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Topic: Length and Grade of Extension Cords. |
James Quillian
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 12 Mar 2019 12:00 pm |
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I do a gig at a farmers market. They want me to set up where I would have to use an extension cord that would stretch almost 200 ft.
I am not sure it would not destroy my amp to use an extension cord that long. Is it possible to run a small amplifier with any cord that stretches that far? If it is possible at all, what would be the smallest gauge I should use?
For this I use a cheap low wattage amp but I don't want ruin it if it can be avoided.
_________________
Curbside Jimmy's New Act
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlzieFLE5no |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 12 Mar 2019 1:07 pm
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This calculator - Paige Wire Size Calculator - gives wire gauge needed for a given source voltage (I assume 120), phases (I assume single-phase), load in Amperes, and one-way distance (200 feet), and allowable voltage drop over the cable (3%, 5%, or a specified number of volts). If you're just using a small amplifier (let's say 2 amps or less), and you can tolerate 3% voltage drop (about 116 VAC), then suggests at least 16 AWG copper wire. For 3 amps, 14 AWG; for 5 amps, 12 AWG; for 8 amps, 10 AWG, and for 10-12 amps, 8 AWG. Bigger wire for aluminum conductor. You can fiddle with calculator for different parameters.
This calculator - Voltage Drop Calculator computes voltage drop when you give it the other relevant parameters.
Are you going to have to provide the 200' cable? That could get expensive. Myself, I'd probably insist at least 14 AWG unless you're using a REALLY small amp - e.g., 5-10 watts or so, in which case 16 AWG might be OK. No way would I use smaller than that. And I would be wondering if their supply voltage was actually 120 VAC. This is why I always use a Furman AC1215 voltage regulator, ESPECIALLY if I'm talking outdoor gigs with questionable power. |
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Lance Clifford
From:
Oregon, USA
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ajm
From:
Los Angeles
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Posted 13 Mar 2019 7:51 am
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200 feet?
That is 2/3 of a football field.
There isn't an outlet closer than that?
They can't put you closer to an outlet than that?
I think I know what I'd tell them.
Anyway...........
So we now know what the theoretical voltage drops would be from the calculators provided.
But the O.P. had two questions that were not answered.
Can you run a small amp using these conditions?
Yes.
For a 120 VAC outlet, I'd think that you could probably go down to 100 VAC or so and probably not notice a difference.
And by the way, you didn't say what amp you are using.
That is important.
Will you damage the amp?
No. |
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Jim Kennedy
From:
Brentwood California, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2019 8:35 am
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Can you use a small generator? I play farmers markets
With a 1500 watt Honda generator. Run a small pa and a bass amp, pedals,and other miscellaneous stuff. These generators are small, quiet, and reliable.
_________________
ShoBud Pro 1, 75 Tele, 85 Yamaha SA 2000, Fender Cybertwin, |
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Greg Cutshaw
From:
Corry, PA, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2019 8:37 am
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| Depending on the calculation app or method used remember, that for your 200' distance, the electrical circuit for voltage drops is actually 400'. |
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James Quillian
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Lance Clifford
From:
Oregon, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2019 10:49 am
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So, 4 amp draw. A 200', 12/3 extension cord would cost as much as the amp. Worth it? Only you can decide. Paying gig, how often, etc.
Something else to consider... 200' of cord provides many opportunities for someone to trip and fall, so thought should be given to routing and securing in place. |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2019 11:04 am
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| Quote: |
| All I do is amplify voice/harmonica and acoustic guitar. |
If you're going to do this with any regularity, I would go get one of those battery powered amps with both voc/guit inputs. |
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James Quillian
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2019 11:45 am
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O.K. I am convinced. It won't happen.
I have been playing there for 3 years so its not one of those do it our way or hit the bricks situations.
These are reasonable people and they will understand why it wouldn't work.
Thanks for all of the good advice. I needed it.
_________________
Curbside Jimmy's New Act
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlzieFLE5no |
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