Need extension cord advice

[FJ and G]

I need to purchase an extension cord that is 30 ft long (most are 25 or 50 so may need to settle for 50).

Purpose is to connect my outdoor toy train layout to the nearest plug on the 9 ft high deck (bummer).

I already layed pvc pipe to carry the line underground and it will surface into a structure I built to house the multi-plug device (surge protector & stuff).

I didn't put this up on the garden RR formats since I'm thinking our power requirements are less than for the larger G scale stuff.

Most cords I saw were 16 gauge, rated for up to 13 amps.

Plans are to use two Z750 bricks, one MRC HO power pak for accessories. Using DCS as well.

Another thing is that the cords that are rated for indoor/outdoor usage carry the warning to not use when wet. Duh, it rains outside so how can it be rated for outside and not get wet?

The plug connection itself would be inside the dry structure and the other end connected to the deck plug.

Any advice VERY appreciated.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I think they mean not to use when the ends are wet.

Jim H

[cnw1995]

David, I use a standard outdoor 30 ft extension cord you'd find in a hardware store or home center: it carries power for a multi-plug device connected to 2 Lionel 40 watt trainset transformers, an R transformer, small CD player, and a variety of lit Christmas village houses, crossing lights, and aircraft beacons, with nary a problem. I agree with Jim about the ends - not to be submerged, placed under a hose, etc.

[willpick]

Agree with cnw and Jim H. A 16 gauge cord is adequate for your purposes. Watertight enclosures are essential for BOTH ends-- any amount of water is a no-no!
HTH, and post a picture or two when you get finished!

[IRONROOSTER]

If you haven't already, make sure that your outlet is on a GFCI. It's been code for a long time for outside outlets, but you might want to check (especially if you're not the original owner).
Enjoy
Paul

[FJ and G]

Thanks guys.

I ONLY wi***he building codes had specified GFCI for ALL outside outlets like they do for bathrooms. Would seem to make sense.

There's no water tight enclosure for the deck plug as well.

[markperr]

The National Electrical Code has specified the use of GFCI's in outdoor residential wiring for better than ten years now so if your house is newer and you don't have GFCI's on the deck, it's possible that, if there was a previous homeowner, that they installed the deck outlet improperly.

There are places that sell GFCI extension cords but they won't work unless you already have a grounded system (3 wire)

If this is just a temporary set up, like with holiday lighting, you might be able to get away with it, but if you're looking at making this permanent, I'd highly recommend doing it the right way with a GFCI, waterproof outlets, and the right kind of cable for burying (UF cable).

Just because your equipment draws less current than GR stuff, doesn't mean you won't, should you accidently touch a live wire and an ungrounded return path at the same time.

Be safe

Mark

[lionelsoni]

I agree with Mark. This is a code violation unless it is temporary. If it is permanent, as I suspect, it should be wired into the house. The conduit should not be plumbing pipe but the gray stuff meant for wiring, although I guess you could pull UF through it. In any case, there is a minimum burial depth--the number escapes me.

Whether or not you go with the extension cord, you should at least use wire rated for the circuit, not the load; that is, 14AWG for a 15-ampere circuit breaker, AWG12 for 20 amperes.

[ChiefEagles]

Why extention cord? Buy some regular electrical cable 14 or 12 2 wire with ground. Run it through the conduit. Underground if it is not in conduit. Put a plug on one end and receptical on the other. Do it all the time here to power wife's garden lights and up lighting trees.

[jimhaleyscomet]

Just so you know, the actual GFI outlet may be somewhere else on the circuit (in the Garage or ???). You might check for it before you go through the trouble of adding a GFI box. However, I WOULD DEFINATELY MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GFI CIRCUIT.

JIm H

[Anonymous]

david,

do not bury your extension cord! it is too much work and you end up with a bad system.

leave the cord on the ground, or string it through the trees to keep it out of the snow.

when you are ready to install the permanent circuit; get some of that "romex" direct burial cable and run a new circuit from your breaker box to your yard recepticle.

your present plan as stated will work just fine, but it is a fools game and carries a lot of liability. any electrical authority will think less of you when they see it. and MOST IMPORTANT dogs chew on extension cords.

doing it right requires no extra work.

-rrick

p.s. if you're electrically challenged, and have no source from a real electrician; e-mail me and i'll consult for you.

[lionelsoni]

The direct-burial cable is the UF cable referred to above.

[FJ and G]

Thanks for advice, guys.

(I guess rodents might much on cords as well as dogs)

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jimhaleyscomet

Just so you know, the actual GFI outlet may be somewhere else on the circuit (in the Garage or ???). You might check for it before you go through the trouble of adding a GFI box. However, I WOULD DEFINATELY MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GFI CIRCUIT.

JIm H

[#ditto] As somebody who has an outdoor layout, Jim H is right on the money.

I have found rubber maid containers protect my DC transformers for my G Scale perfectly. The lids snap on real tight.

[Anonymous]

that direct burial cable (uf) is designed with burrowing rodents in mind, and is compounded to discourage any chewing. it's good stuff; it has worked for me. we've used it on construction sites as a 250' extension cord. it resists stepping on, driving over, and general neglect. it works even better when buried.

i don't know if it tastes bad to dogs though.

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rick bonfiglio

that direct burial cable (uf) is designed with burrowing rodents in mind, and is compounded to discourage any chewing. it's good stuff; it has worked for me. we've used it on construction sites as a 250' extension cord. it resists stepping on, driving over, and general neglect. it works even better when buried.

i don't know if it tastes bad to dogs though.

Put it in conduit or PVC pipe [I put mine in used and do not glue it]. You don't have to with UF but, I do. Then the wife doesn't hit it when planting flowers and shrubs.