I can not afford a transfer switch and was wondering if it is safe to run a 30 amp extension cord off my properly ventilated generator through a window and then splitting with a 30 amp to 15 amp splitter. One split to run my side by side refrigerator and a small freezer (1600 watts) and the other to run a small window unit and other small items.
Extension cords are not your friend when you are running high power demands. The longer the cord, the more heat they create and amps they lose. Do some math... amps = watts/volts. So, the fridge/freezer are running 13.3 - 14.5 amps alone. That's too much for a 15 amp splitter, let alone also running a window AC unit. I'm going to say, "Not safe."
@@HelicoolsHelipad Thank you for your input. Unfortunately the electricians in my area want over $1800 for a transfer switch just to get around 2500 watts into my house. I always put less than 1800 watts on a 15amp extension cord, so I need a second line in which is why I am considering the 30 amp cord through a window for the appliances. I have researched the Generlink which goes behind the meter, but my city owned electric company has not approved these yet. I keep two CO meters in my home and always check the cords to make sure they are not getting warm. Lastly, do you think $1800 is fair for a small transfer switch.
Yes, you can do that... however, be careful at the amount of amps you actually draw and how long the cord is. Long cords have amp drops and get hot when over-used. Trying to run 15 amps on a 20 amp cord does not normally hurt the cord... it hurts the outlet and perhaps the appliance. It could lead to popping the 15 amp circuit breaker.
Simon, that's a very good questions... the cost is somewhat comparable when you are making 120 vAC 15 amp cords. 30 amp or higher cords and 220 vAC cords, definitely make your own for a huge cost savings!
Indeed, that would work. But for “business as usual” operations, these are only rated for 15 amps. That’s means no running the AC unit at all. These are made for “storage mode” and not really y for “use” mode. I use mine for a clean and dry place to go alongside the shop. This type of plug only lasted about one year in this mode.
@@HelicoolsHelipad actually I ran a 13,500 BTU air conditioner before I had my 30 amp service installed and honestly had no problems. However I was on a 20 amp outlet so I would imagine if it was a 15 amp outlet I might have not been able to do that
Most people park their trailer for the winter and want it plugged in to keep the batteries charged up, and or heater or dehumidifier. That is why they make those short cords you had.
All I had plugged in was a dehumidifier and occasionally a tiny ceramic heater. Those short cords were made for when you are on a trip and stay over at someone's place (temporary only). Having my trailer plugged in for winter made a meal out of my extension cord. Is your trailer plugged in at all?
The 15 amp to 30 amp adapter works perfectly fine if you're not trying to run more than the weakest link. Perfectly fine for constant use but you cant run high demand equipment. Especially a 1500 watt heater and a dehumidifier at the same time. You said you have 20 amp breakers that you're plugging a 15 amp cord into. Therefore the 15amp cord is your weakest link and will fail/melt before you're breaker trips.
All extension cords with the typical three prong set-up are rated no more than 15 amps. And, nearly all household and garage outlets are on 20 amp breakers. This is the norm. The breaker trips when there is a short in the line... no melting or failure of the cord occurs. This is what breakers are designed to do, so there is no subsequent fire. Even at maximum power, the 1500 watt heater only draws 12.5 amps (Amps = watts/volts). The dehumidifier runs at 3.7 amps. That is barely over the 15 amp capacity designated by the three prong plug. Can the cord handle more? Of course it can! Especially if it is a thick, heavy duty cord like mine was. The problem with the adapter cord is that it should only be used as a temporary solution for shore power, or putting the trailer into storage mode. Otherwise, it's a piece of cr@p.
I can not afford a transfer switch and was wondering if it is safe to run a 30 amp extension cord off my properly ventilated generator through a window and then splitting with a 30 amp to 15 amp splitter. One split to run my side by side refrigerator and a small freezer (1600 watts) and the other to run a small window unit and other small items.
Extension cords are not your friend when you are running high power demands. The longer the cord, the more heat they create and amps they lose. Do some math... amps = watts/volts. So, the fridge/freezer are running 13.3 - 14.5 amps alone. That's too much for a 15 amp splitter, let alone also running a window AC unit. I'm going to say, "Not safe."
@@HelicoolsHelipad Thank you for your input. Unfortunately the electricians in my area want over $1800 for a transfer switch just to get around 2500 watts into my house. I always put less than 1800 watts on a 15amp extension cord, so I need a second line in which is why I am considering the 30 amp cord through a window for the appliances.
I have researched the Generlink which goes behind the meter, but my city owned electric company has not approved these yet.
I keep two CO meters in my home and always check the cords to make sure they are not getting warm.
Lastly, do you think $1800 is fair for a small transfer switch.
Quick question is it ok to use a 20 amp extension cord on a 15 amp outlet?
Yes, you can do that... however, be careful at the amount of amps you actually draw and how long the cord is. Long cords have amp drops and get hot when over-used. Trying to run 15 amps on a 20 amp cord does not normally hurt the cord... it hurts the outlet and perhaps the appliance. It could lead to popping the 15 amp circuit breaker.
Wish I knew this before I bought my cords👏👏👏👏👏
Just be careful about how many amps you draw. They are fine for storage mode, but no so much for operating mode.
What is the cost of making your own extension cord vs. buying one pre-made?
Simon, that's a very good questions... the cost is somewhat comparable when you are making 120 vAC 15 amp cords. 30 amp or higher cords and 220 vAC cords, definitely make your own for a huge cost savings!
Zortched is my new favorite word.
I got that from my military days... lots of comedians there... come up with the darnedest things sometimes.
Good advice.
Perfect setup beginning for this video! LMAO!
A little bit of horse-play, but effective. LOL!
These work fine just need to be aware of what appliances are on and how much electricity you are using
Indeed, that would work. But for “business as usual” operations, these are only rated for 15 amps. That’s means no running the AC unit at all. These are made for “storage mode” and not really y for “use” mode. I use mine for a clean and dry place to go alongside the shop. This type of plug only lasted about one year in this mode.
@@HelicoolsHelipad actually I ran a 13,500 BTU air conditioner before I had my 30 amp service installed and honestly had no problems. However I was on a 20 amp outlet so I would imagine if it was a 15 amp outlet I might have not been able to do that
Dave Anderson, all around handy man!
Just doing my part to save humanity. :-D
Most people park their trailer for the winter and want it plugged in to keep the batteries charged up, and or heater or dehumidifier. That is why they make those short cords you had.
All I had plugged in was a dehumidifier and occasionally a tiny ceramic heater. Those short cords were made for when you are on a trip and stay over at someone's place (temporary only). Having my trailer plugged in for winter made a meal out of my extension cord. Is your trailer plugged in at all?
The 15 amp to 30 amp adapter works perfectly fine if you're not trying to run more than the weakest link. Perfectly fine for constant use but you cant run high demand equipment. Especially a 1500 watt heater and a dehumidifier at the same time. You said you have 20 amp breakers that you're plugging a 15 amp cord into. Therefore the 15amp cord is your weakest link and will fail/melt before you're breaker trips.
All extension cords with the typical three prong set-up are rated no more than 15 amps. And, nearly all household and garage outlets are on 20 amp breakers. This is the norm. The breaker trips when there is a short in the line... no melting or failure of the cord occurs. This is what breakers are designed to do, so there is no subsequent fire. Even at maximum power, the 1500 watt heater only draws 12.5 amps (Amps = watts/volts). The dehumidifier runs at 3.7 amps. That is barely over the 15 amp capacity designated by the three prong plug. Can the cord handle more? Of course it can! Especially if it is a thick, heavy duty cord like mine was. The problem with the adapter cord is that it should only be used as a temporary solution for shore power, or putting the trailer into storage mode. Otherwise, it's a piece of cr@p.
Nice "PLEASE SUBSCRIBE" name tag. You'll get to a thousand before you know it!
Made it there! Glad you noticed. :-D
enough of the zorching.
To zorch, or not to zorch. ??? Not me!