Running Halogens AND polisher off of one ext. cord?

ebpcivicsi · 05-03-06, 04:54

Any electrical gurus around here?

I have a detail Friday and I *think* that I will only have acces to one plug. Can I run my extension cord, split it at the end, plug in my halogens to one side, then run my polisher off of the other? Will I notice a decline in performance from either?

TIA

Coupe · 05-03-06, 05:00

I just use an extension corde that has 3 connectors.
That way i can run my PC, halogens and my hand held halogen. There is no power problems when i use this with all 3 accessory's.

UnsanePyro · 05-03-06, 05:02

I think you should be alright, I've ran more than that (significantly) off one plug/circuit before I blew the circuit breaker.

ajbarnes · 05-03-06, 05:51

Halogens and polishers (if it's a PC) have low watts, so you should be fine.

ebpcivicsi · 05-03-06, 06:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajbarnes

Halogens and polishers (if it's a PC) have low watts, so you should be fine.

Sorry, I should have stated that I will be running both the PC and my Makita rotary.

Thanks for the info guys!!

the other pc · 05-03-06, 08:38

Add up the total current draw of all the things you plan on running at the same time. If the total is near the wall plug capacity (typically 15 amps) you can expect nuisance tripping.

for example,

rotary - 10 Amps
PC - 3.7 Amps
light – 300 Watt (300W/120V= 2.5 Amps)

total = 16.2 Amps, You'll be tripping.

You normally want to keep below about 80% max capacity (12 Amps) for best performance/reliability.

(note: power tools only draw full current under load so you may get away with it until you start really using it.)

Also, try to use heavy extension cords for major power tools. 14 AWG minimum, 12 AWG is better.

PC.

Picus · 05-03-06, 09:27

Hey, nice information there "the other pc", good to know.

FWIW, I often bring a powerbar, and run extension cords off that to a PC, two or three halogens, a vacuum, and sometimes a rotary. I've never had a problem.

Reflections · 05-03-06, 09:56

I don't know anything about electricity, but I have never had a problem running 2-500W halogens and my rotary or PC off the same circuit. Halogens + steamer or extractor on the other hand can trip circuits I find. I think vacuum is ok with the Halogens too.