Power cords

[RotnRose]

I need to get and additional 50 amp power cord and I have noticed there is a Hugh price difference. Is there a difference in power cords?

[JohnRR]

Good luck with with your search and choice.

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by RotnRose

I need to get and additional 50 amp power cord and I have noticed there is a Hugh price difference. Is there a difference in power cords?

The difference is in basic quality and flexibility. The more expensive cords are easier to coil especially in cold weather.


Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[wa8yxm]

There may be other differences as well.. Though I have not investigated I do know that usually I use a 30 amp cord on 30 amp sites because my primary 30 amp cord is a super-flex, these are more expensive, (I also have a 30 amp extension cord which is standard and way harder to wrangle left over from my 30 amp trailer days)

With 50 alas I do not have a superflex. (would like one)

Another thing: When designing things like power supplies I like to "Over build" that is the supply designed to power my 2-way radio (requirements 3 amps at 13.6 volts) could actually deliver close to 10 if I bypassed the circuit breaker.

Some cord makers may use a larger (or smaller) wire, still within the code, but where as the smaller wires is "Just" the larger one is "Well" within the code.

Example: When I made a custom cable for powering the house off the motor home should the power company fail...... The cord was for 30 amps, but the wire rating was for 50 amps.

[TQ60]

You often get what you pay for unless it is "monster cable"...

Already posted is flex and size.

Stranded wire is only a general statement.

There is a fine stranded wire that has fine strands so less air space.

This is used for welding and stage lighting.

It has a greater current carrying capacity than normal wire of same size.

Jacket type determines how cord sets and coils as well as holds up over years.

Last is the quality of the connectors.

The expensive one is not always the best.

You could get good quality us made materials and make your own as well.

[ChasA]

Length of the cords also affects price. Determine how long you need and check those prices. I've seen 50 amp extension cords from 15 to 50 feet long.