Power sockets

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Power sockets

Your generator is a 220/240 volt unit so 10 gauge wire is adequate since there would be a little over 35 amps per phase. 10 gauge wire on 72 amp, 120 circuit would be too small. Ampacity tables are generally set up for a multitude of applications such as free air, in conduit, enclosures, etc. One size does not fit all when it comes to wiring things safely. Your vacuum cleaner very likely has a 10-12 amp motor. Feel the cord the next time you use it for a whole house cleaning job. That cord likely has 16 gauge wire in it and it will get warm. This is not a free air application since the cord is in a jacket. Even though 16 gauge wire is rated for 10 amps, here is an application where the ampacity limits are being pushed.
 

halfmoa

Ensign
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
955
Re: Power sockets

If you've got a stove to heat up water get a french press and forget about it! I almost can't even drink brewed coffee anymore!
 

cyclops2

Banned
Joined
Apr 19, 2011
Messages
1,237
Re: Power sockets

Silvertip

I think you misunderstood that the generator is a ....single phase.... and is powering my house at 240 / 120 ac.
So 17,500 divided by 240 vac is 73 amps. The 73 amps is flowing thru both 120vac legs at the same instant. I can run a single 120 volt leg at 73 amps also if the loads are not balanced across both lines / legs.

Rich
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: Power sockets

I don't know Rich I am not a coffee drinker but from what I have been told it reheating can change the flavor. and I was well aware of the gage sizes not being completely right by the NEMA charts, it depends a lot of type of stranding. The charts are standard AWG conductors and thier many specialties wire types I worked in the mining industry and built many specialty control devices to work in some extreme conditions with voltages from 120 to12,470 AC and a good bit of battery equipment. And I thought it should be a simple matter of sizing out the wire and socket to make it convent for the wife to have a cup in the mornings. I like to fish late into the nights and she likes it in the morning and I was hoping she could wake up and have her coffee and let me sleep in. And right now its simply more trouble that its worth and she will just have to heat water on the grill or use old style coffee maker.
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: Power sockets

yea tyvm bubba that will work just fine and sure makes it simpler.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
17,054
Re: Power sockets

I bought one of these 12 VDC coffee maker for the truck while surf fishing. Its expensive and you have to buy a special power cable for it but it works like a charm. The coffee is the hot and its doesn't take all that long to brew unlike the unit it replaced.
 

cyclops2

Banned
Joined
Apr 19, 2011
Messages
1,237
Re: Power sockets

Moderator

Please .....THANK THE OWNERS FOR KEEPING THIS FORUM ON LINE !!

Rich
 

M9.9

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 4, 2011
Messages
152
Re: Power sockets

Hi all, 12 volt Battery Cables from the batt to the starter and engine ground are generally 4-6 gauge. A healthy 12 volt vehicle starter motor draws between 175-250 amps but not continuous. I have used amp gauge many times to test starter motors for excessive draw.

Anyway, I think the math is simple re a 12v coffee pot since you know it's draw requirements.
Also, as someone above mentioned, I would certainly NOT use any (cig lighter) male connector presently available, that I'm aware of, for a connection to a high amp draw.
 

MH Hawker

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
5,516
Re: Power sockets

I bought one of these 12 VDC coffee maker for the truck while surf fishing. Its expensive and you have to buy a special power cable for it but it works like a charm. The coffee is the hot and its doesn't take all that long to brew unlike the unit it replaced.

I sincerely appreciate that dingbat but I going with the propane powered one its just so much simpler. But I will keep it in mind its nice to have options.

Anyway, I think the math is simple re a 12v coffee pot since you know it's draw requirements.
Also, as someone above mentioned, I would certainly NOT use any (cig lighter) male connector presently available, that I'm aware of, for a connection to a high amp draw.


Thats the problem I ran into M9.9 the american made sockets arnt rated high enough , You can find one from the UK or AUS, how ever I am going with Bubba`s idea of a propane heated pot, much simpler and I will all ready be using the small cylinders for the grill
 

SteveMcD

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 21, 2011
Messages
182
Re: Power sockets

I have a 12 V coffee maker. It takes about 45 minutes. After doing the math on power consumption, I decided it would be best to have the engine running. My solution was a coleman stove and a camping percolating coffee pot.
 
Top