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Extension cord use for the plug in Pirus

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by mbaumann, Sep 30, 2012.

  1. mbaumann

    mbaumann New Member

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    Good idea or bad idea? I could plug in at work with an extension cord.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! no problem using cord, but do some research on length and gauge. 12 gauge 25' is common. all the best!
     
  3. mbaumann

    mbaumann New Member

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    Thank you!
     
  4. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    Just like Bisco said, Make sure you have a big enough gauge wire to prevent cord over heating.
     
  5. David3433

    David3433 Junior Member

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    I should have known better, but I used a too-small-gauge extension cord when charging at work. The cord's resistance-heat was high, but I didn't realize it - I assumed that the extension cord's heat was due to solar absorption from Southern California's currently scorching sun. Over the course of 2 weeks of charging, there was enough overheating to slightly melt plastic at the wall receptacle-to-plug interface. I'll be getting a 12 gauge extension cord.
     
  6. Smaug1

    Smaug1 Member

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    The plug prongs melting is also due to a sub-par spot welded wire onto the prongs inside the molded-on plug and receptacle.

    When you get the larger cord, also buy separate UL Listed plug and receptacle. Cut off the stock ones, (or just buy the cable alone) and wire them on yourself. You'll lose less power to heat and won't melt anything.

    (I'm an electrical engineer, by the way)