How long is to long for a 50amp cord

[loki805]

Going home to Pa for a couple of weeks this summer. Staying at in laws farm. Closest I can get to rv plug is about 120 feet. Is this a problem with extension cords?

[bdreinv]

My 50 amp cord was 36' and then plugged that into a 50' out door extension cord. Then that into a 20 amp breaker dryer plug in. Ran only 1 ac cord did get warm at plug in. Of course everything in Phoenix is warm in the summer! Do not know if that really helps you! Thanks

[o2silverado]

Rule of thumb is 100' till you have to compensate for voltage drop. I doubt you would have any issue with the proper size 50 amp cord though.

[wags999]

At 100 feet and a full load your drop would be 3.14%. If your voltage was 120 at the receptacle your final voltage would be 116.86, so no issue. Make sure the plugs and receptacles are all tight fitting.

This is assuming your using a proper cord, #8 wire.

[tcanthonyii]

Can't speak for 50 amp but i regularly run 30 amp at 120 feet. No issues.

[wags999]

Originally Posted by tcanthonyii

Can't speak for 50 amp but i regularly run 30 amp at 120 feet. No issues.

You actually have a larger drop on the 30 amp cord. Assuming 120 volts at the receptacle you would have 112.81 volts at the end. If additional cords plugs etc, your drop would be slightly larger. This is at full load of 30 amps. So not an issue, just watch your voltage..an EMS would be good as it would but power if voltage dropped to a point damage may occur.

[shadester]

If I go a distance, I use a heavy single cord. The problem with extension cords you usually develop poor connection in the plugs & sockets over time which can cause low voltage. Low voltage = More amperage = Heat

[loki805]

Thank you for all the replies

[loki805]

Originally Posted by shadester

If I go a distance, I use a heavy single cord. The problem with extension cords you usually develop poor connection in the plugs & sockets over time which can cause low voltage. Low voltage = More amperage = Heat

I’m hoping all the connections will be tight buying all new and brand new rv. I was considering getting 2 50’ cords to have less connections but I thought maybe 3 30’ and 1 15’ would be more useful in the future.

[loki805]

Originally Posted by wags999

At 100 feet and a full load your drop would be 3.14%. If your voltage was 120 at the receptacle your final voltage would be 116.86, so no issue. Make sure the plugs and receptacles are all tight fitting.

This is assuming your using a proper cord, #8 wire.

So my next question would be if using a surge guard would I still put it at pedestal or in the line closest to rv plug or does it not matter.

[wags999]

Originally Posted by loki805

So my next question would be if using a surge guard would I still put it at pedestal or in the line closest to rv plug or does it not matter.

No reason not to put it at the receptacle (pedestal) that way it will protect the cord also. I guess there could be an argument made to put it at the RV so that in the very unlikely event of a spike from lightening hitting the cord it would protect the RV. I would assume the EMS would cut off if that happened no matter which end it was at. If it's just a surge guard you may be better off putting it at the RV end...JMHO