3-6 Receiving & Installation
MN2403
Voltage Drop in Extension Cords
When a long electric extension cord is used to connect an appliance or tool to the generator, a
certain amount of voltage drop or loss occurs in the extension cord which reduces the effective
voltage available for the appliance or tool. Table 3-2 illustrates the approximate voltage loss
when an extension cord of 300 feet (approx. 100 meters) is used to connect an appliance or tool
to the generator.
Table 3-2 Voltage Drop in Electrical Extension Cords
Nominal
cross
section
A.W.G.
Gauge
No.
Allowable
current
No.of strands
/ strands dia.
Resistance
Current Amp.
No./mm
mm
2
No.
A
1A
3A
5A
8A
10A
12A
15A
0.75
18
7
30/0.18
2.477
2.5V
8V
12.5V
Voltage drop
1.27
16
12
50/0.16
1.486
1.5V
5V
7.5V
12V
15V
18V
2.0
14
17
37/0.26
0.952
1V
3V
5V
8V
10V
12V
15V
3.5
12 to 10
23
45/0.32
0.517
1.5V 2.5V
4V
5V
6.5V 7.5V
5.5
10 to 8
35
70/0.32
0.332
1V
2V
2.5V 3.5V
4V
5V
Ω
/100m