Make my own 30 amp extension cord
Anyone made their own 30 amp extension cord? I'm thinking it would be cheaper than buying one.
Forum Discussion
rhagfo wrote:
BB_TX wrote:
The ones you buy are going to come with molded ends that are waterproof. Can you make one that is waterproof for laying out there in the pouring rain?
I have seen more than one power cable with the molded on head have the cord insulation pull out of the end, not so waterproof.
Most of those ends are POS and not solid prongs like the Cameo ends shown.- Cords do NOT need to be waterproof. Now if you submerse the breaker will trip. NEVER an issue doing as Russ shows above Camping in RAINY NW WA.
malexander wrote:
I really like your plastic box.
Do you have any problems with condensation in it?
Never have. It's not just a "plastic box" though but rather a Plano Shot Shell Box designed to keep shot shells completely dry. Mine have been through torrential rainstorms but have always been totally dry inside when I'd later open them up. :BBB_TX wrote:
The ones you buy are going to come with molded ends that are waterproof. Can you make one that is waterproof for laying out there in the pouring rain?
I have seen more than one power cable with the molded on head have the cord insulation pull out of the end, not so waterproof.SoundGuy wrote:
BB_TX wrote:
The ones you buy are going to come with molded ends that are waterproof. Can you make one that is waterproof for laying out there in the pouring rain?
Molded on factory ends are certainly more "waterproof" than plastic aftermarket ends you may install yourself but it's not so much the connector that's the issue but the connection between two 30 amp (or 50 amp) cables that isn't in any way "waterproof" or even "water resistant". If you really expect these connections to be exposed to heavy rain the solution is to isolate those connections so they're completely protected from rain and pooling water. I did that by using Plano ammo boxes which have a rubber seal in the lid that ensures a watertight seal with the box ... works like a charm so I even use them with the factory molded on ends as well. :B
I really like your plastic box.
Do you have any problems with condensation in it?![](http://i.imgur.com/wR1Axmil.jpg"width=450")
![](http://i.imgur.com/5VTKMFil.jpg"width=450")
BB_TX wrote:
Outdoor rated extension cords are designed to operate with water in the pins/sockets.
Don't think I can agree with that at all - water is water and water conducts electricity. Allow one of these connections to sit in a pool of water accumulating on a campsite in a heavy downpour and you've created a perfect path for a short. :ESoundGuy wrote:
BB_TX wrote:
The ones you buy are going to come with molded ends that are waterproof. Can you make one that is waterproof for laying out there in the pouring rain?
Molded on factory ends are certainly more "waterproof" than plastic aftermarket ends you may install yourself but it's not so much the connector that's the issue but the connection between two 30 amp (or 50 amp) cables that isn't in any way "waterproof" or even "water resistant". ...
Outdoor rated extension cords are designed to operate with water in the pins/sockets. But they do not allow the inside of the connector shells, where all the wiring connections are, to fill with water. That is where the future failure will occur.
The box is a good idea for a home made cord.BB_TX wrote:
The ones you buy are going to come with molded ends that are waterproof. Can you make one that is waterproof for laying out there in the pouring rain?
Molded on factory ends are certainly more "waterproof" than plastic aftermarket ends you may install yourself but it's not so much the connector that's the issue but the connection between two 30 amp (or 50 amp) cables that isn't in any way "waterproof" or even "water resistant". If you really expect these connections to be exposed to heavy rain the solution is to isolate those connections so they're completely protected from rain and pooling water. I did that by using Plano ammo boxes which have a rubber seal in the lid that ensures a watertight seal with the box ... works like a charm so I even use them with the factory molded on ends as well. :BCummins12V98 wrote:
Making a cord you can get QUALITY parts and the cord will be flexible in all weather.
Yep, here is 40' of 50 amp cable in a 3 gal. bucket!!! The beauty is I have used it when runing the generator at storage site and I can pull out both ends and when done just recoil the last 5' or so on the bottom of the coil and drop back in the bucket.
The bin has 25' of the old Anaconda cable in it you can see how much more compact the SO cable in in the 3 gal. bucket.
Just think how small a 30 amp cable could be!!!!!- Making a cord you can get QUALITY parts and the cord will be flexible in all weather.
