I would also mention that the cheap RV outlet plugs don't have screws that can loosen. They connect to the wires by piercing them and hold by friction. Not good for heavy loads.
Thanks for another great article and for suggesting a heavy duty extension cord Mike. Sometimes you need to run power hungry appliances with an extension cord so having one around that is built to handle the load is critical. Another tip is to run the load at the lowest possible power level you can. If it’s a heater or hair dryer, try not to run it on “high.”
100ft extension cords are at least #16. #16 is rated at 10-12A, with a space heater usually not drawing more than 12.5A. This alone should not have caused a fire. Is there something else going on here? OTOH, #18 "zipcord" extensions can get EXTREMELY hot powering a space heater, and should never be used. IMHO all extension cords should be fused, like they are in the UK.
It sounded like the extension cord was rolled up and buried under newspapers. But it’s also possible that the wall outlet overheated and caused the fire. And yes, UK extension cords do have fuses which are much safer.
Also, a 100-ft extension cord will have a 10-volt drop which calculates to around 110-watts of heat. That’s distributed over the entire 100 ft. But if the wire is coiled up and covered with something flammable, the heat will be concentrated and build up.
I am always amazed that so many people don't know the current carrying capacity of extension cords. I find it surprising that companies even make and sell long 16AWG cords. Would you please write again about this along with the dangers of using coiled up cords with heavy loads.
Great Article, which I hope people take to heart. Maybe you could do one about the RV style S811 outlets, that frequently meltdown due to the poor design and people running electric heaters. I see these daily that are often distorted/half melted from overloading. These were popular in mobile homes for years as a fast installation and have a very unique termination that basically squishes the wires in a very thin piece of metal, instead of a proper screw down connection.
I would also mention that the cheap RV outlet plugs don't have screws that can loosen. They connect to the wires by piercing them and hold by friction. Not good for heavy loads.
I have an article describing why RV receptacles with stab connections can overheat. I’ll post it tomorrow.
Thanks for another great article and for suggesting a heavy duty extension cord Mike. Sometimes you need to run power hungry appliances with an extension cord so having one around that is built to handle the load is critical. Another tip is to run the load at the lowest possible power level you can. If it’s a heater or hair dryer, try not to run it on “high.”
100ft extension cords are at least #16. #16 is rated at 10-12A, with a space heater usually not drawing more than 12.5A. This alone should not have caused a fire. Is there something else going on here? OTOH, #18 "zipcord" extensions can get EXTREMELY hot powering a space heater, and should never be used. IMHO all extension cords should be fused, like they are in the UK.
It sounded like the extension cord was rolled up and buried under newspapers. But it’s also possible that the wall outlet overheated and caused the fire. And yes, UK extension cords do have fuses which are much safer.
Also, a 100-ft extension cord will have a 10-volt drop which calculates to around 110-watts of heat. That’s distributed over the entire 100 ft. But if the wire is coiled up and covered with something flammable, the heat will be concentrated and build up.
I am always amazed that so many people don't know the current carrying capacity of extension cords. I find it surprising that companies even make and sell long 16AWG cords. Would you please write again about this along with the dangers of using coiled up cords with heavy loads.
Great Article, which I hope people take to heart. Maybe you could do one about the RV style S811 outlets, that frequently meltdown due to the poor design and people running electric heaters. I see these daily that are often distorted/half melted from overloading. These were popular in mobile homes for years as a fast installation and have a very unique termination that basically squishes the wires in a very thin piece of metal, instead of a proper screw down connection.