[Shop-talk] 220V extension cord with breaker

[TR3driver at ca.rr.com (Randall)]

> That is, if something goes wrong inside, it is supposed to 
> hang together without setting your night table on fire until the 
> breaker blows. 

Sorry, I don't buy that.  The cord on my clock radio is only about 20 AWG;
it will get hot enough to burn at 15 amps and never blow the breaker.

Just curious, since everyone is quoting "the code": Are there places where
some law forces you to use only "approved" portable appliances?  I was under
the impression that, in most places, the NEC was quoted only in reference to
permanent installations (eg the wiring in the wall).

At any rate, it's commonly done and I've never heard of anyone getting in
trouble for it.  My motorhome had a 30 amp, 240v pigtail on it, and I
carried one of those cheap adapters for when the campground only had 50A
outlets.  I didn't actually have any 240v appliances, but some do.

-- Randall