GolfVenture Posted October 19, 2014 #1 Posted October 19, 2014 I recently purchased a 14 amp electric chain saw with a 100 ft 12 gage extension cord. So far works great cutting up fire wood. I'd like to go into my property further to fall more trees. My question is if I purchased another 100ft 12 Gage extension cord would that drop the amps in a way that would be harmful for the 14 amp electric chain saw?
uncledj Posted October 19, 2014 #2 Posted October 19, 2014 UH-OH....Here we go again with an electrical question....lol It's not the amps that'll drop, but the voltage, which will cause the amp draw to increase. If you're running 200' of stranded 12gauge wire in your cords you should be fine. If you notice the saw starting to heat up, ...take a break and give it some time to cool and go again. IMHO, you have nothing to worry about. (Waiting on the correction)
Edbo Posted October 19, 2014 #3 Posted October 19, 2014 It would help to get a 10 gauge 100 foot cord to plug in at the house then use the 12 gauge. You won't have the drop in voltage as much. Eat to ride, Ride to eat
GolfVenture Posted October 20, 2014 Author #4 Posted October 20, 2014 It would help to get a 10 gauge 100 foot cord to plug in at the house then use the 12 gauge. You won't have the drop in voltage as much. Eat to ride, Ride to eat Great Thanks.
Flyinfool Posted October 20, 2014 #5 Posted October 20, 2014 UH-OH....Here we go again with an electrical question....lol It's not the amps that'll drop, but the voltage, which will cause the amp draw to increase. If you're running 200' of stranded 12gauge wire in your cords you should be fine. If you notice the saw starting to heat up, ...take a break and give it some time to cool and go again. IMHO, you have nothing to worry about. (Waiting on the correction) NOPE!!!! In this case you are exactly correct. But I would still make the new cord a 10 gauge. A 12 ga 100 foot cord at 14 amps will cause a 5.5 volt drop. a 10 ga 100 foot cord at 14 amps will cause a 3.5 volt drop. It is recommended to never lose more than 3% of your voltage due to wire length. You are well past that. As mentioned, keep a close eye on motor temp, and keep the chain sharp, and go easy.
uncledj Posted October 20, 2014 #6 Posted October 20, 2014 LOL Heck, for the cost of a 100' 10 gauge cord, you could probably buy a cheap gas saw. (Poulan or the like)
rbig1 Posted October 20, 2014 #7 Posted October 20, 2014 Lol I run mine on two 16 gauge. Take brakes saws are cheap. Low on power so take time
rbig1 Posted October 21, 2014 #8 Posted October 21, 2014 I was wrong 14ga cords I have been using. and on my second saw.
V7Goose Posted October 22, 2014 #9 Posted October 22, 2014 (edited) In general a 14 AWG cord is way way too small for any electric chain saw unless you are only using a 25-50' cord. The paperwork that came with your saw should clearly tell you what size cord you need for a specific length. For example, I have a little 14" electric saw I bought to fill in the gaps the first winter I moved to the mountains - my gas saws were stuck back in Texas, and it was cheap form Harbor Freight (and works great). Anyway, it is rated at 9 amps, and the chart in the manual shows that it requires a 10 AWG cord for 100', and should not even be used with a 150' cord (probably because an 8 AWG cord is not only very hard to find, but almost impossible to handle!). Using a 14 AWG cord at 100' would seriously damage that motor if used for anything but twigs. Goose Edited October 22, 2014 by V7Goose more info
djh3 Posted October 23, 2014 #10 Posted October 23, 2014 Buy a spool of 12-2 house wire and make you a cord.
Madcow Posted October 23, 2014 #11 Posted October 23, 2014 I donno? I think I'd rather hear the bwwwaaaaaaaaa of a bad arse Stihl chainsaw myself.
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