How to Make a 30 Amp Generator Extension Cord
Extension cords play a crucial role in how we utilize our power generators. One such cord is a 30–amp generator extension cord which is a kind of heavy-duty cable that can be used in your RV vehicle as well as in other outdoor adventures. You can find a variety of these kinds of cords online or at your nearby local stores. The only problem is that going for ready-made will at some time be a disadvantage. The pre-made cord might not have been tailored well to suit your needs. So, you can consider designing one on your own.
Why is it so important to make your own 30-amp generator extension cord?
Designing one on your own will save the worries of buying a 30-amp generator extension cord that is of the wrong quality, length, or thickness.
In this piece of work, we are going to take you through step by step guide on how to make a 30-amp generator extension cord. Without wasting even, a single second, let us directly dive in.
Also, Read the best 50 amp generator guide.
How to make a 30 amp generator extension cord
Step one: Collect the required tools and materials
Just like any other DIY project, there are some specific tools and materials that you will need when designing a 30-Amp generator cord.
Here are some of the things that you will need.
- Size number ten extension cord
- Male plug
- Two receptacles
- 4 by 4 square covered square box
- CGB or any other cord strain reliever connector
- Screwdrivers
- Gloves
- A knife
- Scissors
- Pliers
- Electrical tape
Step Two: Make a hole in the square box
After collecting and ensuring that all the required tools and materials are in place, start by knocking a hole in the square box. You can use pliers to accomplish this step.
Step three: Strip the extension cord
The next step is to stripe the cord. Measure approximately 6.3 centimeters from the end and then use pliers to strip. This step should be done cautiously to shun unnecessary cutting of the wires.
One further thing in this step is that when stripping your extension cord, remember to cut some of the wire that you will no longer require in the making of your extension cord. You should know the live, neutral, and ground wires. Scissors are very vital in this step .
Step four: Fix the CGB on the square box
It is now time to fix the CGB on the square box. In this step put the CGB in the hole that was made on the Square box and use channel-lock pliers to lock it in place. Then insert the wires in CGB and lock it after ensuring that wires are well set inside.
Step Five: Strip the wire and make two Grounds
In this step use pliers with strippers to strip wire and ensure that you don’t do it excessively. Then cut the wires into two grounds. One part will be used for receptacles and the other will be used for the generator.
Step Six: Fix the stripped wires
Using wire nuts, attach the other wire to the box and then Tighten it. You can use strippers or just your fingers to tighten the wires. You should pull the wires to ensure they have made good contact. Then fix the wires on the receptacle. To accomplish this, just twist the wires and then connect them and use screwdrivers to tighten them. Electrical tape should be used at this step to secure the wires after ensuring that they are well set in the right spots.
Step seven: Fix the receptacles in the square Box
Receptacles should be attached to the cover of the square box. You should remove the screws first before attaching them to the back of the square box and should be locked using the screws you removed in the previous step.
Step 8: Connect the Wire to the male plug
After removing the screws of the male plug, strip the other end of the wire and fix it to the male plug. Then check the connections and screw back.
How to make a 30-amp generator extension cord
Generators extension cords are very essential cords that can be used both outdoor or indoors. Like I said before, they come in different types and qualities. So, you ought to know the differences. In your design of the extension cord, there are some tips that you have to follow to ensure that the end product satisfies your needs the most. Here are some of them.
Quality
The making of a customized 30-Amp generator cord starts by choosing the cord itself. There is some aspect that you have to consider when choosing the extension cords. It includes the length, thickness, and amp rating of the cord.
So, before you procure or choose the cord to use, check its gauge rating. In determining the right gauge, one simple rule to remember, the higher the gauge, the thinner the cord, and the lower it capacity rating.
If you are going to use the cord in your RV, a lower gauged cord will still do, but if you are going to use it for heavy-duty applications in your home to power multiple gadgets, consider buying a cord with a higher gauge and higher power rating.
Connections
Before putting that extension cord that you have designed into use, first, perform a check to ascertain that all connections are ok. This will ensure that you reach your intention without shot circuiting your gadgets.
Also while performing the checks, ensure that the cord has no form of damage. For example, it should be free of any form of a cut in it. Though, for this case, you can just use electrical tape to cover it. But it is recommended that no cuts in it should be available for your safety and your gadgets.
Checks should be done before powering the generator.
Usage
The resulting cord should be used within its specifications. For instance, a cord designed for indoor use should not be applied outdoors unless otherwise. Also, it should be used within its amp rating. For our case, you should use your cord for connections that require no more than a 30-amp of power. If you use it for higher amps of power, it might not be able to handle and can result in fire.
Expertise
When making your 30-amp generator cord, you should co-operate high level of expertise. Regardless of the many advantages that generators offer, they are very risky. Generators carry the carbon monoxide poisoning and high voltage shock risks. So, any DIY should be performed with maximum expertise. If you doubt yourself, consider hiring the service of an expert.
Conclusion
Now, it is no doubt that you can make your own 30-amp generator extension cord. The steps are very simple and require little to no electrical knowledge. If you closely follow the steps above, you will have no issues coming up with your own customized 30-amp generator extension cord that can meet all of your needs. Remember designing your generator cord, will give you the freedom to choose on thickness, length, or quality of the cord.
