I have a few questions that involve simple electrical wire theory, but thesituation gets a little bit complicated.I am trying to run an extension cord (or cords) into the woods to power astage, with fairly powerful musical equipment, lights, PA, etc.I'm assuming the power outlets that will be available are standardgrounded 120 Volt, hopefully on the heavy duty side. The equipment I'mlooking to power totals several thousand watts (rated at, lets say, 3000W). However, the power draw is not consistent... it fluctuates with howhard the equipment is being pushed from moment to moment. The distance is more than 1000 feet (probably more like 2000 ft). If Iwere to buy a single cord that is suitable for this job, I'm guessing theoutlet itself would be the limiting factor in terms of resistance andheat, and I don't want to start any fires. I'm not even sure if a wirethat is a large enough gauge would even come with the standard outletplug. At this power draw and distance, even several 120-V outlets might not dothe job, if the wire that runs from the power lines to the outlet box (orany internal wiring) is not a heavy enough gauge. For this type of job,do I need to look into other methods of getting enough power from the polebesides running several extension cords?Does anyone have any specific advice on how to tackle this problem? (i.e.what type of gauge wire, how many extension cords, how to correctly tapthe power lines, etc.)Your help is most appreciated.-Dave##-----------------------------------------------##Delivered via Construction and Maintenance ForumWeb and RSS access to your favorite newsgroup - - 289120 messages and counting!##-----------------------------------------------##

Is there any reason why you cannot rent or buy a generator? A two thousand foot extension cord is not very practical for such a small load. You can get heavier gauge SO cord or single conductors but the wire will be quite expensive and heavy and you will need connectors every few hundred feet.If you are concerned about noise from a generator, contact companies that rent motion picture equipment. Their generators are practically noiseless.

Wire gauge for a certain length and load?

May 09, 2008 21 Replies

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Bill Kaszeta / Photovoltaic Re 18 years ago

Grainger Transformer,3 Kva = $427 Transformers have standby and load losses to consider in making the decision. Generally, double the voltage = 1/4 the wire cost for the same loss.

Bill Kaszeta Photovoltaic Resources Int'l Tempe Arizona USA snipped-for-privacy@pvri-removethis.biz

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Stormin Mormon 18 years ago

For that load, and for that distance, a generator may be more practical. Honda are rather quiet.

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