Heat Presses / electrical

[brandon]

Hey all,

Quick question. In a pinch can you run Hotronix cap and general heat presses off electrical cords? I prefer not to but we are having loads of remodeling work going on. Just curious. Makes me nervous. Thank you

[Frog]

I would assume that that depends on gauge of wire of the cord, and how long it is. There would definitely be added resistance and resulting heat, but could vary greatly.

[inkman996]

You can get 10/3 electrical cords but it will cost you a car payment. It would probably be cheaper to just buy some SO cord and plugs and make your own. Only get enough for what you need.

[mooseman]

You should have no problem if you buy a heavy enough extension at least a 12 GA should be used example
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Southwire-2588SW0002-12-3-50-Yellow-SJTW-Heavy-Duty-3-Prong-Outdoor-Extension-Cord/21155907
. If you really want to go heavy there are cords made for power generators they are 10GA example
https://www.walmart.com/ip/10-3-25ft-Generator-Power-Extension-Cord-Male-NEMA-L5-20P-Plug-3-Outlet-5-15R-Lighted-End-Female-Receptacles/535210365.
you should be OK with the right stuff, biggest point of interest will be plug and socket as sometimes the fit is not as tight as it should be and you could see some higher resistance because of poor connection.
mooseman

[mooseman]

You should have no problem if you buy a heavy enough extension at least a 12 GA should be used example
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Southwire-2588SW0002-12-3-50-Yellow-SJTW-Heavy-Duty-3-Prong-Outdoor-Extension-Cord/21155907
. If you really want to go heavy there are cords made for power generators they are 10GA example
https://www.walmart.com/ip/10-3-25ft-Generator-Power-Extension-Cord-Male-NEMA-L5-20P-Plug-3-Outlet-5-15R-Lighted-End-Female-Receptacles/535210365.
you should be OK with the right stuff, biggest point of interest will be plug and socket as sometimes the fit is not as tight as it should be and you could see some higher resistance because of poor connection.

If you are handy with such things just go to a home store buy a length of 10GA 3 conduit wire a plug and a socket and wire up a temporary extension line just like it would be inside you wall except running across the floor  .
mooseman

[Sbrem]

the power cord on your heat press will have the guage on it some where, match that or thicker if you make one, or "air conditioner" extension cords will work too. We used out Hotronix hat press on extension cords until we recently move the operation into a spare office and went straight to the wall.

Steve

[inkman996]

the power cord on your heat press will have the guage on it some where, match that or thicker if you make one, or "air conditioner" extension cords will work too. We used out Hotronix hat press on extension cords until we recently move the operation into a spare office and went straight to the wall.

Steve

I would always go thicker gauge. Distance increases the resistance. They size their cord based on a short run. Good habit is to check the extension cord after using for a little while for heat, if it is getting hot its not good.

[brandon]

Thanks everyone! Again this is just till construction is over. Getting anything done construction wise in New Orleans takes forever between the contractor and pay offs