this post was submitted on 01 Jul 2025
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Electricians

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Hello,

I'm trying to shop around for a possible extension cord for this 250v, 50amp outlet.

We'd be trying to use an electric dryer from this, but would preferably have it extend nearer a window on the other side of a garage (~25-30 ft, generous measurement). We'd likely pick up an older, used, basic dryer model, and not sure what those electrical needs will specifically be, but trying to plan ahead in case something needs to be altered.

This is the closest I've found which might work:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-Extension-Cord-25-ft-10-Wire-Gauge-Heavy-Duty-Outdoor-Welder-Extension-Cord-with-3-Prong-30-Amp-Power-Extension-HJLJQ10-3-25FTYCXV1/320761106

Most other cords with 3 prongs had them sort of curved/circular. Yet, this says only 30 amps.

Is there different or specific wording which might assist my search? Or would something like the above cord work for our situation?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I appreciate any advice or directions.

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[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

No, that's actually wrong in the case of wall power. The skin effect only appears as any significant contributer at frequencies far above normal house wiring. Furthermore, the carrying capacity of a wire (for not high frequency AC) is determined by how many charge carriers the medium can move, as in how much actual conductive metal is there. Stranded wires have less cross sectional area than solid for the same guage.

So in the right context, you'd be correct, but this isn't that case. See https://www.electricalelibrary.com/en/2021/11/17/skin-effect-what-is-it/ for some info. Notice how even 30khz has significant current flowing at depths that easily reaches the core of smaller house wiring.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

Ah, fair point! Thanks.