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Garages/Workshops Electrical Wiring Design Dilemma

Can I use an extension cord to power a plugmold?

12 months ago

last modified: 12 months ago

I'm looking to electrify my 16x10 shed to use as a small workshop. Most of my tools are battery powered but I have a few plug-in tools. I don't plan on living in my house for more than a couple of years at this moment, so I don't want to go all out and spend the money to actually wire it for electric. I'm content with running an extension cord from an exterior outlet on the house to the shed (unplugging and putting it away when I'm not working in the shed, of course). That being said, having multiple outlets spaced out around the shed would be very helpful so I don't have to unplug and replug my tools at different areas of the shed. I had the thought of installing a plugmold or two in the shed, but can those be hooked up to an extension cord? I would basically use it like a larger, more spaced out, power strip/surge protector. A quick google search yielded no results and I couldn't find any info on the packaging of the plugmold or that it even had a plug connected to it when I was browsing in Lowes.

For added context, my plug-in tools are my miter saw, my router, and my shop vac that I use for dust collection/filtration.

Featured Answer

wdccruise

12 months ago

@HU-867564120: "Running extension cords for permanent power is not allowed by code..."

"I'm content with running an extension cord from an exterior outlet on the house to the shed (unplugging and putting it away when I'm not working in the shed, of course)."

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Comments (8)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
12 months ago
IMO you need to supply proper electric to the shed or just run an extension cord from the exterior plug . Use one thing at time and be done.
Scott Jacoby thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Scott Jacoby
Original Author
12 months ago
@Patricia Colwell Consulting The only thing is I need to run the shop vac at the same time as my tools for dust collection. Sawdust is very harmful if breathed in. Maybe I'll get a new extension cord with more than one plug at the end.
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PRO
BobH
12 months ago
You could run two extension cords.
beesneeds
12 months ago
Some of the plugmolds are pretty much just really long power strips and have regular electric plugs on them. You can use one, make sure you keep all the unused outlets on it well capped to keep out dust. The hardwire versions do not come with the regular electric plugs on them and are meant to be hardwired into the regular wiring.

How you can use it can depend. What is the power source? As in what else is on that breaker/fuse that you are plugging that outlet strip into? Can it handle the additional load of the strip? How far away is it? You will want to use a heavy duty extension cord, and the longer a cord runs the lower it can run. You could test a loaded extension and strip off the outlet before running it all out to the shed to see if your load is OK or not. How much do you plan on using this setup? The occasional want to make something on the weekend for for a little remodeling is one thing. If you are planning on running it on the regular using power cords can be an issue. And also for consideration is what your local codes and your homeowners insurance is- if you accidently go poof, that could be a bummer.

I realize you don't want to do any hardwiring. But you are planning on doing this for a couple years, not a weekend. It may be worth it to get an electrician out to see how much it would cost to run one proper line out to the shed. In the longer run it's more stable, safe, and probably better on resale later on.
wdccruise
12 months ago
You could use a multi-outlet, outdoor extension cord (example), or outdoor extension cord (example) and power strip (example). Or spend a few dollars more for a heavy duty cord and power strip (example, example).
kudzu9
12 months ago
Add up the maximum total amps you could be running at one time and add 20% to it. That will tell you what size extension cord to get that can be safely run to your shed.
HU-867564120
12 months ago
The only legal way to run power to the shed is to do it correctly and bury conduit (PVC) with THHN wiring inside or run direct-bury UF underground cable. Running extension cords for permanent power is not allowed by code and is an example of jack-leg crapmanship.

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