comments interspersed...
Laura wrote:
to evelynanne8 & all;
some thoughts; re: running an extension cord
"ELECTRICITY IS DANGEROUS"
|
Amen!
Run the electric cord through PVC... use the glue to join the areas that might be more inclined to be laying in water.... yes use pvc that is big enough to string the cord with the pulg on though the pvc or cut off an end plug... string it through the pvc length and re attach a plug with a reset button ....
|
It's not a good idea to add a splice into an otherwise good cord. Besides adding a place for potential problems it voids the UL rating of the cord. Running cords through a pipe can cause them to overheat, causing other problems. The rating of cords and cables usually is for free air, not enclosed in a pipe.
or
get some re-bar and make little stakes out of them and string the electric cord above the ground... use zip ties to attached another zip tie loop to string the electric cord through
|
This would work fine, but is not necessary if you are using the proper cord/cable. If the outer sheath is in good shape without tears or holes, water cannot enter. Submersible pumps are wired with flexible cords that run through water with no problems.
or
use a plastic bags/milk jug/clear plastic water bottle over the plugs and use zip ties or electrical tape to hold in place ...(with plastic it is best to just make a slice with a razor blade and pull apart just enough to slide the cord in)
|
This looks like trouble. Plastic jugs or bags will likely act as a place for water to seep in and cause problems. They might work as rain or splash shields, but not for something that could end up lying in water.
or
even a good glop of caulking over the connection of the plugs that might be on the wet ground area.
|
Many caulks have components that will corrode copper, causing problems in a connection. Others actually conduct electricity. Use a sealer that is made for electrical work.
or
go buy a good novel and when the weather is too wet or you need an excuse to not work, you can take a mental health day and go read your book that you bought in advance!
|
Won't get much done that way!
do not listen to those that are not in your shoes... <grins>
|
Listen to everyone. Keep the good parts and discard the chaff.
THIS IS THE BOLD PRINT HERE
"ELECTRICITY IS DANGEROUS"
if in doubt get an electrician to run ya some temporary wire run with enough amp, volt, oooph to do what you are wanting to do!!!! They might just get some wire cable from the local home depot/lowes etc.. and add plugs on both ends for you...
|
Make sure it is a qualified electrician and that he does a safe job. A qualified electrician is probably going to be buying his materials from a supply house, not Lowes or Home Depot where the quality is sometimes questionable and the prices are high. Don't skimp on electrical work.
the longer the extension cord run is the oooph to power things goes down quickly...
buy a cable that can go the distance!!! |
Good advice. Longer runs require larger conductors to prevent voltage drop. Low voltages destroy motors. If you have the amperes needed and the distance for the run, a qualified electrician should be able to calculate the required wire size.
even the hired help at local home depot/lowes etc. electrical dept... might do work on the side.... or help you select a cable that can go the distance.
|
If the hired help at Lowes was a qualified electrician he would be working in that field instead of being a low paid Lowes employee. In most places it is not legal for them to do work on the side because they are not qualified. Even the "installers" that Lowes will pawn off on you are generally not qualified and often do lousy work. Find a real electrician and you will have a better chance of getting a good safe job done.
now a long story cut short;
Last Fall I bought a cement mixer, an old cast iron heavy momma... well I really wanted a plastic on so that I could move it around easier... but the guy at my "day job" who sold me it went on and on how much better it was to have a bit more sustantial equipment to do the job... so I bought it, he delivered it... and it sat and sat... so last week I said now I am gonna use it... went to move it and it only has 2 little wheels and awkward, I put my dolly under the other side to move it... well... it moved a few feet, then in the dirt it got stuck and I pushed a bit more... oh yeah was over 100 here in texas while doing this... and boom down and over the mixer went, breaking the fly wheel and after several attempts to stand it up right I can not ... ugh.. even got my little truck to try to pull it up...nah no way... so I pulled it over to the side of broken dreams... lesson to the story... know the limits of you... I know that at 20 I could not pick that cement mixer up and no way at 53... sure now I'll just go back to using the wheel barrow and shovel... till I find out where to get those niffty paddles like "Bob" <criswells.ok> has; to mix up some slurry... with my northern tool cheapo hammer drill, I know 5 gal buckets are lighter!
|
It sounds like your "friend" did you no favors with that sale. Sorry to hear about the broken fly wheel which is probably not something for which you can buy a replacement. Excellent lesson - know your limits. Keep pushing them, but be aware of them.
Please remember anything I write, say, or do is for entertainment purposes only
and
"ELECTRICITY IS DANGEROUS"
at least wear rubber soled shoes!
|
Yes it is, and rubber soled shoes only help if the shoes or your hanging pants leg aren't wet. Rubber boots might be better for standing in a puddle next to your mixer, with your pants tucked in. Even then, they are not tested or rated as electrical insulators.
and a day playing in the mud beats a day in the office
|
Almost anything beats a day in the office : )
spaceman
No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.56/2302 - Release Date: 08/14/09 06:10:00
__._,_.___
