Extension cords for wiring in my semi.

I had a guy tell me I could use heavy duty extension cords instead of buying wire for jobs.

Any advice on this???
If you know what gauge of wire should I use for what amp range?

Thanks,

 

I use extension cords for wiring on the truck. Works great. Extension cord has nice protective covering on it already.
Size of cord would depend on what you are wiring..
If its just LED lights they don't draw hardly any amps

 

I'll second the extension cord. They work great, double insulated and can handle any wattage demand wired for lights.

Size? I think a 16 gauge cord would be the smallest I would use. 50 footer works great to reach the front terminal box to the back lights of a 48' trailer. Usually cheaper than buying wire from a trailer dealer or parts store. You can use the ends cut off another cord to connect without compromising the longer cord.

When I bought my "new to me trailer" I put an outdoor rated extension cord from front to rear with wire harness, just in case I would need another wire. Been 4 years and haven't needed it. But I know that rainy, snowy wind blowing night will come.

I also use extension cords to add circuits in my truck.
Good luck

 

Only thing with extension cords is they don't really hold up to exposure to petroleum products as well as automotive wiring does. Don't flex worth a dang either when its cold.

 

What are you wiring? A fridge? A light? Coffee pot?

 

Find a wire gauge and Amps chart
Make sure it’s for 12 volt direct current

figure out what the amp draw for your device is going to be .
Add about 59% to that amp number

then figure out what gauge wire you need , and factor in the distance voltage drop .

or post it up here and maybe someone will help show you how to figure it out

 

Yep, it would also help to know exactly how the truck is now.

My truck came with a shore power plug and 3 AC outlets inside. There is standard Romex running behind the walls, from the factory. I wired my inverter through the shore power plug so inverter powers all the outlets and from there I have some short cheapo extension cords. Works fine. When I plug in at home AC power passes through inverter to all AC outlets/cords.

 

Just an fyi, you need SJOOW cable, not some cheap extension cord that is not made for weather exposure.

 

Thats convienient, ive got a 250 foot spool of 14/3

 

A spool of what?

SJOOW?

cheap extension cable?