Electric Help

[marrone]

I just got a large A/C, 18,000 BTU, and it's runs on a 230V line. The problem that I have is the plug is about 3' short of the outlet. The book that came with the A/C says I shouldn't run an extension cord with a 230V plug.

Out side of moving the outlet closer or changing the plug, so that it's reaches the outlet, is there anything else I could do. Do they even make an extension cord for a 230V plug?

 

[sporty]

I think they make it ,you could check in the electrical supply houses(L&B electric 52nd & new utrecht,Dependable on 60 or 65 and new utrecht or home depot).If you decide to make it I'm figuring that 18,000 btu's at 208v is probably about roughly 10 amps (check the plate inside the ac for FLA.)which means you probably use 12/3 sja cord (is that black rubber cord you see home made extensions made out off).Make sure everything is rated for your voltage.....Just realized your in NYC. try Midtown electric on 18th street I think its on and 6th ave.-they could probably hook you up-expensive though.

 

[marrone]

I guess the only question is it safe to use an extension and will it hurt the A/C in the long run.

 

[Pedro]

It will not hurt the ac, you are not doing anything to it. If you go to a supply house and explain to them what you need, they will make sure all is well.

 

[Pseudo]

The reason the book says not to use an Extension cord is because MOST people will use the wrong cord (not rated for the amperage pull) and will end up melting the cord and burning the house down.

No they do not make extension cords for 230V equipment. You will have to custom make one (If you know how) It will cost you $18 in material to make the cord.

No it will not damage the A/C unit or the outlet. Be very careful when making the cord as the wiring is different from regular extension cords. Get an electrician friend to do it for you

Kasei

 

[sporty]

No it will not damage your ac.I agree with pseudo ..."MOST people will use the wrong cord (not rated for the amperage pull) ..." and pedro that the supply house would help you on your selection...just make sure cord is wired correctly.

 

[cali_reef]

Mike, I think HD does sell 220V extension cords for electric dryers, I think there are two different plugs styles too. don't hurt to check before you buy the parts to make one. Large boat supply places on LI have them too, they use the twist lock extensions for shore power.

I had made two extensions last summer for hooking up 220V generator to main circuit breaker panels, I can help you make one if you can't find a pre-made cord.

 

[Pseudo]

Pierce 220V plugs are different from the 230V line he needs the "T" blade plug. The cord you are talking about is the half "T" plug and it doesn't fit.

I doubt if he has the 230V outlet anyway. I think it is a 220V outlet he has on the wall in his house but the A/C has a 230V plug.

DOod check so we can tell you what you really need.

Kasei

 

[PalmTree]

HD has it in stock. I'm using it on my 18000 BTU AC which is also rated at 220. I've never had a problem and the AC pretty much runs all the time with the Money Saver mode on.

 

[PalmTree]

Actually listen to these guys above me. They seem to know what they are talking about! :tongue1:

 

[FRY]

mike its perfectly safe to use a air conditioner and appliance extension cord just make sure its 12 gauge wire if you cant find it let me know,

frank

 

[marrone]

The spec's that came with the A/C has it listed as 230/208 volts. I check with HD yesterday and they didn't have one, and couldn't find it on their website.

I'm going to check out a few Hardware stores by me today. Hopefully I can find it.


The outlet that I have in the wall is a "B" type plug.

-| -
O

The Plug for the A/C looks like:

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O



Thanks everyone.

 

[FRY]

mike thats a 15 amp 250 volt cord nema 6-15

the outlet is 20 amp and you can use a 20 amp or a 15 amp plug

 

[marrone]

Frank

I'm going to check a couple of hardware stores by me, do you know any that would carry what I need?

Michael

 

[FRY]

there used to be a electrical supply house on the east side around 46 or 47 street between 1st and 2 nd ave dam cant rememeber the name it was a good one havent been there in 10 years

 

[marrone]

Frank

I spoke with some on at a hardware store near me and he has a 16 gauge wire extension cord. I'm going to pick it today, it's $20.

Michael

 

[FRY]

mike 16 gauge is no good thats only 10 amp wire which you can only use 80 % which is only 8 amps,

 

[sporty]

Thats too small for your AC .you need one with at least 12 AWG or 10 wire.
You use this you might wind up damaging the cord and maybe the ac because of a voltage drop.Mike try to find an electrical supply house.I can't think of any right now except midtown

 

[FRY]

12 gauge 15 amp $3.16 - 6 foot cord
12 gauge 20 amp $5.75 - 6 foot cord

 

[Pedro]

If you pick up that 16 gauge extension cord, don't forget to also pick up a nice big fire extinguisher!

Dude this could be a life and death decision. WTF? Go get the right cord and be safe. Midtown electric on 18th and 6th has everything you need. I never run my ac's on anything less than 12 gauge. I like safety, and i want to go to sleep knowing i will wake up the next morning. But that's just me.

Forget about the price. Think of what can happen if something goes wrong!