Dusty R wrote:
I have a friend with a TT. Where he parks it sometimes, is a long ways to where he can plug it in. It takes the full length of the attached cord plus an extension cord of about the same as attached cord. It appears that the extension cords that are readily availably are the same size the attached cord.
When staying in it with AC running it melted the plug between the 2 cords.
I believe that the length of the attached cord is the maximum length for that size cord and any extension cord should be at least 1 size larger.
Dusty
Actually length is dependent upon voltage, wire size and amps. And of course the condition of the plugs.
The recommended sustained load (ie running ACs) is 80% of the plug rating. So on a 30A plug you are now down to 24A which is easy to exceed. Worn plugs, low voltage and high loads are all so common on 30A.
80% on a 50A circuit would mean not exceeding 40A on each hot leg. That is a lot of power (40A*2*120V = 9,600W) that few are likely to exceed. Not to mention the 12,000W limit.
I've used 40A maximum on one 50A leg. I'm sure I could draw more with: 3 ACs, aqua hot electric heat, 2 ceramic heaters, MW and a few other goodies...
I have and use a 25' 50A extension and a longer extension with reasonable loads would not present a problem. 30A plugs and cords tend to be a completely different kettle of fish.
