Extension cord gauge for CT26+TS55 or ETS150 - 12/3 vs 10/3

[dpetrzelka]

I need to make a 100ft run with an extension cord, and will be running a CT26 and a TS55.

12/3 heavy enough, or do I need to go all the way up to 10/3?

 

[Theshipstore]

I would suggest 10/3 for a run that long. This way there is a better chance of the 20 amp supply working at its best.
I know there is a recommendation chart on the site some where for cord lengths and amperage drop, just can't find it now

10/3 all the way

 

[gkaiseril]

The chart is located in the CT26/36 owners manual.

Extension Cord
If an extension cord is required, it must have sufficient
cross-section to prevent an excessive drop in
voltage or overheating. An excessive drop in voltage
reduces the output and can lead to failure of the
motor. The table below shows you the correct cord diameter
as a function of the cord length for this tool.
Use only U.L. and CSA listed extension cords.
Never use two extension cords together. Instead,
use one long one.

The lower the AWG number, the stronger the
cord.

Total Extension Cord 25 50 100 150
Lenght (feet)
Cable size (AWG)            14 12 not recommended

I expect Festool is very conservative on the wire sizes. If the tools ran for long period of times there could be a heat buildup issue. Remember to fully unwind your cords for better heat dissipation.

 

[RDMuller]

The Festool MMC electronics control will start kicking in with too light of an extension cord.  I have seen this happen on both a Kapex and a TS-55.  The TS-55 acted like the blade was loose and spinning freely.  Such was not the case.  The Kapex acted like a gasoline engine with a plugged fuel filter.  In both cases removing the extension cord on the CT and plugging directly into the wall solved the problem.

If you can avoid it, don't use an extension cord.  If you have to, I would certainly prefer the 10/3.

Festool's Multiple Material Control (MMC) electronics. MMC Electronics deliver soft-start, step-less variable speed control, constant speed under load, and thermal and overload protection.  i am glad they made the tool act up when on extension cords or I would have damaged them.

Does anyone know what the technology associated with MMC is?  Computer of some sort??  They don't say much about it in the marketing materials other than what the benefits it delivers.

 

[gkaiseril]

I found Tech Notes No. 06/08 MMC Electronics (a different twist). There is obviously some type of comparator circuit and feedback loop to the motor speed so to some extent I would say it is computer or uses computer logic chips of some type.

 

[ccarrolladams]

The challenge will be finding 10/3 extension cords with NEMA 120v 20a connectors. A solution is to buy 10/3 cable and put on 120v 20 a connectors. Often fitting the cord into the connectors is a problem.

 

[rst]

We do commercial glazing and often work in new stores where we are 100- 250' away from the closest available power.  I make 10/3 cords using SJ.  The previous post regarding difficulty with the connectors is correct but is possible.  Use the connectors with the metal clamps as you will never get the cord through hospital style connectors.  We make our cords in 50' sections because it is far too unwieldy for 100'ers...even at that length these weigh a ton...if you can carry two of these at a time you are a officially a beast.

 

[wow]

Two sources for ready-made 20 amp 10/3 cords:

50 foot, NEMA 5-20 Plug and Receptacle - $86.98
http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-2991-Generator-T-Blade/dp/B000HEC2DW/ref=pd_cp_hi_2

100 foot, NEMA 5-20 Plug and Receptacle - $157.50
http://www.zorotools.com/i/G3231733/?category=4820

 

[semenza]

I have the Yellow Jacket in 10/3. Very nice cords!

Seth