Extension cord for apex 2016?

[Dr RBG]

Why do we think the AC through the power bar is different than a power strip? The electronics in the thing are very low voltage (maybe 24 ma) and you will never get more amps through a house breaker than it is rated for. You can run a 3 hp motor easily on a 20 amp breaker................I think anyway ................not an expert. I do run a 1500 watt heater with a 12 gauge cord with no problem Maybe an electrical engineer can chime in.

 

[WWIII]

@Brew12 Does this make sense to you? I'm still trying to figure out how a 10 gauge extension cord in between 14 or 12 gauge home wiring and the eb832 would be needed? Intrigued by Neptunes advice here.

 

[Muttley000]

At a length of 10 feet, at 120V pulling 20 amps using 12 gauge wire the drop is like 0.5% or 0.6V.

I agree but it's the only thing I could come up with!

 

[vetteguy53081]

An appliance or air conditioner extension is perfect, cheap and safe to use

 

[WVNed]

The answer has nothing to do with function and everything to do with liability.

 

[Sleepydoc]

This doesn't make sense. Extension cords are sized by the required length of the extension and the total current draw. The EB832 has a 15A fuse, so assuming you are running the cord less than 20 feet a 14g cord should be good enough, and definitely a 12 gauge. Even if you decide to make it safe for 20A a 12g cord should be fine. Methinks Neptune is just giving CYA advice and defaulting to the largest size possible.

 

[TheEngineer]

Maybe an electrical engineer can chime in.

I’m already chiming in

The answer has nothing to do with function and everything to do with liability.

I think this is a big part of it.

 

[Ross Petersen]

Old thread here... but sounds like there are some knowledgeable electrical folks around...

When using an apex with multiple 1 foot flat-head extension cables feeding into the apex EB8 to make things look pretty, am I ok plugging in 2-prong devices like a heater and small return pump into the 3-prong extension cords? The instructions specify NOT to... but this may be a safety precaution for older homes? Thx for any insights!

 

[Sleepydoc]

Old thread here... but sounds like there are some knowledgeable electrical folks around...

When using an apex with multiple 1 foot flat-head extension cables feeding into the apex EB8 to make things look pretty, am I ok plugging in 2-prong devices like a heater and small return pump into the 3-prong extension cords? The instructions specify NOT to... but this may be a safety precaution for older homes? Thx for any insights!

Are you sure you’re reading them correctly? The 3rd prong is a ground connector that is normally unused. If the device you’re plugging in only has a 2 prong plug than it doesn’t need a ground. Plugging a 2 prong cord into a 3 prong extension that’s plugged into your apex is no different than plugging the 2 prong device directly in to the 3 prong apex outlet.

I think what you are probably reading is advice not to plug a grounded, 3 prong plug into a 2 prong outlet using a cheater. This can leave the entire device ungrounded, a potential safety concern.

 

[ichthyoid]

This thread was certainly entertaining ...& a little scary.

 

[Ross Petersen]

Are you sure you’re reading them correctly? The 3rd prong is a ground connector that is normally unused. If the device you’re plugging in only has a 2 prong plug than it doesn’t need a ground. Plugging a 2 prong cord into a 3 prong extension that’s plugged into your apex is no different than plugging the 2 prong device directly in to the 3 prong apex outlet.

I think what you are probably reading is advice not to plug a grounded, 3 prong plug into a 2 prong outlet using a cheater. This can leave the entire device ungrounded, a potential safety concern.

Yeah - misread in the wee-hours of reefing last night. Many thanks for the thorough response. Much appreciated.