Info on electrical cord

[VelvetLounger]

Hey OP here.

So this is a temporary but long term solution. For now its just to give the bus power for doing some work and running basic systems like heating in winter. Its gas heat so not too much electrical demand. I cant make the distance any shorter than 250 feet.

The bus is wired for 30 amp service. I am going to do this as an extension cord that gets plugged in at both ends. The garage where I am plugging in has both 120 and 240 available but I will be plugging into a 120 volt circuit.

I have an electrician friend say that a 10 gauge extension cord will work as long as the bus is using low amps.

Any objections to this? Obviously I would use waterproof connectors for any outdoor connections.

Thanks!

[eagle19952]

Hey OP here.

So this is a temporary but long term solution. For now its just to give the bus power for doing some work and running basic systems like heating in winter. Its gas heat so not too much electrical demand. I cant make the distance any shorter than 250 feet.

The bus is wired for 30 amp service. I am going to do this as an extension cord that gets plugged in at both ends. The garage where I am plugging in has both 120 and 240 available but I will be plugging into a 120 volt circuit.

I have an electrician friend say that a 10 gauge extension cord will work as long as the bus is using low amps.

Any objections to this? Obviously I would use waterproof connectors for any outdoor connections.

Thanks!

the only downside i see is that the wire won't be much use for anything else. for a few dollars more you can have something more versatile.

[chessie4905]

10 ga. extension cords adding up to that length is going to get pretty expensive. Have you considered a portable generator? A 4 to 5 kw generator from Harbor Freight might do the job. Smaller one if your needs are lower. Just a thought. If you are going with cords, you could do that first 50,100 or 150 with 50 amp, then drop down to 30 amp #10 with adapter. Unless you don't plan on going with 50 amp in your coach, those cords can be used in future at camp grounds if hook up isn't close.
https://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engine-generators/4000-max-starting3200-running-watts-65-hp-212cc-generator-carb-with-gfci-outlet-protection-63089.html

[Oonrahnjay]

10 ga. extension cords adding up to that length is going to get pretty expensive. Have you considered a portable generator? A 4 to 5 kw generator from Harbor Freight might do the job. Smaller one if your needs are lower. Just a thought.

        And if you buy a generator, you have it in the future for boondocking or other needs away from the power pole.  But I wonder about the one that you linked to, Chessie.   In general, those "open frame" contractor-type generators are phenomenally LOUD -- they're high-speed, non-muffled mechanical, poorly-muffled intake and exhaust, unenclosed units, and "reviews" on YouTube generally rate them as loudest of the loud.  Who knows what you're going to get from YouTube, but some people have downloaded decibel readers for smart phones and even if they're not very precise, they'll give you at least a comparison and they show those units to have high noise levels.
        If I were going to invest in a Harbor Freight unit (an IF that raises a whole different can of worms), I think that I'd pay approx. $175 - $200 extra and buy one of the "Honda KnockOff" models with lower noise output.  That would mean the entire range of mods and maintenance (gentle breakin, change oil every 2-3 hours for the first 15 hours, change spark plug, put in a fuel filter in the fuel line, oil changes earlier than the instructions -- and if I had one, I'd go to Rotella T-6 or Mobil 1 5W-40 pure-synthetic oil) that people on YouTube recommend to make these units live more than 100 - 200 hours.  But the real question is Chinese copy versus quality (Honda, Yamaha, etc.)

If you are going with cords, you could do that first 50,100 or 150 with 50 amp, then drop down to 30 amp #10 with adapter. Unless you don't plan on going with 50 amp in your coach, those cords can be used in future at camp grounds if hook up isn't close. 

        I built up a multi-strand, oil/waterproof outer insulation, 4-stranded-wire conductor, 10-gauge, 50 foot 50 Amp cord with waterproof plug and "ordinary" 14-50R 50 Amp socket for pretty close to $400 dollars.  I didn't really comparison-shop the price of the bare cable and connectors and when I got through, I wondered if I'd made a mistake.  But when I went back and looked at the prices of the components from other suppliers (Grainger, electrical wholesalers, on-line) it didn't look like I could have cut the cost much compared to Lowe's.  Then I thought "if I'm spending this much, maybe it would be worth looking at pre-made RV-supplier units" and the first one that I found was about $550.  I guess for a temporary cord, you could go with Romex for all or a good part of it but it would still be a BIG investment and the Romex part wouldn't be much good for a camp ground hook up in the future.

        It's all pretty much a Sophie's Choice situation.  Whatever the OP does, it's gonna hurt a lot.   I'd kinda lean towards a trustworthy quiet generator or -- if I were going the wired route -- a code-compliant buried cord run to a properly installed pedestal at the work area.  But none of the usable/safe alternatives are going to be cheap.

[brmax]

To live and work in and on the coach, your going to need some bigger wire.
Your friend was correct in low amp usage, like a light.
For your own equipment take a look or google voltage drops, this is critical.
Lets just assume you can use some entrance cable as thats about as cheap as it gets. You can do what you like but were going to assume you do it safely, so at least get bury type cable. Voltage drop for the 250 foot length is pretty important.

Good day
Floyd

[luvrbus]

The largest load you have will be the AC units

[chessie4905]

You could also look for a takeout RV generator on Craigslist. There are some pretty good deals there if you are willing to drive some. Many people will sell the generator from an RV because they never use it, has old gas and won't start, or are going to sell or junk RV. Many RV generators get little use because they travel mostly between poles ore don't like using the gas to run it. Some go pretty reasonable.
   I bought a Honda 3000is a few years back. It is extremely quiet and frugal on fuel; pricey though. HF  has an equivalent now at a very low price. Get it with extended warranty and break it in per instructions. Should do the job, but never actually tried to start a single roof air conditioner with it. It'll run two 1500 watt electric heaters though. I do this once a year for about an hour just to keep it ready in emergency and charge start battery so I don't need to use the rope start. I think they make #10 UF romex for burial in 250 foot rolls. You could attach socket and plug and use it for poor man's extension cord, although it should be buried in the ground some. UF has double protection for conductors,a pita when you need to strip the ends for attachments though. Remember I say could, not do.

[eagle19952]

The largest load you have will be the AC units

He said work on the coach.
I imagine vacuum cleaners and 7-8 inch grinders, lights and saws THEN air conditioners and heat...
A piece of direct burial that long can at least be sold..if u don't bury it
6 ga. is the smallest 4 the best.
the "waterproof" connects better be "not cheap" ones.... I did a 300 foot lights only, 10 ga. to 70 ft 6 ga.   burn't every concap/plug end and the adapters in about 2 days.

[chessie4905]

You are most definitely right about burnt connectors. Check or ask any long time RV owners using adapters at camp grounds.... Burned and overheated connectors. Many are from overloading, but some are from degradation.

[kyle4501]

825 ft of 4ga, 275 ft of 6 ga bare copper ground, pvc conduit, & RV outlet box will be about $1200. AND be good for 50amps.

A 8 ga 3 conductor soow cord will be good for 35 amps and be a little less than half that.

[chessie4905]

Generator sounds better all the time.

[kyle4501]

Generator sounds better all the time.

While I love my generator, I like plugging in more. Once installed, the wire requires no maintenance. 

I saved up to put a 50 amp plug-in for mine so I would have as many options in the future as possible.
I got my cable used - was a temp power wire at a construction job & run in conduit. I wish I had been able to get the conduit too!  It was quite a bit cheaper than at the store.

[Scott & Heather]

Lol. I specifically had an electrician who could actually think outside of the "house" box to do my entire coach house electrical system for this reason. I don't trust myself with anything but the basic stuff. Which is why you don't see me giving advice on electrical stuff on here. I know how to wire up a 50amp socket and I did wire up my first coach, but I do know my limitations. As for Zephod, since I followed the Skoolie forum for a while last year I already saw he was tossed there for his antics over there and then he came over here. I warned you all months ago.... #toldyouso


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[eagle19952]

Lol. I specifically had an electrician who could actually think outside of the "house" box to do my entire coach house electrical system for this reason. I don't trust myself with anything but the basic stuff. Which is why you don't see me giving advice on electrical stuff on here. I know how to wire up a 50amp socket and I did wire up my first coach, but I do know my limitations. As for Zephod, since I followed the Skoolie forum for a while last year I already saw he was tossed there for his antics over there and then he came over here. I warned you all months ago.... #toldyouso



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this board needs a punching bag. it's just the way it is.

[kyle4501]

this board needs a punching bag. it's just the way it is.

I see it a little differently - this board is full of helpful people who will go out of their way to help whenever they can.

When someone begs with almost every post, it shouldn't be a surprise when a request is accommodated.   


Back to OP's question -
Maybe he can find some used 8ga wire & run it in a conduit to a service pedestal at the bus. Id strongly suggest running a 220v circuit so more options are available later.