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No, but it is a waste of money when you only need three of the four wires when making an extension cord.

If you are constructing an extension cord make sure that the ends go to the right end of the cable. Match the wire end when looking at it, to the proper pin configuration of the plug.

White to silver, black to brass and green to green terminal. Looking at the end of the cable, it should be matched the plug configurations. On the plug end the wire should match the cable. If it doesn't look at the other end of the cable. No wires should cross when connecting to the blades on the plug, If they do you have the wrong end of the cable.

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Q: Do you have to use all 4 wires when making an extension cord?
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How do you make a 30 amp to 15 amp extension cord?

If your extension cord is truly a 30 amp cord then it is composed of #10 wire. #10 wire is rated at 30 amps. All you have to do is remove the 30 amp plug and receptacle ends from the cord and install 15 amp cord ends.


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Is it acceptable by OSHA to plug an extension cord into another extension cord?

In Canada this is quite acceptable. One extension cord can be plugged into another extension cord. What has to be kept in mind though, is the load amperage at the end of the cords. Additionally plugging one cord into another increases the wire's total resistance. This effects the over all voltage drop of the cord, by lowering the voltage at the load. If the cord's wire size is increase in each additional cord added to the length, this would be one way to combat against the voltage drop. An example, if the first cord has a #14 size conductor the next size cord to plug into it should be a #12. If additional length is needed then the next size cord to extend the length should be a #10.This type of cord use is used on construction sites all the time. Keep in mind that extension cords are only to be used as a temporary source of power in temporary locations and they not to be used as a permanent installation power source.


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What all 4 wires in a usb cord stand for?

All four wires in a USB cord stand for different things depending on the type. The standard has green (data negative), white (data positive), black (negative), and red (positive) cord strands. There is another that has orange (5 volts), blue (data negative), green (data positive), and white (ground) cord strands.


Could your singer sewing machine run more slowly if you are using an extension cord with it?

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Can you use an extension cord for a window air conditioner?

Yes, but be sure it is of sufficient rating to handle the current. Air conditioners typically use a large amount of electrical current, and so the ampere rating of the cord needs to be high enough not to cause appreciable heating or failure of the cord. Also, the longer the extension cord, the heavier its gauge needs to be, as its resistance goes up in direct relationship to its length. If the resistance of the extension cord gets too high, the compressor motor will see insufficient voltage to start up reliably and will run poorly or not at all. Look for an "appliance extension cord" when you go to the store. They are easily distinguishable from ordinary lamp extension cords by their heavier weight cable and they're almost always equipped with a 3-prong plug and receptacle. Keep the extension cord run from the outlet to the air conditioner as short as practical -- less than 12 ft (4 meters), if you can.


Can you use an extension cord with a window air conditioner unit?

Yes, but be sure it is of sufficient rating to handle the current. Air conditioners typically use a large amount of electrical current, and so the ampere rating of the cord needs to be high enough not to cause appreciable heating or failure of the cord. Also, the longer the extension cord, the heavier its gauge needs to be, as its resistance goes up in direct relationship to its length. If the resistance of the extension cord gets too high, the compressor motor will see insufficient voltage to start up reliably and will run poorly or not at all. Look for an "appliance extension cord" when you go to the store. They are easily distinguishable from ordinary lamp extension cords by their heavier weight cable and they're almost always equipped with a 3-prong plug and receptacle. Keep the extension cord run from the outlet to the air conditioner as short as practical -- less than 12 ft (4 meters), if you can.


Is it safe to use 3 heavy duty extension cords together?

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Where can I buy an extension cord that's at least three feel long?

You can buy extension cords of all different lengths at local department stores such as Walmart or Target. You can also find them at local home improvement stores.


How long can you run an electric extension cord?

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