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#296046 - 05/11/20 09:00 PM Lesson Learned: Electrical Safety
chaosmagnet Online   content
Sheriff
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 12/03/09
Posts: 3819
Loc: USA
Mrs. Magnet asked for a smoker for Mother's Day. One of our friends is a professional renowned for his smoked brisket; he recommended a model to me. Mrs. Magnet followed the directions for seasoning it...without reading the directions on what kind of extension cord to use.

She took a 100' light-gauge extension cord used almost exclusively for the leaf blower, and pulled 10' out of the plastic donut cord winder doohickey to fire up the smoker.

Apparently, having 15A going through 90' of 10A cord wound tightly in an enclosed plastic donut is Bad.

The plastic donut cord winder doohickey has been consigned to its ancestors in honor. Visible and tactile inspection of the 100' cord revealed no damage. However, I got to it 15 minutes after it had been unplugged and it was still hot enough to burn my hand, so I threw it out as a precaution after it cooled down.

A heavy gauge, extension cord of exactly the right length has been procured. I will label both the smoker and the new cord in an effort to remind all the Magnets that they can only be used together.

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#296049 - 05/11/20 11:58 PM Re: Lesson Learned: Electrical Safety [Re: chaosmagnet]
Ren Offline
Addict

Registered: 11/05/07
Posts: 522
Loc: Wales, UK
Heh yeah, seen that happen.

Completely melted the middle of the extension cord reel.

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#296050 - 05/12/20 12:27 AM Re: Lesson Learned: Electrical Safety [Re: chaosmagnet]
KenK Offline
"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2208
Loc: NE Wisconsin
One of the first things I look for when reading a user manual (yeah, I do that) for an electric appliance/tool is to look for extension cord recommendations, or find the amperage and figure it out myself.

When needed, I mostly use 25 foot 14 gauge extension cords, but have 25 foot and longer 12 gauge extension cords.

https://www.protoolreviews.com/buying-guides/extension-cord-size-chart-wire-gauge-amps/50202/

Heating appliances are notorious!!

Just before winter I bought a 15 amp table saw, and hope to use an 11 amp shop vac to collect dust. I'm hoping it won't pop the garage's 20 amp circuit breaker. we'll see.

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