Which gauge power cord?

11-18-2009, 11:37 AM	#1
mopowers Member   Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 257	Which gauge power cord? I just recently bought this air compressor. I plan on putting it about 12' away from where my 220v outlet is. What size cord should I install on it? The circuit break size will be 30 amps. Will 12 gauge work, or do I need 10 gauge? http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...esc&lpage=none Thanks for any help.

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11-18-2009, 11:57 AM	#2
Grimlock Master Electrician     Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: TX Posts: 13	Which gauge power cord? Use #10 to be safe although I am seeing a load of 15amps. You might be ok with #12 since it is a cord connected appliance. Max load for a #12 cord is 16amps. There will be an in rush when the motor starts. Last edited by Grimlock; 11-18-2009 at 12:01 PM.

11-18-2009, 09:57 PM	#3
mopowers Member   Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 257	Which gauge power cord? Thanks a lot. Now, does anyone know where I can get 20' of 10-3 power cord?

11-18-2009, 10:04 PM	#4
Scuba_Dave Xtreme DIY'r   Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South of Boston, MA Posts: 17,248	Which gauge power cord? For the price of a #10 extension cord I think I'd just add on to the existing circuit with another 240v outlet where you want it

11-18-2009, 10:18 PM	#5
spark plug Member   Join Date: May 2009 Location: Brooklyn, New York (NYC) Posts: 1,124	Which gauge power cord? Quote: Originally Posted by mopowers Thanks a lot. Now, does anyone know where I can get 20' of 10-3 power cord? Yes. Buy # 10-3 SJ wire + the 2 appropriate heads (or tails) at the Electrical Supply store or at the Home Center. ps.: If you have a hard time putting it together, I'll come over and do it for you. (Please don't take me up on the offer...)