Sap guzzler power supply cord length

[Johnjenner]

Just curious how far anyone has run power (12/2 wire) to a sap guzzler pump without issue. I ran 250 ft last year and had no problems. Has anyone gone farther than that??? I have 110 volt pumps and I run them off generators. Just trying to go from 3 generators to 2. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John

[Ultimatetreehugger]

If you used a 10 gauge cord you could go 400ft pretty easy.

[maple flats]

Search a voltage drop calculator (google it) and plug in the numbers. Check what the specs are on the guzzler, not just the generic voltage. Stay at least 2V above what it will run at. To check it, use a multi meter to know what your starting voltage is, don't assume it is 110 or 120. My voltage dances back and forth from about 121 to 125. Check at several times of day and even days of the week. Whatever the lowest voltage reading is will be your starting voltage in the formula for voltage drop. In the pump literature check what the voltage minimum is that it will run. If the starting V lowest supply reading is let's say 119 and the pump needs at least 108, I suggest you use 110 in the formula (108+2V). Thus if your supply is 122 you can use a longer length than if it is 118. Realize also that every time you add a length using a plug in or even wire nuts, you lose a little in the connection. You will be best off using one long wire for your supply rather than joining 2 or 3. If you do need to join any, I strongly suggest you use some dielectric grease on the connection for a better transfer. The one most utilities and solar engineers use is NO-OX-ID A SPECIAL made by Sanchem Inc. I use it on all electrical connections on my solar and for more demanding loads.

[maple flats]

For checking your generator output check it with everything else running too, checking the output when nothing is loading it down will give you a false reading. If the generator is an inverter type, it will adjust as needed up to the rated load to supply a constant voltage.

[maple flats]

Give me the specs off the pump motor, Volts (110,115,120) and the amps, and the generator voltage under the load it will be running at, I will run the numbers to give you the distance you can safely run.

[Johnjenner]

Hi Dave. Pump is 115v at 1.5 amp. I am running an inverter generator also. Thx for your help