Hardwire vs. Extension Cords

[catvet]

I've just erected a 12x28 poly building for my tractor and implements and I'd like to have some power to it. Nothing serious just block heater and a couple of lights so I can see to plug it in. The building is about 200' from the nearest source of power. I've always wondered why it is recommended that you don't use long extension cords as opposed to hardwiring. It seems to me if you are using the same gauge wire it shouldn't make much difference. Do the "plugs" increase resistence a great deal. I've got two 100' 10 gauge heavy duty extension cords. Any reason not to use them at least through this winter? There is no way I'm getting a line buried this year. They would be plugged into a GFIC outlet where they come out of my current shed.

 

[alan40]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. I have extension cords running to my sugarhouse about 250 ft away. I run the lights and a couple of small electric appliances. I will get it done right when I have the extra cash. Been doing it this way for about two years. Of course that don't mean its the right way. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Take care and glad to see another Vermonter on board.

 

[EddieWalker]

Depending on the regulations in your area, the extension cord may be the way to go.

Some places consider a building with a permenent power supply to be a permenent structure and subject to local code and taxes.

I've seen a small tin shed from Home Depot classified as such when the owner was caught haveing power to it. One light and one outlet caused him more headaches than you really want to deal with.

I'd run the heavy duty extension cords and never think twice about it.

Eddie

 

[billbill1]

Catvet, if it were me, I would buy a 250' roll of 10-2w/ground UF (underground feeder) to make my extension cord out of. If you want to bury it later, you will already have the wire. It's made to be outside and you won't have a connection in the middle causing you headaches.

 

[StretchNM]

Hey Catvet.

I second the motion by Billbill1 on using exterior 10ga wire. Really, the only reason you want to avoid using extension cords is because their sheathing won;t handle the weather over time and it's exposed to damage by foot traffic and other things. Even though your extension cords are 10ga wire, they're not designed for much more than a temporary job.

If you use them through the winter until you can something a little more permanent, I'd cover as much of the wire that I could. You could use 2x4 "bridges" anywhere there might be foot traffic, and hay (or whatever else) over the other areas of the cord. At least you'd be giving the cord some protection against snow laying on it for days or weeks on end, rain, and even direct sunshine (though in the winter, that wouldn;t much even down where I am). Best bet? Get the exterior 10ga that Billbill was talking about... leave it a little long.... and bury it next spring.

Good Luck

 

[catvet]

Thanks for all the input. Fortunately the cords cross a field which doesn't get traffic of any kind. I can enter the building through the sidewall and not have to be walking or driving on it anywhere. At this point I think I'll stick with the extension cords for the winter since I already have them.

 

[BobRip]

Be sure to tape up where the cords are plugged together. If not moisture can get in and trip the GFI. Moisture can also get in at the existing shed if the outlet is outside. You can get a special outlet cover that is designed so that the cord can be left plugged in.

Bob Rip

 

[sandman2234]

Get some "Heatshrink" and install it over the connection. Easy to install, and when done right, waterproof.
They make it in different sizes, so you'll need to know the size of the plugs.
If it is 3/4" give me a shout with a PM and I will send you a piece of it.
David from jax

 

[Tom_H]

I have to agree with BillBill1 and StretchNM. Extension cords are made of many small strands wound together in order to give flexibility. The downside of this is higher resistance. The hardwire is solid. It has lower resistance, but will break if bent too many times in the same place. I'd go ahead and run pretty thick hardwire through plastic flex-conduit, but let it sit on top of the ground for the rest of the winter. I'd run 3 strands so there's a ground. You could come back in the spring to trench, bury, and backfill.

 

[Glenn9643]

Extension cords are made of many small strands wound together in order to give flexibility. The downside of this is higher resistance. The hardwire is solid. It has lower resistance

Tom,
Are you sure about stranded electrical wire having higher resistance than solid? Somewhere back I got the impression (thought I learned) that stranded provided much better conduction because of the increased surface area where the electrons travel?
I'm not trying to start a racket, but would like to correct my own misconceptions, if that's indeed what they are.