I have a cord reel for my 50A "standard" power cord (I think 6-6-6-8?). The cord is 35 ft, and the instructions call for it to always be fully unwound before use. I have not noticed any cord heating when unwound. I often don't need the full length. Would it be reasonable to try using it while still on the cord reel as long as I keep an eye on the temperature?
Correct me if I’m wrong but i seem to recall you writing about this before. However, I believe it was in the context of using, say, a 14 gauge cord plugged into an 15 amp outlet to run an RV AC. Didn’t you say then that there would be a considerable amount of heat…up to the point of melting/igniting? And a coiled cord would hasten the process? Thanks for keeping us safe!
Mike,
I have a cord reel for my 50A "standard" power cord (I think 6-6-6-8?). The cord is 35 ft, and the instructions call for it to always be fully unwound before use. I have not noticed any cord heating when unwound. I often don't need the full length. Would it be reasonable to try using it while still on the cord reel as long as I keep an eye on the temperature?
Yes, that’s what I would do…
Correct me if I’m wrong but i seem to recall you writing about this before. However, I believe it was in the context of using, say, a 14 gauge cord plugged into an 15 amp outlet to run an RV AC. Didn’t you say then that there would be a considerable amount of heat…up to the point of melting/igniting? And a coiled cord would hasten the process? Thanks for keeping us safe!