfscout]

I keep a 25 footer and a cord carrier that has 100' + a 50' on it.
I've done that because I have parked it at other family members homes for a short over night stay and sometimes you just can't be that close to a receptacle. Kinda like the boyscout motto , Be Prepared.
When at home the 25 footer keeps it plugged in constantly.

[jonw]

I carry two separately rolled up 25 foot cords. So far have never had to use both of them together...

[canned o minimum]

IF yer only campin at camp grounds.. a 25 fter should b sufficient...but another 25 fter would be ideal jus in case( Murphy's Law)

[aggie79]

I have a 50-footer but wish I had bought a 25-footer.

[Shadow Catcher]

We have a 30' 10ga and have not yet needed it all. I also carry a couple of short 12ga cords and one longer 12 ga.

[Engineer Guy]

Reconfigure what you have into a 30', with the ability to add an additional 20' in rare circumstances, while also having the option to use that 20' separately.

[Maureenm]

Thanks for a good laugh, slow!

[Miriam C.]

Thanks for a good laugh, slow!

+1

I had 2 25footers. One for the TD and one for outside lights. I used orange rope lighting (halloween) lights. It also gives you a spare if needed. Or if you end up sharing a site and need to go long.

[hoytedow]

Thanks for a good laugh, slow!

+ another!

25' 12 ga. is all I need. I don't run the a/c and microwave at same time, but I do run the sat tv with either. No problems.

[mskobier]

Lgboro,
If you do not mind me asking, just how much power does your tear need? That 50ft 10-3 is an expensive cord. I would really hate to see it cut up just to power a couple of lights and maybe a small space heater. Realistically, you should not need anything larger than a 12 gauge extension cord which is good for 20 amps, assuming you have the correct plugs on the end. Most likely, a 14 gauge extension cord which is good for 15 amps and have regular three prong plugs on the end would be more than adequate. Another plus with going with a smaller cord is that they are easier to handle, take up less room, and weigh a lot less. Anyway, just something to think about.

I too purchased a heavy 10-3 cord for my CT conversion. I also planned on putting a L5-30 twist lock on it. After much thought, I have decided that I really do not need that heavy of a power cord, and have switched to a 12-3. The only high amperage item in my CT is a 1500 watt ceramic heater to be used when shore power is available. In the future I may end up adding an AC, but the AC will not be running when the heater is, so the power loading is still the same. The WFCO 35 amp power center I am using only pulls about 5 amps for full load, so I am still within the 20 amp rating of the 12-3 cord. I really did not need the 35 amp WFCO, but I wanted to be able to recharge the battery(s) quickly as well as supply power to the lights and propane furnace.

Mitch

[chartle]

I'm not an electrician but I think adding a plug and socket de-rates your cord by one gauge. So a 50 foot cord can carry more amps then one cut in two and plugs added.

Just a thought.

[madjack]

I have a 25' 10ga cord with a ground fault plug terminating in a 4gang box...I run this up under the back end of the tear or into my screen room and then I use another 25' 12ga to attach to the tears power inlet and have 3 available outlet to use for ???????
madjack

[rowerwet]

I have one of these on my toolbox at work (airplane mechanics move the box to the airplane, power and air are usually a good distance away) it works great for my 100' cord, never had a tangle in two years of almost daily use, and my hands don't get dirty reeling it in. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005A1K1/ref ... wo=&hvqmt=