Using an Evenheat oven with an extension?

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

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Aug 13, 2002
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I thought that I could (220V 22.5" Evenheat). I don't have long to go, maybe 6-8 feet. I would use the proper size wire (10AWG) and plugs. But reading the manual today it says: "Never use an extension cord to operate the oven." :confused: What do you guys think?
 
I've been running my oven on a 12' X 8 gauge extension ever since installing it. If it's done properly there isn't an issue. I suspect that warning is a liability issue, and they are worried about folks using too small gauge wiring.
 
yep they jsut hav eot cover there buts and make sure that you are not over loading the wire. pullinig 3500watts on small wire is a bad plan
 
Check the cord and cord ends to be sure they are not getting overly warm, as long as everything except the oven stays relatively cool and your response times to temp. don't change dramatically you should be fine.
 
I'd use 10 gauge wire with the proper plugs and make my own custom extension cord.

If you find yourself wanting to do some basic electrical work, Black & Decker makes a really good basic book to help you get started.

The extension cord thing has to do with the current drop over length of wire and can often be overcome by running bigger wire.

You really have to know what you are doing, even a scratched mark on your copper in a connection can start an arc, every connection must be clean.
 
The extension cord creates a few problems. The safety problem relates to the resistance added by the extension cord. Resistance causes a voltage drop (think of that as a pressure drop) so to get the required power, more current is drawn. That means that a system rated at 16 amps is actually pulling more - on a circuit that should only be loaded to 16 amps.

The amount of drop depends on length of the wire, thickness of the wire and quality of connections among other things..

The other issue to consider is liability. You have electrician installed wiring. You have a ULC approved appliance. You have them connected with, what an adjuster would see, as a home made bandaid.

Those are the reasons for the warning in the manual.

Rob!
 
KnifeMaker.ca said:
The extension cord creates a few problems. The safety problem relates to the resistance added by the extension cord. Resistance causes a voltage drop (think of that as a pressure drop) so to get the required power, more current is drawn. That means that a system rated at 16 amps is actually pulling more - on a circuit that should only be loaded to 16 amps.

And once this starts it gets rapidly worse...

The amount of drop depends on length of the wire, thickness of the wire and quality of connections among other things..

The other issue to consider is liability. You have electrician installed wiring. You have a ULC approved appliance. You have them connected with, what an adjuster would see, as a home made bandaid.

Good point!

Those are the reasons for the warning in the manual.

Rob!
Click to expand...

I did run wire directly to mine. Everything has to pass inspection! :)

Maybe the electrician can come back and use the existing outlet as a start for a junction box and run the outlet closer.

Good luck Patrice!
 
I would just install a different wire, the full length you want. using the 10AWG size

That way you only need 1 plug - eliminate 2 plugs & should be cheaper than making up that extension cord.
 
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Thanks guys, a dedicated plug close enough to plug right in it will be!
Don't know what I would do without your help. :thumbup:
 
I know plugging directly into a wall mounted receptacle on a dedicated circuit is best. That being said, I have a couple of whopper extension cords (8 gauge) I use with my arc welder with a few different short (8 gauge) adapters to be able to plug into various receptacles at different locations. I've been using the shorter of the cords with one of these adapters to plug into my dryer outlet for the welder or heat treat oven at my rented home. It has been working well, but I appreciate the reminder not to be complacent about it. We never leave home with the heat treat oven running, or the dryer for that matter.
 
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