Can you use an extension cord on a 2hp kmg?

M

manny767

Joined
Aug 27, 2012
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Deal is I dont have a 220v outlet in my shop, and cant afford one at the moment. But my laundry room is right outside my shop. I am looking at the 2hp kmg and want to know if I can safely use an extension cord with it and just run it into my dryer outlet? I dont want the possibility of it damaging the grinder either. I heard dryer outlets are 220v.
Do they even make 220v extensions? If not ill have to get the 1 1/2 hp but I would like the 2.
 
The dryer plug should be wired for at least 30 amps. A 240v 2hp motor should draw roughly 10 amps give or take depending on your motor, so verify with manufacturer. It depends how far the extension cord would need to run and what your state electrical code says i guess, but its not impossible. The issue will be making sure the cord is rated for the load. If you are going to try this i would suggest a 10 gauge cord if you can find one as it is rated for 30 amps, the same as the breaker and dryer wiring. You could most likely get away with 12 for the cord on a short run. The biggest thing is make sure the motor draws less than the lowest rated part of the circuit. And never load a circuit past 80% capacity.
 
if you're looking at less than 25 feet, you should be able to find a suitable cord - or get an electrician to make you one.
I second the idea of going with 10 gauge solid wire or even thicker if you go with stranded - 6 or 8 gauge. (think jumper cable sized)
 
Make the cord from heavy rubber coated 10/3 with ground and put the appropriate plugs and sockets on the ends. You can get it all at Home Depot or a similar store.
 
I used approx. 45' of 10/3 solid (plus ground) to run across my shop from my 220 outlet to the enclosure where my grinder is set up (2 hp 3 ph motor). The current at the outlet and the rating of the wire/cord you use should be 20% greater than the maximum draw at the motor/vfd, from my very limited understanding. The incoming line should be fused appropriate to the draw at the device.

I have had no problems with my setup as yet.
 
There have been a couple of recent threads on extension cords. Solid 10/3 is about as pliable as a 2x4. If you are going to wind up the cord to store it or move it around you should get stranded wire. I'm running 20' of 12/3 stranded for my 7.5A 220. I don't notice the cord heating up at all.
 
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