Posted: 6/12/2007 10:48:37 PM EDT
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Recently bought a generator primarily for use with my RV. It has 1 240v outlet, 1 30A 120V outet (for direct hookup to RV) and one 20A 120v outlet. Most generators have 2-4 of the 20A 120v outlets. My question - can I use an extension cord, plugged into the 20A 120v outlet, and have it go to a power strip with mutiple plugs in it? I'd like to be able to run more than one electrical appliance at a time with the generator, and if I am not using it for the RV (hence, not using the 30A outlet), then that one 20A 120v outlet will be my only way (short of spending $90 on a 240v 4 plug adapter cable) to use the power - just wanted to make sure I wasn't overloading anything or causing problems if I use a power strip - I figure I'd be OK as long as I didn't use too much juice past the wattage of the generator. |
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If the outlet is rated for 20A, then that is all it is rated for, regardless of how many outlets you have on the power strip. As long as you do not exceed 20amps TOTAL on the power strip you will be fine. Wire size, breaker size, plug style, are what brings you to the safe operating load of 20amps. --Something else you want to consider is if your hooking up any kind of motor loads to that circuit along with your other loads you may trip the breaker when the motor starts, even if it is under your 20amp rating. ETA: There is a margin of safety built into the 20amp circuit for momentary overloads, but if you have a continuous overload the socket tends to char and the insulation on the wire can become brittle from overheating for long periods of time, or it could melt from severe overloads. |
Sheeeit, $90 for a 240-120 adaptor ? That's silly. I could MAKE one for less than half that even WITH the extra fuses built-in to limit the 30 Amp to 20.  Guess I'm in the wrong business !<--- Electrician, btw.... To answer your question about the plug strip, yes, you can. Just buy a GOOD one, 20 Amp rated, if you can find it. You'll pay a little more for it, but it'll be made with heavier gauge wire and beefier receptacles inside. PREFERABLY, you really want to get one with GFCI protection, as it'll be outside, naturally. Best to be safe. The thing to keep in mind when USING one though, is do NOT exceed the wattage/amperage for the generator output AND of course, the plug strip itself. (duh) Also, if you're going to use any kind of extension cord BETWEEN the generator and the plug strip, it also needs to be 20 Amp capable. ie. made with 12 Gauge wire... Anything smaller like crappy dollar store cords will cause measurable voltage drop with can be dangerous. Overheated, melting cord ends sucks... A 20 Amp capable generator output = 2400 Watts. Stay below that and you'll be fine. (15 Amps = 1800 Watts, incidentally) Those are the MAX you can draw and be safe. Keep things under, say, 75% of that rating and you'll be totally fine. Hope that helps some. 
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