20 amp cord

The best laid plans! I installed a 20amp receptacle (marinco) just aft of the drivers side basement door and ran the wire to a receptacle under the entertainment center. The installation went smoothly and the receptacle and plug look fine. So much for the aesthetics. The problem is that I can not find a 20amp power cord to connect to the campground. Further, I can not find one of those adaptors to reduce from 20 amp to 15 amp. What have I created? Lowes has a 50 foot 20amp extention cord, but I fear that is too long and that is the only one I have been able to find. I could make one, but still need to find the adapter. Any suggestions?

Is your 20 AMP inlet a twist lock type?

If so, did you also get the twist lock head for the inlet?

You can get bulk 12 gauge wire from an electrical supply house along with the plug. This is what I did, and I got a 20 AMP plug. The wire is oil & water resistant, or something like that, its black in color.

But, I have noticed that some CG's have a 20 AMP breaker with a 15 amp outlet. So, you would need to either use a 20 AMP plug on the end, and make a 15 to 20 AMP adaptor, or just go with a 15 AMP plug on the end of your new cord.

Be sure to try to get a 90 degree plug, so the CG post's door will close.

I would just change the receptacles and plugs out for 15A. You are probably not going to find 20A anyway; 15A is more common.

Scott,

Unfortunately, I think you are right. I just have to get to the electrical supply house to get my plug.

Frank,

According to the National Electrical Code, you can use both 15A and 20A recepticals on a 20A line. Personally, I've broken down both a premium 15A cord cap and a permium 20A cord cap and in comparison found little or no difference in the sizing or quality of the metal, insulation and plastic used in the manufacture of each. Based on my own observations, I seriously doubt whether the extra 5A will melt a 15A cord cap.

BTW, even though the circuit is rated for 20A, the bi-metal breaker restricts it to 15% less, making it 17A total.

You might remember the days when 20A recepticals didn't have that horizontal common blade. Many CGs are still operating with those old style 20A receps. Even my circuit tester that's rated for a 120V/20A recep has the old style vertical blades.

BTW, I do have a 15A cord cap on my 20A dedicated circuit. I've been using it for three seasons and haven't had a problem.

JMHO

Thanks for the input. I think I am going to buy the extension at Lowes and make up my own pig tale adapter.

Frank L wrote:Thanks for the input. I think I am going to buy the extension at Lowes and make up my own pig tale adapter.

Frank,

How much snow did you get?

We got about two inches, however 50 miles west got between 12 and 14. Love that Gulf Stream Air!