General Boards > General Discussion
15 Amp Power Cord
John Padmore:
Thanks Dick, good to know!
Joel Ashley:
I know Bill recommended going up to a 14 guage cord, but my recommendation, as I stated previously here, is 12 guage. My error was not mentioning that cords come in all colors and that just because it's yellow on the retailer's shelf doesn't mean it's 12 guage; I've seen yellow 14's too. Just look for the shortest 12 guage that will reach for your circumstance. It should say 12/3 SPJT or some such nomenclature.
Both 14 and 12 guage (the smaller the guage number the larger the 3 copper wires inside) are rated 15 amps. But the issue here is voltage drop, and the larger diameter 12 guage is more capable of carrying maximum voltage through to coach components over the same distance. As I said, it was a 14 guage extension cord and cheaper black adapter that failed on me once before.
I agree with Bill in that you should spend the $ for heavier duty, and enjoy knowing any circumstance is better covered. I would just bump it up one more notch to a 12 guage. ;)
Joel
Bill Sprague:
You don't need four expensive deep cycle batteries if you don't dry camp much. If only you dry camp once or twice a year almost any battery will work. You might run the genset more, but it is good for it's longevity.
Steve Huber:
John,
You should check your inverter setting for battery capacity. With only 2 6V 200amp batteries hooked in series to get 12V, your inverter current capacity should be set to 200 amps. If you add 2 more 6V batteries in series and then parallel them to the existing 2, you will still have 12V but the current capacity then increases to 400 amps. Leaving the inverter set at 200 amp capacity will boil the batteries dry.
Steve
Stan Simpson:
I have been watching this thread because we sold the house with the 30 amp outdoor receptacle, and need to install one at the new house. This time, the distance from the power cord bay to the outlet will be around 50 feet. Our 50 amp cord is 36 feet, and then we have an adapter that brings it to 30 amp that is about 3 feet long. Will a new 20 foot 30 amp adapter be sufficient, or will there be significant voltage drop?
Thank you for the help.
Stan
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