Extension cord size for AC power

[Newman39Fan]

I am keeping it simple and not wiring any AC in my TD. However I will need AC power for a TV and power converter when running a generator. My plan is to run an extension cord into my TD, plugged into an inline CGIF protector and a power strip for the few items I would need to plug in. I was at camping world this weekend and was about to buy one, but then like everything else for this TD I saw there were "choices". They have a 30amp rated cord and a 15amp rated cord. Which do I need? There was a big difference in thickness and weight between these. If I have the generator running then I will be running a 19" TV and converter to run a car stereo with 2 or 4 speakers (another one of those "choices"). With the TV will be either a direct TV box or a Wii system. I plan on a 15' cord. It will run from the rear of the TD to the tongue box where it will be stored.
I don't want to go to light on the cord, but don't want over kill either.

Thanks

[Miriam C.]

12/3 outdoor cord should be plenty and I would get at least a 25 footer. Mine is the blue one cause it stays flexible in winter. btw---12/3 is good for 20amps.

[toypusher]

Just a quick note here: You might want to check at HF for you cord. I got a 12/3 25ft one for pretty cheap compared to other places.

[Shadow Catcher]

We have a 30A with the Mega-Mini and can need it with the water heater running on shore power. All of the extension cords that I have at home are 12 ga 20A and all of the cords in the MM are as well. Why, because I can in a pinch hook a number of them together to reach power and do have the adapter to go from the 30A to 20A.

[MceeD]

Normal American AC 120/240

14awg is rated for 15amps

12awg is rated for 20amps

10awg is rated for 30amps

Length is a factor. The longer the cord the more resistance.

Heat is also a factor. The hotter a cord is the less current it can handle.

So Keep the cord as short as you can, if you are using a 100' cord and are going to being utilizing %80 of more of the maximum ampacity of the conductors you Might want to use a larger gauge cord. Keep any excess cord coiled up under your trailer not in the direct sunlight.

[Newman39Fan]

Man, you mean I have to go back to HF again! I will check there this weekend.

Thanks for the help