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oil pan heater

1K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  DUK TRUK 
#1 ·
A question for any electricians or technical gurus. I have an oil pan heater and wondered if the wires could be joined with the factory coolant heater so that I only have to plug in once. Right now I have two extension cords going to where I park my truck. I want to join the two wires and have just one plug. Will this electrical draw blow my house breaker?
 
#2 ·
That's a lot of power for one cord. The block heater alone is a 1500 watt heater. It wouldn't surprise me if the pan heater was higher. If you do it, you're gonna have to have a minimum 14 gauge cord and that's only for like a 25 foot distance.
 
#3 ·
The oil pan heater I have is a 500 watt model. The closest outlet is about 40' away. Right now I have two 50' 14 guage extension cords run out to where I park. So the total load is 2,000 watts, would that be too much for a 40' distance and one cord?
 
#5 ·
Yeah, I have heard both numbers tossed around to what the wattage rating is for the block heater. I was wondering if anyone knew what one extension cord could handle and the breaker in my house would do if I tied the two heaters together.

Now that you mention 12 guage, I am not sure what the extension cords are!
I know I shelled out $50 each for the 50'. They are pretty thick and do not get stiff in the cold so I am happy with the cords for the price.
 
#6 ·
14ga is rated to 15amps

12ga is rated to 20amps

Look at the cord, it's probably written on it ("melted-in" lettering) but the next question would be what's the wire gauge supplying the outlet & breaker rated to. If done right, outlets are 12ga but then you have to consider "what else is running on that circuit while your heaters are on?"
 
#7 ·
I will take a look at the cord when I get back home.

Thats a big 10-4 on what else could be running on that curcuit! I have a certified centennial farm house with 5 out buildings which all have power run to them. I have run in to some cobbled up stuff while fixing electrical problems. I have a hatred for electricity! That is why I am a pipefitter!
 
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