Amp Usage for Kubota Block Heater

[Ted1]

Planning on getting a block heater on 2501 but need to run an extension cord to that building for an electric source. Concerned about voltage drop so I wondered if anybody knew how many watts or amps they require to run properly. Hate to get it and not have enough amps to run it properly. Thanks

 

[Oil pan 4]

If it's the small 400 watt block heater I see for most of the kubotas it's using just over 3 amps.
A 16 gauge cord could easily run the power as far as you need to.
You can always go bigger.

 

[JerryMT]

Planning on getting a block heater on 2501 but need to run an extension cord to that building for an electric source. Concerned about voltage drop so I wondered if anybody knew how many watts or amps they require to run properly. Hate to get it and not have enough amps to run it properly. Thanks

400/120=3.33 amps

 

[skeets]

Ted how far and what size cable do you intend to use, and like Jerry said 3 amps aint much to worry about, If it's a long run, by long say over 150 feet a #14 cable would work, you won' have any line loss to worry about. Some where back in a former life, I found a roll of #10, 5 conductor SO cable, never have a problem going a little bigger

 

[85Hokie]

Skeets took the words right outta my mouth!

How long of a run are you needing? In the old days rather than by a 100' orange cord, I would go to lowes and get a 100' of 14-2-wg and place ends on it!

 

[baronetm]

A 100 foot 16-2 gauge cord with a 120 volt source, and a load of 3.3 amps would have a voltage drop of:
Voltage drop: 2.65
Voltage drop percentage: 2.21%
Voltage at the end: 117.35
16-2 gauge cord max amps: 10.

A 100 foot 14-2 gauge cord with a 120 volt source and a load of 3.3 amps would have a voltage drop of:
Voltage drop: 1.67
Voltage drop percentage: 1.39%
Voltage at the end: 118.33
14-2 gauge cord max amps: 15

Here is the link to the voltage drop calculator:

http://www.calculator.net/voltage-d...=150&distanceunit=feet&amperes=3.3&x=109&y=21

NEC requires a maximum voltage drop on a circuit of 5% and a max voltage drop on a branch circuit of 3%. Your extension cord is considered a branch circuit. These calculations are based on a 120V source feeding your extension cord, if the source voltage is less than your voltage drop will increase.

Next, if you are using an extension cord outdoors make sure it is listed, Sunlight Resistant and Wet location use and please make sure it’s source is connected to a GFCI receptacle.

 

[Dave_eng]

Planning on getting a block heater on 2501 but need to run an extension cord to that building for an electric source. Concerned about voltage drop so I wondered if anybody knew how many watts or amps they require to run properly. Hate to get it and not have enough amps to run it properly. Thanks

I with the others who say no problem.

Have it plugged into a switched or timer receptacle and two hours of use is all you need.

Don't leave cord out all summer, mark its path with some reflector poles so you don't run over it with a plow or blower.

GFCI is a good idea. Sometimes, and I cannot say why, some are too sensitive, likely because of the low price, and trip needlessly driving you nuts.

Dave