Length Considerations of 50-amp Extension Cords

[TriMoot]

Originally Posted by amosnandy

Cord reels are convenient, but I would never have one for reasons given. Heat build up in excess cord plus you have one more set of connections, and a cord real uses contacts so the reel can transmit power.



Every time you make a connection, be it a plug on a cord, a lug that holds the wire into the ATS, even a surge protector, it causes resistance and one bad connection causes heat, and heat causes resistance. The worst are the cords with the twist lock that you plug into the side of a camper and the other end to the pedestal. I can't tell you how many I have seen fail, melting both the cord and the plug in. Vicious circle. I have a 50 amp power cord wired into the ATS. Stowed in the electrical compartment, but even if I am 5 feet from the pedestal, all the cord comes out and i snake it on the ground.

Thanks for confirming what the other person said. I will do the same.