answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

No. However, a longer extension cord has higher resistance for a given wire gauge or size compared to a short extension cord and the voltage at the load device may drop so low that it doesn't work properly. This may also be accompanied by a noticeable rise in the temperature of the extension cord. As a rule, use the shortest extension cord that will get the job done. If the extension cord must be long, use one that has heavy gauge wire to minimize voltage drop at the load.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Does a long extension cord draw more power than a short extension cord?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Does an extension cord use power if nothing is plugged into the other end?

If there is no load plugged into the cord there will be no power consumed. The only time the resistance of the cord will come into effect is when the circuit becomes energized through the load plugged into the end of the cord.


Why will an electric drill operating on a very long extension cord not rotate as fast as one operated on a short cord?

It is the voltage drop from the undersized wire that is used in the extension cord. Under this condition you will find that the drill will start to become hot with the additional current that the drill is trying to draw to keep the motor turning. It could get to a point where the breaker will trip before the drill burns out.


How long can you run an electric extension cord?

It depends on the gauge of the wire, the length and the total current draw of the appliances. You said "heavy duty outdoor extension cord" so I'll assume 12 gauge wire. You can run a MAXIMUM of 20 amps for a MAXIMUM of 100 Ft on that wire. If the current draw goes up, so should the wire size. If the distance goes up, so should the wire size. 10 Ga wire - 30 amps for 100 Ft.


Why is it important that the resistance of an extension cord used to power an electric heater be kept low?

An electric heater is one of the high-power appliances in a house, commonly taking 1.5 to 3 kilowatts of power. The current is high, and therefore there is a drop in the voltage applied to the heater equal to the current multiplied by the resistance of the cord. There is probably little power wasted, because any heat from the cord goes to heat up the same room. But a voltage drop causes the heater to draw less current because its resistance is constant, and therefore less total power is provided to heat the room. If the heater is thermostatically controlled so that it is not working all the time, the difference is small because any reduction in the heater's power would cause the thermostat to keep it going for longer, to compensate.


Is it possible to use an extension cord on an electric dryer?

It's possible but not a good idea. The cord itself would have to be custom made. It would be a better idea and the same amount of work to just by a longer cord. They are sold in various lengths and easy to install.

Related questions

Does an extension cord use power if nothing is plugged into the other end?

If there is no load plugged into the cord there will be no power consumed. The only time the resistance of the cord will come into effect is when the circuit becomes energized through the load plugged into the end of the cord.


Can you connect a 6 outlet power bar to an extension cord?

There are several variables:First and most important, what will be the current draw? If the total number of amps exceeds the rating of either the power strip or the extension cord you're creating a fire hazard.Second, the wire gauge and length of the extension are important. You will loose voltage over distance and that is a function of the current draw, wire type and wire gauge. If you're trying to run 20 amps, don't use any less than a 12 gauge extension cord up to a maximum of 100 Ft. 15 amps, minimum 14 gauge.


Why will an electric drill operating on a very long extension cord not rotate as fast as one operated on a short cord?

It is the voltage drop from the undersized wire that is used in the extension cord. Under this condition you will find that the drill will start to become hot with the additional current that the drill is trying to draw to keep the motor turning. It could get to a point where the breaker will trip before the drill burns out.


Is an electrical extension cord the same as a wall outlet?

The extension cord will extend the power outlet from a wall socket. The voltage will be the same at the end of the cord as it is from the socket. Be aware that extension cord may have a limit, as to how much current it can provide. The cord should be thick enough to provide as much power as the outlet can. It will then be properly protected by the circuit's fuse or breaker. A thin cord may get hot if a large consumer is plugged in, unless the cord is protected by it's own fuse at the plug end.


How long can you run an electric extension cord?

It depends on the gauge of the wire, the length and the total current draw of the appliances. You said "heavy duty outdoor extension cord" so I'll assume 12 gauge wire. You can run a MAXIMUM of 20 amps for a MAXIMUM of 100 Ft on that wire. If the current draw goes up, so should the wire size. If the distance goes up, so should the wire size. 10 Ga wire - 30 amps for 100 Ft.


How many appliances can you run from an extension cable at once?

The total load applied to an extension cord is governed by the wire size of the cord. As the extension cord is usually plugged into a wall receptacle. The breaker protecting the receptacle is rated at 15 amps. The total wattage is limited to 15 x 120 volts = 1800 watts. Check the nameplate on the appliances to see what the wattage draw totals. This will give you the answer, any amount that adds up to the total of 1800 watts.


Why is it important that the resistance of an extension cord used to power an electric heater be kept low?

An electric heater is one of the high-power appliances in a house, commonly taking 1.5 to 3 kilowatts of power. The current is high, and therefore there is a drop in the voltage applied to the heater equal to the current multiplied by the resistance of the cord. There is probably little power wasted, because any heat from the cord goes to heat up the same room. But a voltage drop causes the heater to draw less current because its resistance is constant, and therefore less total power is provided to heat the room. If the heater is thermostatically controlled so that it is not working all the time, the difference is small because any reduction in the heater's power would cause the thermostat to keep it going for longer, to compensate.


How does a bicycle headlight work?

Pretty much like a strangely shaped torch - with the added extension that sometime they draw their power from a generator on the bicycle


What file extension does a Draw file use?

Odt.


What causes a dc power cord to overheat?

A DC Power Cord should, in practice, never overheat. If it does, there is something very wrong. A piece of equipment is designed to draw a certain amount of current, the power supply, cord and connectors are all manufactured to withstand a little in excess of this amount and, if too much current presents, then a fuse or other safety device should break the circuit. Power cords for domestic equipment should really NEVER get hot, not even warm.


When was Short Cut Draw Blood created?

Short Cut Draw Blood was created in 1975-12.


How do you find the center point of a circle?

Draw a cord through the circle (a line through the circle, but not too close to where you imagine the center to be). With construction techniques, find the perpendicular at the center point of the cord, and draw the perpendicular. Do the same thing again starting with a different cord, and the two perpendiculars will intersect at the center of the circle.