Problem with 50 amp cord

[Bionic_Man]

A while back, I bought a 50 amp extension (around 25') cord. Tried it this weekend, and I had power to my air conditioning, microwave, and a few of the outlets. I did not have power to my electric hot water heater, and the majority of my outlets.

Power works as normal if I run my built in generator, and it is fine without the extension cord. Replacement cords seem to be around $200. Any ideas or suggestions on how to fix the cord? It shows no wear, is in great condition.

[Dutch_12078]

Take a close look at the female end slots. Some years ago I snagged a brand new 30 amp extension cord out of the trash at a campground. When I tried it, there was no power getting through. I took a close look at the female slots and found that the molding process for the housing had left enough flash in one slot that the mating male pin could not make contact. A few minutes work with an X-Acto knife fixed the problem.

[AllegroD]

Do not guess. Plug the extension into the power pole and use a volt meter.

[rk911]

fj12ryder wrote:
Depending on the construction of the cord, if the continuity is bad, cut the ends off, or take them apart. If one end is bad, the other may not be any better, and who knows, maybe the wire is broken in the middle.

agree. if the continuity check shows a break...and based on the OP's narrative, it will...it doesn't matter where it is just return it as defective for refund or exchange. if you can't return it then it's up to you if you want to make repairs. odds are good the break is at one end or the other.

[fj12ryder]

Depending on the construction of the cord, if the continuity is bad, cut the ends off, or take them apart. If one end is bad, the other may not be any better, and who knows, maybe the wire is broken in the middle.

[wa8yxm]

Ok while continunity tests. End to end. WILL show if one of the wires is "Open" (Bad connection) the problem is they do not show which end is not connected.
Either resonance tests or capacitance tests on the "Bad" wire will. But not all know how to read the meter and not all meters can do those tests.

[BB_TX]

joelc wrote:
If as you say the cord is an "extension" cord which is attached to your existing 50A cord you are running as a guess close to 50' of cord between the RV and the outlet. I don't know what the reliability of the post is, but you might have a serious Amperage drop due to the cords length which is affecting the appliance.

25’ power cord plus 25’ extension of 8 ga wire equals 50’ of cord running 50 amps equals voltage drop of about 4 volts. 120 vac source minus 4 volts equals 116 operating voltage. Not a problem.

[dougrainer]

joelc wrote:
If as you say the cord is an "extension" cord which is attached to your existing 50A cord you are running as a guess close to 50' of cord between the RV and the outlet. I don't know what the reliability of the post is, but you might have a serious Amperage drop due to the cords length which is affecting the appliance.

CORRECT 50 amp extension cords will not have much of voltage/amp drop. The GAUGE of the wires inside the 50 amp extension cord matches the gauge of the SUPPLY from the CG. Most QUALITY 50 amp extension cords will have 6 or 8 gauge wires. If you are paying LESS than $150, you are not getting quality. Doug

[enblethen]

We do not know what cord the OP has purchased. Yes, a proper extension cord for 50 amp would have four openings on the female end. Cord should be able to be plugged into it self.
OP:
Please post photo or part number of the cord you purchased.

[fj12ryder]

enblethen wrote:
Detachable cord only has three female contacts, the fourth is on the outside for the ground. Male end is four prong.
50 amp cord

I would think an extension cord would not have the external ground since it connects to the OEM cord that is plugged into the trailer.

As to the original problem, a couple minutes with a VOM will determine if there is an issue with the extension cord.

[enblethen]

Detachable cord only has three female contacts, the fourth is on the outside for the ground. Male end is four prong.
50 amp cord

[jdc1]

Gotta ask....how many outlets have you tried using this cord on?

[wolfe10]

With a digital volt/ohm meter, very easy to diagnose:

Check CG outlet:

Outer straights are HOT
Center straight is NEUTRAL
Center round is GROUND

So either outer to either center= 120 VAC
Outer straight to outer straight= 240 VAC
Center round to center straight= 0 VAC


To diagnose the cord-- both ends unplugged. VOM set to OHMS:

Check for continuity between the cord ends.

Absolutely no need to guess or speculate.

[joelc]

If as you say the cord is an "extension" cord which is attached to your existing 50A cord you are running as a guess close to 50' of cord between the RV and the outlet. I don't know what the reliability of the post is, but you might have a serious Amperage drop due to the cords length which is affecting the appliance.

[dougrainer]

Are you positive it is a 50 amp extension cord? Does it have 4 prongs and 4 female inserts? I think you have answered your question---The cord is defective. Doug