John Wentworth wrote:
"Mys Terry" wrote in message
...

The distance in this case is a pretty important factor. I don't think
a 15 amp "tool" is going to be very happy on a 100 foot 12 gauge cord.



You're correct. To have a not greater than 3% voltage drop, a 15 amp load
on a 100 foot cable would require #8 wire.
See http://www.elec-toolbox.com/calculators/voltdrop.htm for a voltage drop
calculator.



Contractors use 100' 12ga extension cords every day to power large saws,
rotary hammer drills, and other big tools powered by their generators.
10ga or bigger would be expensive, hard to find, and not necessary.

Dan