Forum Discussion

topb's avatar
topb
Explorer
Jun 04, 2019

power cord storage

can a 30 amp cord stay rolled up in the cord organizer while in use to store excess amount?
  • Will the open tray that is advertised be better for the cable instead of the enclose organizer? What are thought about this way of storing excess cable?
  • thanks for all the input. What everyone says kinda was my mind set too.
  • If your amperage draw is on the high side I advise uncoiling it as it creates a lot of heat.
  • Best practise is to have a cord that is just long enough. Leaving it coiled for low loads won't matter much--but for high draw items it may be an issue.

    Some of us have shortened the power cord to a couple of feet and then use a heavy duty extension cord of appropriate length. It works well for me.
  • Wire coils with a current running through them are used for degaussing (demagnetizing) things. An extension cord when used and left coiled creates a magnetic field making it a degaussing coil. This can increase the amount of resistance in the cord, causing it to get warm or even hot.

    If the amount of current you are using is low then you'll be okay. But when using larger amounts of current for a longer period of time such as a microwave running at the same time as other 120v draws or running an air conditioner, the cord can get hotter than if it was uncoiled and lying in a pile. If left coiled, you might check it periodically to make sure it's not getting too hot and becoming a fire danger.
  • Yes, I have a 25 foot 30 amp cord but also have a 10 footer. Very handy.
  • topb wrote:
    can a 30 amp cord stay rolled up in the cord organizer while in use to store excess amount?

    Yes.
  • topb wrote:
    can a 30 amp cord stay rolled up in the cord organizer while in use to store excess amount?


    To me, that is one if those "it depends" things ... if you're just charging the battery or running some lights, minimal amp draw, I'd say go for it.

    If you're running the rooftop ac unit, cooking with an electric hot plate, and other heavy loads, I'd bring the entire cord out so it's not piled on itself heating up in the little storage space.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,210 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 02, 2025