Extension cords

Our rig sits out in the yard 8 months of the year, connected but using little power. A 50-to-15 amp adapter lets us use a 12/3 extension cord, keeping the 50 amp RV cable inside, out of the weather, & secure.
The 12/3 extension cord - cheap - runs all but the air conditioner without strain.

Who has a code allowing 14 gauge wire? You couldn't run but one plug in on it.
Our last home built in 1970 had 10 gauge solid wiring.

The National Electric Code does. Been wiring houses with #14 for 50 years. Been wiring up to ten outlets on a circuit during all that time. Wired 2 of my own homes with it.

I'm guessing your house was wired with $12 ga not #10. I my neck of the woods in Florida they require #12 so the country boys don't have to think of when to use 14 and when to use 12.

The 10 ga you are referring to was for the Water Heater, Dryer, maybe the electric back up heater, A/C. All this copper wire by the way.

Bumpyroad wrote:
were those 70s 10 gauge wires aluminum?
bumpy

That is what I was thinking. I was a commercial contractor and we never used 10 gauge wire for any 120 volt outlet EXCEPT for a 30 amp 120 volt outlet. All standard outlets in a commercial project were 20 amp outlets and 12 gauge wire was used.

were those 70s 10 gauge wires aluminum?
bumpy

down home wrote:

DrewE wrote:

down home wrote:

Also if by chance there is only a 15 amp breaker in the panel change it to a 20 amp.

DO NOT do this. The only reason there would be a 15A breaker in the panel is that the house wiring connected to it is 14 gauge wiring, and "upgrading" to a 20A breaker would be contrary to the electric code and arguably a fire hazard.

Who has a code allowing 14 gauge wire? You couldn't run but one plug in on it.
Our last home built in 1970 had 10 gauge solid wiring.

The National Electric Code permits 14 gauge wire (for 15A circuits), and several outlets on those circuits, for some areas of the house. 20A circuits seem to be a little more common around here (with 12 gauge wire), particularly for new construction, but by no means universal.

I had not previously heard of houses with 10 gauge wire being generally used for convenience outlets. That would be very rare indeed around these parts; the only time I can think of it being likely would be where there is a very long wire run to the circuit, say perhaps to supply a shed that's clear across the back yard.

We adopted the Southern Standard Building Code s many years ago I have forgotten but it was 10 gauge, Romex and so on. Right after that the new International (garbage) building code was forced on everyone. I don't really know all that was in it. however our new home built in 2007-2008 has ten gauge wiring to all plugs and switches. I know because they used the cheapest Chinese switches available in 2008 from Lowes. I've had to replace two so far and I'm not as stout as I use to be. Our LEO came by and twisted those stiff wires around for me in that small box.
If I was to buy another new home it would be a custom builder using the old codes.Not the International Building code for cardboard and particle board houses made to last until the mortgage is paid off.

down home wrote:

DrewE wrote:

down home wrote:

Also if by chance there is only a 15 amp breaker in the panel change it to a 20 amp.

DO NOT do this. The only reason there would be a 15A breaker in the panel is that the house wiring connected to it is 14 gauge wiring, and "upgrading" to a 20A breaker would be contrary to the electric code and arguably a fire hazard.

Who has a code allowing 14 gauge wire? You couldn't run but one plug in on it.
Our last home built in 1970 had 10 gauge solid wiring.

My house has one 15A CB with 8 plugs on it and a lot of 14ga wire all to code, built in 2006.

When the saw wouldn't cut a 2x4 I thought there was a problem. Nope no problem. Fortunately the garage has a dedicated 20A plug.

Find a local CG or state park and plug in as usual and use everything you need to be comfortable. Commute to the house.

DrewE wrote:

down home wrote:

Also if by chance there is only a 15 amp breaker in the panel change it to a 20 amp.

DO NOT do this. The only reason there would be a 15A breaker in the panel is that the house wiring connected to it is 14 gauge wiring, and "upgrading" to a 20A breaker would be contrary to the electric code and arguably a fire hazard.

Who has a code allowing 14 gauge wire? You couldn't run but one plug in on it.
Our last home built in 1970 had 10 gauge solid wiring.

Lowes. Home Depot. Mennard's and some smaller hardware stores have 12/3 extension cords with 15 amp plugs and outlets (why they don't do a 20 I don't know) Even found one at Ollie's (Great Stuff Cheap)

My favorite I got at either Sears or K-Mart (but they are getting hard to find) this one has a push button on the outlet end. it grabs hold of the dogbone's plug and holds it in tight so it does not accidentally come out.

They come in assorted lenghts.

BUT.. when I was having my engine replaced I used this cord (100') to power just my converter. NOTHING ELSE in fact the converter is a plug in unit.. draws about 10 amps at max draw.. the Mechanic reported the plug end of the cord was a tad warm. not hot. just noticeably warmer than the surround. And so it was.

and like I said that was 10 amp max. if I needed more I fired up Mr. Onan.