Extension cord length

[herofan]

I would like to keep my Massey Ferguson 383 in a barn without electricity about 500 feet away.
Would a series of heavy duty, outdoor extension cords do it, or should I go with a generator?

I’ve had people tell me the extension cord would work well, while others say no.

 

[True Grit Farms]

Extension cords for what use?

 

[kenny thomas]

If using the engine block heater I think a generator makes more sense. Just heat it a few minutes instead of 24 hours a day.

 

[herofan]

Extension cords for what use?

Ah, yes, I suppose it would be helpful to state what I would be using it for. Plugging in the tractor to heat it on cold days is my intent.

 

[Silver]

Well, I think at 500' (1000 ft round trip for electricity) with 14 Gauge wire you would lose about over half of your original voltage.
I think you would need 6 gauge wire to get 110V to your block heater.

 

[Atimm693]

Block heaters can draw a lot of juice. As much as a space heater in some cases.

You could just about buy a generator for what the extension cords would cost.

My advice, generator, or park it closer to power.

 

[Rafter S]

Generator. Unless you want to burn the barn down with the tractor in it to collect the insurance.

 

[greybeard]

If you know what size wire you will be using, and how many amps the heater pulls, you can figure it here.
(enter 3% as max voltage drop)

http://www.southwire.com/support/voltag ... ulator.htm

 

[Farm Fence Solutions]

I plug one in on 250' of cord every morning. Never tried any further, but I've got a 500W tank heater on 250' of cord on the same outlet, and have yet to trip the 20 amp breaker. I'm no electrician, so don't take this as expert advice.

 

[Silver]

A lot of block heaters are 1500W, so draw 12.5a at 120V. So therefore a safe sized wire for the load would be 6 ga. 8 would probably work.
But like Atimm said, be easier to park closer to the power source.

 

[Aaron]

At 500' with a 1500W draw, you would need #4 (and your at the upper limits on it - could be #3) copper wire and a dedicated 15 amp breaker. The wire alone would probably cost around $1000-1200 US.

 

[ALACOWMAN]

Block heaters can draw a lot of juice. As much as a space heater in some cases. .....Man you go that right. I've watched the meter when I plug it in...starts spinning like a top...

 

[J&D Cattle]

Buy a timer to use with the block heater so you're not running it 24/7. Works great for me and is more economical.

 

[pricefarm]

I have power at my barn and I don't leave mine plugged up all the time. I'll plug it in about 15-20mins before I need it and it starts up great.

 

[ALACOWMAN]

Whatever you do don't let the cord lay across any metal parts, especially with a edge....and especially near your hay..

 

[Logar]

Go and buy some 8 gauge electrical cable and put ends on it - use it as a single extension cord - get one with the heavy black coating - holds up well to the weather.

It might even be cheaper than buying extension cords.

Assuming it is for a block heater.

Be sure to put it up in a way you do not run over it or tangle it in any equipment.

Cheers