Given a max. output of 7100 Watts, what is the complete specification of the wire extension that I shld use ?

Question

I'm not familiar w/wire specs stating eg. : "600 V w/ some particular temperature rating or the concept of stranded to solid wire whose thickness is for a particular electrical capacity." Having no over-the-counter 30 Amp rating extension cord available for a gasoline powered generator, I'm to make my own from scratch, a 20 meter extension w/ 4 sockets, for 220 V: refrigirator, nebulizer, fans & lights. The urgency of this stand-by power is for my totally paralyzed father-in-law. Since, I've noticed no one thought of being prepared in times of blackouts like during storms.

Answer 1

Assuming your line voltage is 220-240 volts (Europe)

7100 watts / 239 = 31 amps.

You should be using #6 wire IF (and a big IF) you are using the full 7100 watts from the generator.

But from your description, you are using a lot less than that. Add up the watts from each appliance and light. For example:

refrig :  200 watts

nebul :  60 w

fan: 100 w

Lights: 300 w (switch to CFL lights for less power)

And get a total, in this example 660 watts, which at 220 volts is only 3 amps.

So in this case, you can easily use just about any extension cord. But there should be a fuse or breaker sized for the capacity of the extension cord.

hope this helps. email me if you need more help.

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