Extension Cord for VX-5000 Steamer

E

eric04h

New member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
So.. I got a 100ft extension cord and have 2 interior jobs lined up this week. I decided to buy the longer cord to save money in the end thinking "having a longer cord will make more sense so I don't run into any problems later".

So, the problem. The cord is a 14/3 rated at 13amps, The VX-5000 is rated at a max of 14amps. Will this burn up my cord? Since 14amps is the max, I'm assuming maybe it might run at 13amps or lower most of the times? I'm not sure.

Reason why I ask this is I have a job tomorrow where I'll need to use this cord. Should I cancel and re schedule, or will I be fine using this cord for now? I ordered a 12gauge but it isn't going to ship on time, leaving me with only the 14 gauge.

Been lurking these forums for months now and learned more than I would of ever imagined about products and detailing. I'll be posting an about me / introduction and more of my story when I have time this week.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help or knows the true continuous amp draw of the VX-5000 Steamer.
 
You're really pushing the limit using that cord.

For 100', look for 12 gauge at least. A heads up, it won't be inexpensive.

Bill
 
Ok. better safe than sorry..especially when using a machine as expensive as the vx 5000. Went ahead and took the 14 back and got a 12. Thanks.
 
Looking at the manual today it saids it is recommended to use a 14 or 12 gauge extension cord, but no longer than 25ft.

Have any of you used this on a 50-100ft cable? Any problems at all? Would hate to cause any issues on such an expensive machine over a wire. I bought a 12/3 100ft today rated at 15amps and am hoping thats okay for it.
 
IMO, a too long power/too small gauge cord can cause problem with motors, because there will be a voltage drop , but with a steamer I doubt that it will cause a problem if the voltage drops by X% , it's just a heating element.
 
It actually says in the manual to not use a cord that's too long. I would look at a shorter cord and/or use a generator. I had it on my 100' once and it got warm.

-Ryan
 
eric04h said:
So.. I got a 100ft extension cord and have 2 interior jobs lined up this week. I decided to buy the longer cord to save money in the end thinking "having a longer cord will make more sense so I don't run into any problems later".

So, the problem. The cord is a 14/3 rated at 13amps, The VX-5000 is rated at a max of 14amps. Will this burn up my cord? Since 14amps is the max, I'm assuming maybe it might run at 13amps or lower most of the times? I'm not sure.

Reason why I ask this is I have a job tomorrow where I'll need to use this cord. Should I cancel and re schedule, or will I be fine using this cord for now? I ordered a 12gauge but it isn't going to ship on time, leaving me with only the 14 gauge.

Been lurking these forums for months now and learned more than I would of ever imagined about products and detailing. I'll be posting an about me / introduction and more of my story when I have time this week.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help or knows the true continuous amp draw of the VX-5000 Steamer.
Click to expand...

Sorry I responded just in part to your question. While it is full on warming up, it does pull close to its rated load. I have a 2500W generator and it stays constantly churning while its heating up.

I have a 50' 12 gauge cord and that is as long as Ill go with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top