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Jan 15, 2008 | 09:45 AM

dagren99

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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)

Block heater

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

Jan 15, 2008 | 10:06 AM

Smokin'

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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

Last edited by Smokin'; Jan 15, 2008 at 10:12 AM.

Jan 15, 2008 | 10:36 AM

dagren99

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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)

Block Heater Ext Cord

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

Jan 15, 2008 | 10:39 AM

Smokin'

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dagren99

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.

Jan 15, 2008 | 10:42 AM

rbaker6336

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From: Blairsville,Ga

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagren99

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

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

Jan 15, 2008 | 11:19 AM

dagren99

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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)

Timer

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