Extension cords question


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Old 11-23-17, 09:16 AM
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Extension cords question

Hi, I am wondering, is it safe to leave a laptop computer plugged into an extension cord? I am not knowledgeable about electrical things but the extension cord has a maximum wattage of 1625, max volrage of 125 and max amps of 13. I may be going to Guatemala and it says online their voltage is 115-230. Thanks.
 
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Old 11-23-17, 10:39 AM
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An extension cord long enough to reach from the U.S. to Guatemala will have a huge voltage drop. Your laptop probably will not work on the low voltage resulting from such a long extension cord.
 
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Old 11-23-17, 10:58 AM
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I have never seen a laptop computer that didn't run on battery power. Why do you keep your plugged in? If you go to Guatemala, unplug the laptop before you leave.
 
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Old 11-24-17, 08:05 AM
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I did not mean that I am using an extension cord from the US to Guatemala. That would be impossible. I meant if I go to Guatemala I will bring an extension cord in my luggage to plug in when I am there – just a regular 9 foot extension cord. Laptops can run on battery power but running the laptop that way drains the battery over time.
 
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Old 11-24-17, 08:12 AM
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When going abroad on longer trips I often carry an extension cord that has three outlets on the end. Most hotels and homes in North America have a lot of outlets but some countries only have one or two in a room and often they are behind furniture. So, being able to get some sockets out where they are accessible and having several sockets can be a big help when it's time to charge my computer, camera and phone. None pull much current so there is no problem load wise using a cord.
 
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Old 11-24-17, 08:36 AM
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The extension cord will not be an issue and is rated far in excess of what your laptop AC adapter (charger) requires.
Look at the charger closely - it will have the voltage requirements printed on it. Many of these can be connected to 100-240 volts AC and will no be an issue for you but if it says 120 volts AC and you plug it into 240 volts AC things will get ugly fast.
You may also need adapters to plug into the wall outlets - they could differ from USA outlets.
Enjoy your travels.
 
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Old 11-24-17, 08:56 AM
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It doesn't hurt a battery to be discharged and recharged once in awhile.
Geo
 
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Old 11-24-17, 02:54 PM
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extension cord has a maximum wattage of 1625, max volrage of 125 and max amps of 13.
Unless your extension cord has some electronic circuitry it will work fine at 2xxV. Wires used for most extension cords are rated 600V (insulation rating) and some rated 300V. The only issue is you will have 120V outlet supplying higher voltage and potentially fry 120V devices by accidentally plugging them to the extension cord.
 
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Old 11-28-17, 10:19 AM
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An extension cord long enough to reach from the U.S. to Guatemala will have a huge voltage drop.
Ok Wirepuller... no one else laughed, but I almost spit out my drink. Thanks.
 
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Old 11-30-17, 01:36 PM
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Thanks for all the replies.

The only issue is you will have 120V outlet supplying higher voltage and potentially fry 120V devices by accidentally plugging them to the extension cord.

Sorry, I am not knowledgeable about electrical stuff so I don't know what this means. The input for the charger says 100-240V. If the outlet is 120V and the charger input is 100-240V and the extension cord max voltage is 125, how could it fry my device? Did you mean a 240V outlet? Also double checking online says Guatemala has 110V electricity.
 
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Old 11-30-17, 02:20 PM
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Your charger is 100 - 240V so it will work fine. But if you have any 120V only device and you have your extension cord with 120V outlet plugged into 240V wall outlet with a plug adapter, there is possibility of plugging in 120V into 240V.


I just checked Type of outlets used in Guatemala and it is the same as in the US and their voltage is also same as in the US (120V).
So, non of the possible issues I mentioned will apply in your case.
 

Last edited by stickshift; 12-01-17 at 01:51 AM. Reason: removed un-needed quoting
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Old 12-01-17, 06:21 AM
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Ok Wirepuller... no one else laughed, but I almost spit out my drink. Thanks.
Just trying to clear up the situation. I am not very good at reading between the lines. Thanks, and have a nice day.
 
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Old 12-21-17, 09:05 AM
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Electrician's Knot?

I need to replace a female plug [end] on a 12 gauge 100-foot extension cord used for electric yard equipment. Over 60 years ago my Dad told and showed me an electrician's knot to use to use when replacing an end on an extension cord; I used it many years ago, but now I can't recall how to tie it. As I understand it, this now will make a solid connection with the end and the cord, however, I don't remember how to tie it. The know was for use on a 3 wire cord. If you can tell me how to tie this knot I will appreciate it.
 
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Old 12-21-17, 09:12 AM
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Old 12-21-17, 09:56 AM
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Most cord-end plugs and receptacles these days have integral cable clamps that secure the cable to the plug end eliminating the need for those fancy knots.
 
 

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