Its get'n cold here this week (low- teens) & I'm getting ready to start using the block heater again. Ran into a problem w/ our new house - no wall plugs in the garage. Garage & house are connected by a breezeway - no breaker box in the garage just the two opener outlets overhead & a couple of outside lights. That's all.

I didn't even think about plugging the trucks in until now or I'd already have run a 2cnd line out to the garage - looks like that will have to be a spring project but in the mean time... How long of an Ext cord can I run? - its probably 35ft to the nearest outside outlet on the house. The two outside outlets (luckily) are on 20A breakers - just opposite corners of the house. Neither are close to the garage. Bummer....

Last place we had I installed X3 20A single outlets & assoc breakers for each of the 3 vehicles - When I get to it I plan to do the same here but it'll probably be well into Feb before I could do it - I need a temporary solution that won't burn the house down.

DG

 

I have safely run a 12 guage 200 foot cord. If you are going with a long length of cord, just make sure you have a good, high quality cord that can withstand the amps your truck pulls. Get a 10 guage if you can find one - They are expensive!

Something like this would be good if you only have 35 feet to go:
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Cable-50-Foot-Extension-02688-88-02/dp/B000A3I3GA/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1200413120&sr=1-28

Or: http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50-Foot-T-Blade-PowerLite-2991/dp/B000HEC2DW/ref=sr_1_56?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1200413427&sr=1-56

 

Thanks, I'm going to hit Home Depot on the way home tonight.

If they don't have a 10awg I'll probably go with the Coleman Cable one you listed.

DG

 

Home depot should have a 10 or 12 guage that will work for you. They also have 18 AMP outdoor timers for about $18 each, which are REALLY handy to have. That way you can set it to trip on 3 hours before you leave...it'll pay for itself after about a month's usage.

 

if they don't have one already made they will have the wire and ends

 

The timers I have been using are a commercial type - like for turning signs or, security lights on/off.

Cost about $35 @ Lowe's & has a 50A rating. What I like is it's Heavy Duty and has an actual clock face so you're not guessing when you set it.

DG

 

50ft 12guage and an outdoor timer set for 3.5hr. no problems!!!!

 

12 gauge is good for 35' run - as long as total amperage is not over 25