Source for BLACK Extension Cords?

[pgtr]

Odd request perhaps but I use extension cords as the cheapest most readily available source for replacement cords for my various projects ranging from tube radios to toy transformers. Problem is they only come in white and brown in the stores I've visited. Brown is great in many cases but in some cases black would be more aesthetically pleasing.

(I'm aware that Lionel offers them but that would require mail order in my case and I've other brands beyond Lionel)

Anybody know of any stores that might carry black extension cords?

Thanks!

[dwiemer]

I have not seen black cords, but like you say, they have them mail order.  Olsen's has them for I think $3.00.  Another idea you may try is Radioshack, or, you might be able to get a high rated replacement cord at say Sears Parts stores, or Home Depot by the power equipment.

Dennis

[Brutus]

Does Radio Shack have them?

[dwiemer]

I believe they do, some bigger stores should have them, but smaller ones may not.

Dennis

[thankey]

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/LCAC-142/905/7"#39;_BLACK_2-COND_AC_POWER_CORD_W_SWITCH_.html

$0.90 is hard to beat.  All electronics is a great place to browse.  They have so many things that you didn't even know you needed.

[phillyreading]

Stay away from the Radio Shack cords as they only sell light duty cords far as I know.  Like thankey mentioned try an electronics store and tell the person you need it for 6 Amps or better.  Maybe speaker cable in 16 gauge two conductor wire will work.

Lee F.

[lionelsoni]

The NEC permits 10 amperes for two-conductor AWG 18, which is the lightest that you will find.  If you want AWG 16, it is best to ask for it as such rather than in terms of ampacity.  In any case, it's seems like a long time since I've seen a new AWG 18 power cord or extension cord.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Try a sweeper repair store.   Although the cords are usually round, they are black and heavier than an extenstion cord. 

 

[Anonymous]

Some place, around the house you have an old toaster, iron, power tool, or a cw 80 transformer that is non working.  Use the cord off that.

Bob 
"Don't just do something, stand there."

[pgtr]

Thanks everyone for the great responses!

Couple interesting sources I've used...

Old hairdriers often have a built in GFCI plug - before throwing out that old unit a quick snip is what I do and into the parts bin.

Another cool one is old power supplies from some laptops - Dells for example have a nice flat 3 conductor cord in black that plugs into the brick. The flat style arrangement makes it a very flexible for snaking up into many transformers designed in a 2 conductor era.

PC power cords are 3 conductor and a dime a dozen at many local electronics suppliers.

Thanks again

[phillyreading]

Bob,

The last copy of an NEC book that I have permits 10 amps with 16 AWG.

Lee

[lionelsoni]

I'm looking at Table 400.5A of the 2005 NEC.  Column B allows 10 amperes for an 18 AWG cord with two current-carrying conductors, and 13 amperes for 16 AWG.  Column A does restrict 18 AWG to 7 amperes and 16 AWG to 10 amperes, but only for a cord with three current-carrying conductors, which is I think not what we are talking about here.

[dwiemer]

Went to Home Depot today, they have power tool replacement cords.  These should be fine for our purposes.  I believe the 8 ft. 16ga was $6.94.  I will be getting a few for some projects.

dennis