![]() They also come in handy in a camping situation or if you live in an RV. You can safely use a generator cord to power your appliances in a power blackout by following these tips. Otherwise, you’ll cause a short circuit and maybe even start a fire. In other words, avoid using “octopus” outlets if possible. Plugging in too many appliances can cause overheating and potentially start a fire. A thicker cable can carry more current and be more expensive than a thinner cord. Make sure to use a cord with the correct gauge for your needs. Replace it with another cable that’s been tested at the store and has little to no signs of damage. If you see any fraying or cracks, do not use the cable. This will ensure that you’re using it correctly and safely. Now that you know how long a generator cord can be, here are some tips for using them safely: ![]() A 14-gauge, 15-foot (4.57-m) cable would be the best option for this setup. You’ll need a shorter cord than if you had a stationary generator because portable generators can be moved.Ī 10-gauge, 100-foot (30.5-m) cord would be too much cord for the distance, and it would also be overkill for the amperage. Ideal Length of a Portable Generator CordĪgain, let’s say you have a portable generator that produces 5,000 watts of power, and the distance from the shed to the house is 20 feet (6 m). Therefore, you should install a 50-foot (15 m) 10-gauge extension cord that can handle that much current with no problem. So if you’re running a fridge, which can use about 1,000 watts, and four 100-watt lightbulbs, you’re using about 1,500 watts or about 6 amps. A typical generator puts out about 7,500 watts (or 30 amps at 240 volts). You also have to consider the number of watts your generator can handle. The issue with this setup isn’t just the obvious length difference. You could theoretically buy a 30-foot (9.14-m) generator cord, plug it into your generator, and have enough length to reach the breaker box. Let’s say your shed is 50 feet (15 m) away from your house, and you want to power some lights and maybe a fridge. Ideal Length of a Stationary Generator Cord ![]() To better illustrate how long a generator cord should be, I’ll give you a couple of hypothetical examples based on the type of generator you have. As with our plugs, at Lowe’s you can find a wide variety of wire connector options, including 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire and 5-wire connectors and more. A thicker cord can carry more current and can be longer than a thinner cord. Wire connectors fit to cords and receive a matching wire plug. The higher the wattage, the shorter the cord you’ll need. DuroMax XP3010GC - 30-Amp (4-Prong 120/240V) Generator Power Cord (10-Foot) w/ Cord Hanger. ![]() If you have a portable generator, you’ll need a shorter cord than if you have a stationary generator. There are a few factors that will affect how long your generator cord can be, such as: ![]()
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