Armoured extension cord

fj12ryder wrote:

afidel wrote:
Don't run an extension cord through conduit, it's not rated for that. Get an electrician to run proper rated cable through conduit and setup an outlet in an outdoor rated enclosure to plugin. If you do the trenching and conduit install it won't even be that terribly expensive.

What exactly would be the issue? Just curious, as I know it may not be up to code, but there is PVC conduit, so why would a bit of PVC pipe run under a driveway be an actual problem.

Sweating and moisture retention inside the conduit leads to constant water puddles inside the conduit.

Not all electrical cables insulation are rated for immersion in water 24/7/365 and all it takes is one little pin hole to ruin the cable.

Additionally and ironically temperature can be an issue, most jacketed cables are rated for open air exposure and placing those inside conduit there is no way for air to move around the cable which may eventually lead to overheating of the insulation.

You take your chances and roll the die..

But much better reliability can be had by doing it right the first time..

Gravel driveway is a no brainer, gravel is no match to a ditch digger which digs a narrow ditch just wide enough for conduit and can be rented for a couple of hundred for a weekend..

Be sure to call a utility location service in your area before digging! They will place markers for each underground service that may be present where you are planning to dig.. For Homeowners this is typically a free no cost to you service, businesses typically have to pay a fee.

Yes, doing the right way is more expensive but if you plan to make a habit of this it is far nicer to have an outlet where you need it any time you want it.

afidel wrote:
Don't run an extension cord through conduit, it's not rated for that. Get an electrician to run proper rated cable through conduit and setup an outlet in an outdoor rated enclosure to plugin. If you do the trenching and conduit install it won't even be that terribly expensive.

What exactly would be the issue? Just curious, as I know it may not be up to code, but there is PVC conduit, so why would a bit of PVC pipe run under a driveway be an actual problem.

afidel wrote:
Don't run an extension cord through conduit, it's not rated for that. Get an electrician to run proper rated cable through conduit and setup an outlet in an outdoor rated enclosure to plugin. If you do the trenching and conduit install it won't even be that terribly expensive.

This is the correct way to go!!!

BB_TX wrote:
Since it is gravel drive, dig a narrow trench across it, lay some PVC pipe, and run your cord thru it.

Yep, if really tough, rent a small ditch witch.

Don't forget to run a small rope at the same time you put the cable in. That way when you decide to run a hose or second cable thru, you have a pull cord handy.

Boon Docker wrote:
Remove one end (plug) from cord and put cord inside a 3/4 inch PVC pipe, then reinstall a new plug.

Good concept but PVC is not the best IRON is for this

Or .... Build a "Speed bump
1x6 either side of the cord.
1x4 either side of the cord on top of the 1x4 like this
..-- cord
----

And another 1x4 atop the cord so the cord is in a "Tunnel"

Don't run an extension cord through conduit, it's not rated for that. Get an electrician to run proper rated cable through conduit and setup an outlet in an outdoor rated enclosure to plugin. If you do the trenching and conduit install it won't even be that terribly expensive.

BB_TX wrote:
Since it is gravel drive, dig a narrow trench across it, lay some PVC pipe, and run your cord thru it.

Exactly. This is even easier than I expected.
I recommend 4" to 6" pipe.

My FIL ran his cord across the driveway by laying the cord at the front edge of the garage slab. He dug down just an inch or two, laid the cord against the slab and his truck tires didn't even touch it or put pressure on it.

Since it is gravel drive, dig a narrow trench across it, lay some PVC pipe, and run your cord thru it.

Boon Docker wrote:
Remove one end (plug) from cord and put cord inside a 3/4 inch PVC pipe, then reinstall a new plug.

Just what I was going to suggest. Use heavy wall PVC