Heatstick Wiring?

**Cpt_Kirks** · 01-12-2009, 02:39 PM

What gauge of wire is best for a 2kw heaststick?

Is 12ga heavy enough? Is 14ga?

How long a wire can I safely put on it?

How long and what gauge extension cord can I use?

The Pol · 01-12-2009, 03:01 PM

Id google it... it is out there.

Typically 6GA for 44A, 8GA for 32A, 10GA for 24A, 12GA for 16A, 14 GA for 12A.....

I guess youd want no less than 12GA for this application.

Length... how long are you thinkin?

**Cpt_Kirks** · 01-12-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pol

Length... how long are you thinkin?

Well, when using it in the kitchen, I would want to reach the outlet on the wall. When using it outside, I would want to reach an extension cord on the ground.

Also, I would want some slack, to be able to move the heatstick around when stirring with it.

Four feet, maybe?

KiltLifter · 01-12-2009, 04:04 PM

I'd put at least 6' (8 would be better) on the stick.

Another thing that is very handy (almost required) is an on/off switch for the thing. It's a pain trying to plug in and unplug the thing to turn it off and on. I built an extension cord with an outlet box on the end. In the outlet box is a switch/plug combo (top half of outlet is a switch, bottom is an outlet, $6). It helps a lot.

The switch is not waterproof, so there's a slight risk there - mostly from the spaz/freakout actions you might perform if you got shocked - because the GFCI should (should) keep it from actually killing you

(you're using a GFCI, right?) But then if a non waterproof switch freaks you out, then a heatstick may not be for you anyway.

You could build the box with one of those outdoor, water resistant switch covers as well.

+1 on the 12AWG! I wouldn't sweat a 25' extension, as long as it's 12AWG (they're spendy but will save your tools)

The Pol · 01-12-2009, 04:09 PM

Yeah, the lengths that you are talking about should not be a problem... if you were talking 50' or more, then youd have an issue.

**Cpt_Kirks** · 01-12-2009, 04:23 PM

While camping once, I found out you CAN get a nice shock from a GFCI outlet.

Even though the GFCI will cut the circuit when it senses a large draw to ground, the wiring (including extension cords) tends to act as a big capacitor.

That discharges through YOU to ground.