Best use for the 25ft 12/3-Gauge extension cord?

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  • radhak
    Veteran Member
    • Apr 2006
    • 3061
    • Miramar, FL
    • Right Tilt 3HP Unisaw
    #1

    Best use for the 25ft 12/3-Gauge extension cord?

    I got the 25ft 12/3-Gauge ElectraTrac from HD today. Love the heft and strength, and that the outlets are all lighted.

    Now, am thinking what is the best use for this in my garage shop? (size 18 x 20, with just one power outlet at center of the rear wall)

    There are a number of times I want to use power tools at the other end of the shop and would like an outlet at least in the middle of the shop. I could always use this as the regular extension - plug it in, plug in the CS at the other end, use it, then roll it all up. Hassle, hassle.

    Or I could use Niki's latest tip and set up a 'hanging power outlet' reaching to the shop center - but then I may not be able to use all the outlets (being they would be way high up and inconvenient to reach).

    How do y'all use it? just for outdoors?
    It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
    - Aristotle
    Tags: None
    • cabinetman
      Gone but not Forgotten RIP
      • Jun 2006
      • 15216
      • So. Florida
      • Delta
      #2
      I use mine to tow cars. No, seriously, I use my heavy cords as extension cords. The idea of hanging the cord is a good idea. It centrally locates an outlet, but then limits how far you can take it (depending on the restraint). With my luck I would be getting caught on a hanging cord (what a way to go). I have wired up a 4 way galvanized box (2 duplexes) on a cord with wood plates screwed on two sides like crash bars, and used it on the floor. Or you could wire up the same thing and screw it to the wall or bench leg anywhere. You could buy just the wire and the ends to do that. Just don't run tools at the end of very long extension cords.



      "I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

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        • JR
          The Full Monte
          • Feb 2004
          • 5636
          • Eugene, OR
          • BT3000
          #3
          Hanging it from the center of your shop is a great idea. I've got a 12/3 retractable reel hanging from a dedicted outlet in the center of my shop. It's the most-used tool in the shop, by far.

          JR
          JR

            Comment

            • radhak
              Veteran Member
              • Apr 2006
              • 3061
              • Miramar, FL
              • Right Tilt 3HP Unisaw
              #4
              Originally posted by JR
              Hanging it from the center of your shop is a great idea. I've got a 12/3 retractable reel hanging from a dedicted outlet in the center of my shop. It's the most-used tool in the shop, by far.

              JR
              what is a 'retractable reel'?
              It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
              - Aristotle

                Comment

                • onedash
                  Veteran Member
                  • Mar 2005
                  • 1013
                  • Maryland
                  • Craftsman 22124
                  #5
                  12/3 means what exactly? Compare a jumper cable to an extension cord and see if it means gauge? And capacity for a jumper cable is way higher.
                  Is it because its DC???
                  YOU DONT HAVE TO TRAIN TO BE MISERABLE. YOU HAVE TO TRAIN TO ENDURE MISERY.

                    Comment

                    • LinuxRandal
                      Veteran Member
                      • Feb 2005
                      • 4890
                      • Independence, MO, USA.
                      • bt3100
                      #6
                      http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

                      If that link doesn't work, go to sears.com and search number 83899

                      Like a drop/trouble light, without the light.

                      OTW
                      She couldn't tell the difference between the escape pod, and the bathroom. We had to go back for her.........................Twice.

                        Comment

                        • JR
                          The Full Monte
                          • Feb 2004
                          • 5636
                          • Eugene, OR
                          • BT3000
                          #7
                          Originally posted by onedash
                          12/3 means what exactly?
                          12 guage, 3 conductors

                          I'd think jumper cables ar thcker due the current required for starting a car.

                          JR
                          JR

                            Comment

                            • Wood_workur
                              Veteran Member
                              • Aug 2005
                              • 1914
                              • Ohio
                              • Ryobi bt3100-1
                              #8
                              Run it around your shop where you would need it most, and duct tape it down.
                              Alex

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