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scarecrow56's avatar
scarecrow56
Explorer
Nov 09, 2019

extension cord length

I'm gonna put my TT in the back yard. I have used a 50' extension cord to power the slides and fridge and a few other things including the AC for a short time. Question is, This time I'm gonna have to use a 100' cord. How will this affect the voltage/drain on the power, if at all?
  • I always listen to the A/C,....if it has a good normal startup, it will be fine.
    If it struggles to get going, get larger wire.
    We lived in our MH for 5 months on a 100 ft 12ga cord. We could use the AC or the microwave but not both at the same time
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    It also depends upon how much wire there is in your house between the panel and the receptacle you’re using. Your best bet is to measure the voltage inside the RV with whatever appliances (e.g. A/C) running and step the cord gauge up if it’s not enough.
  • scarecrow56 wrote:
    I'm gonna put my TT in the back yard. I have used a 50' extension cord to power the slides and fridge and a few other things including the AC for a short time. Question is, This time I'm gonna have to use a 100' cord. How will this affect the voltage/drain on the power, if at all?


    If at all? :h Obviously the greater the current draw the greater will be the voltage drop. You also haven't mentioned the gauge of cable you plan to use - again obviously, the lighter the gauge the greater will be the voltage drop. You haven't provided any of this information, including the unloaded source voltage, so no one here can tell you what voltage drop you can expect. Measure your unloaded source voltage and plug numbers into this voltage drop calculator.
  • Yup length AND wire gauge as well as load will determine whether your voltage drop is acceptable or "will let the smoke out" of you 120 VAC appliances.

    If all you are running is a battery charger, smaller gauge can be used. If you plan to run high amp items like a roof air, a VERY different matter.
  • What size wire will the extension cord use? Is your TT 30 amp or 50 amp...

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