I know the manufacturer does not recommend using extension cords on the machines. From you alls experience is it ok using a minimal length heavy duty cord. What do you think.
4 replies to this topic
#2
vend1ng
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Posted 20 February 2011 - 10:13 PM
I would never recommend using an extension cord. But circumstance often dictates. If you must use an extension cord never use anything less than a 12/3 cord and never go over 25'. 10' would be more acceptable. Just a thought.I know the manufacturer does not recommend using extension cords on the machines. From you alls experience is it ok using a minimal length heavy duty cord. What do you think.
Vending
#3
SNG
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Posted 21 February 2011 - 06:26 AM
Thanks, VendingI would never recommend using an extension cord. But circumstance often dictates. If you must use an extension cord never use anything less than a 12/3 cord and never go over 25'. 10' would be more acceptable. Just a thought.
Vending
#4
miked
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Posted 28 February 2011 - 05:07 PM
Thanks, Vending
For snack machine not a big deal, not too many amps being drawn. A soda or other heavy use machine its not a geat idea. The longer the distance the more resistance which means more heat in the wire. If you have to do it, no more than 8-10 feet with 12ga or bigger wire. Make sure you have the three wire cord into the wall and from the machine into the cord. Being properly grounded is important, with or without an extension cord.
#5
dloiselle
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Posted 28 February 2011 - 08:00 PM
Good stuff there Vend1ng!!
Part of the certification I had to go through for my holiday lighting business had to do with amp draw and such. Another thing you can do is pck up an amp meter. Has a plug on one side, you plug your machine, or whatever you are running on the other, it will tell you the amps being pulled through it. You can do volts as well. You can pick them up for about $20.00 Any commercial lead will give you max rating. You want to be about 10% under that so you are not over heating the cord, and tripping breakers.
Also a huge thing to remember, if this is in an area with moisture, you will add to your draw significantly. Dielectric grease will make all the difference at your connection with moisture resistance. I ran into several issues up here this year with the holiday lighting, the guys put everything together correctly, but we were still popping fuse in the leads and breakers and GFCI's . We had a lot of rain in November and early December, then got buried. Once the connections were dressed with dielectric grease, the issue went away. Moisture barrier was key.
Part of the certification I had to go through for my holiday lighting business had to do with amp draw and such. Another thing you can do is pck up an amp meter. Has a plug on one side, you plug your machine, or whatever you are running on the other, it will tell you the amps being pulled through it. You can do volts as well. You can pick them up for about $20.00 Any commercial lead will give you max rating. You want to be about 10% under that so you are not over heating the cord, and tripping breakers.
Also a huge thing to remember, if this is in an area with moisture, you will add to your draw significantly. Dielectric grease will make all the difference at your connection with moisture resistance. I ran into several issues up here this year with the holiday lighting, the guys put everything together correctly, but we were still popping fuse in the leads and breakers and GFCI's . We had a lot of rain in November and early December, then got buried. Once the connections were dressed with dielectric grease, the issue went away. Moisture barrier was key.
