Plugging into electric outlet or not

shardebhow · Post by **shardebhow** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:43 pm

The instructions on my CPAP say to only plug it directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip. Thoughts?

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:23 pm

[quote="shardebhow"]The instructions on my CPAP say to only plug it directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip. Thoughts?

Panhandler · Post by **Panhandler** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:24 pm

There can be voltage losses in very long extension cords, and power strips make it very easy to overload a circuit, which could cause a voltage drop. I suppose any additional connectors just provide more opportunity for problems, but I'd guess the main reason the manual says that is to protect themselves from warranty claims due to faulty wiring. Maybe one of the more technical types can offer a better explanation.

I have a 12' 16 gauge extension that I carry when I travel, and I routinely use a surge protector at home, and I don't worry about it.

MartiniLover · Post by **MartiniLover** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:27 pm

I carry a heavy duty extension cord for motels, and when I am away from home.

Problem could develop with light weight cord, or too long of a cord. It could cause motor to burn out.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:33 pm

I use a power strip for my cpap and humidifier as the only available plug is in the middle of our king size bed headboard.

CompuTech007 · Post by **CompuTech007** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:20 pm

Okay, technical type response coming up

Hopefully this is readable as the board doesn't handle charts and columar formatting too well.

Always try to oversize your wire or extension cords. Trying to get by with wire that's too small for any reason will lead to trouble. Use the following chart as a good starting point.

Code: Select all

Ext.                                          Amperage Required
Cord  
Length
xxxxx   0-2 amps 2-5amps 5-7amps 7-10amps 10-12amps 12-15 amps 
25 ft.  16 ga.    16 ga.    16 ga.    16 ga.         14 ga.         14 ga. 
50 ft.  16 ga.    16 ga.    16 ga.    14 ga.         14 ga.         12 ga. 
100 ft.16 ga.    16 ga.    14 ga.    12 ga.         12 ga.         10 ga. 
150 ft.16 ga.    14 ga.    12 ga.    12 ga.         10 ga.            -  
200 ft.14 ga.    14 ga.    12 ga.    10 ga.           -                 -

Well the chart looks like crap but pretty much the 1-3 Amp requirement can be satisfied with 16 gage wire from 25-150 feet and then anything over 150 feet use 14 gage wire. Yeah so most rooms in the average house will use anything over 25 foot most likely.

The electrical requirments for my Respironics are 1 amp when on AC (house voltage) 3 Amps when on battery power (lower voltage requires higher amperage for those curious people).

As was said by another poster...as long as you have a good quality surge protector you should be fine.

Around my house I won't run anything on those grocery store extension cords except maybe a lamp. Half of my outlets in the house have surge protectors from either APC, Tripp Lite or Belden. Note that not all power strips are surge protectors and will not surpress power surges or spikes caused by lightening or poor power distribution.

NOTE: this is based on 120 Volts (USA Electrical Distribution)

shardebhow · Post by **shardebhow** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:35 pm

Thanks for all the info. Limited outlets led to the question.

Sundown · Post by **Sundown** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:41 pm

I have mine plugged into a power strip with my alarm clock.... I hope that is okay.

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pursleep, Padacheek, Regenesis™ Pillow, Neti Pot, Travel Buddy hose hanger

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pressure 11-15, Humidifer 3, CFLEX 3, Using Pur-Sleep Peace

Plugging into electric outlet or not

Plugging into electric outlet or not

Re: Plugging into electric outlet or not