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Damdifino's avatar
Damdifino
Explorer
Nov 11, 2013

Sliced my 30 amp cord, need advice

I know this will elicit a snide comment from someone, but here's my situation: I keep my RV plugged in at home and for 10 years I've just run my riding mower over the cord while mowing. Not the best idea, I know. Well, last time sure enough the blades caught my new 50' extension cord and basically shredded it in half. Is there a good, permanent, weatherproof way to splice it back together, or should I chalk it up to experience and buy another cord?
  • 24rules's avatar
    24rules
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2013
    I agree with workhardplayharder by new ends and just use your cords that way
  • Gene_Ginny's avatar
    Gene_Ginny
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2013
    Damdifino wrote:
    I know this will elicit a snide comment from someone, ...
    Yup, it is nice to know I am not the only one to do that. Mine was a 20 amp cord I ran out to the shed to charge the battery on my riding mower so I could start it ..... and then run over the cord with the blade engaged. :S

    Stagger the splices so it isn't all bunched in one place. I used solder and good quality 3M electricians tape. It has been a few years but every time I use that cord, it reminds me.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Nov 12, 2013
    :h Well I don't know if I will get a chance at that trick.

    I know my Z turn likes garden hoses and I am still using the long extension that i chopped the end off with the hedge trimmer late one eve.

    I would have a go at splicing it also. Seems to me that 50 feet is quite a long cord to toss and replace.
  • diveman52's avatar
    diveman52
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    Way to much bad info. Solder is not even a listed method of splicing in the National Electric Code. Just use some insulated but splice connectors. Stagger them and either use shrink tube or good old scotch 33+ Electrical tape. Or spend more money and buy two new ends female and male and make two cords. I have repaired many cords in my 40+ year in the trade. If done well it will last as long as the cord.
  • msjdbman's avatar
    msjdbman
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    Aw heck...just splice it back together. It has worked just fine for my identical screw up more times than I care to remember.
  • john_bet's avatar
    john_bet
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2013
    If it was mine I would just splice it together with the proper connectors and go on. But I have the proper knowledge,tools and know where to get those parts. JMHO.
  • past-MIdirector's avatar
    past-MIdirector
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    As stated clean up ends and wire new Male and Female ends on. I regularly replace ends when they show signs of over heating. Cost about $14 for an end and you'll have two 25' cords give or take a few feet!
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2013
    workhardplayharder wrote:
    I would buy a new one. While you are at it buy a male and female end and have 2 short sections. Sometimes they are handy to have.


    My thoughts exactly when I read your post. Use the smaller section, and add the opposite male or female plug and make 2 shorter cords.

    You may still want to purchase a new 50 footer though.

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