this post was submitted on 01 Jul 2025
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Help Finding Extension Cord, 250v, 50amp outlet? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 4 months ago by vimmiewimmie@slrpnk.net to c/electricians@lemmy.world
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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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[–] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 11 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (2 children)

That's a Nema 6-50

Your dryer will need a 30A receptacle, not the 50A you have. Also, you'll be short a crucial wire unless your dryer is old enough to only need 2+ground (you currently have two hots going to a double-pole 50A breaker, and a ground - new dryer will likely need 2 hots, a neutral, and a ground, on a 30a breaker). In other words, you may have to have new wire pulled anyway. Sorry.

Recommend: have electrician look and see about re-pulling the circuit with new Romex, 10/3. Dont just rig a cord unless you at LEAST swap the breaker, too. The wire can be upsized, the breaker and device cannot. If you've got basement access there, it could be a pretty quick job.

Source: am electrician

Who tf downvoted me, im the only actual electrician in this thread, ON THE ELECTRICIAN PAGE. I'm licensed and self-employed, which I'll happily verify with mods. Absurd.

[–] bobs_monkey@lemmy.zip 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Just a heads up, most dryers allow for bonding the neutral to ground for a 3 wire application. I'm not a fan, but the option is usually there.

Now that said, OP could downrate the breaker to a 2p30a, and swap the receptacle, or Mickey mouse a 50a male cord end onto a 10/3 SO cable (and still downrate the breaker).

And now there's two electricians in this thread :)

[–] apfelwoiSchoppen@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Agreed, may end up needing a 14-30 recepticle, new plug, and wiring.

[–] mycelium_underground@lemmy.world 7 points 4 months ago

Extension cords are not for permanent use. It will void any insurance claims, and having the dryer 25 feet from the outlet just screens permanent use to an adjustor or inspector.

Even if you find one do not use it. What you have found so far is a guarantee of a fire.

Get an actual sparky to run some conduit on the wall of the garage and move the outlet. It's probably the cheapest option on the table.

But I'm wondering why you want to move the dryer closer to the window and what the dryer vent situation is. There might be a different solution to your problem.

[–] TheKracken@lemmy.world 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Looks like a nema 5-50 connector

Search for that for extension cords.

[–] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Not quite. The hot and neutral look reversed on OP's.

I know I've run into this before. I'm an electrician who used to work at a supply house. Oh, its a 250V, not 120.

Nema 6-50R

[–] derekabutton@lemmy.world 4 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (2 children)

No expert, but I think the 50A is just the max based on the rating of that receptacle. If a dryer only pulls 20A, then a 30A extension cord should be enough, right?

I'm not much help here. Just my 2 cents that might expand your available options. Additionally, someone suggesting the wrong thing makes experts more likely to correct them and give the poster the answer they are looking for.

[–] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

He can swap that breaker and receptacle for a 30A and be fine if he only needs 2 hots or 1hot 1neutral.

[–] Hello_there@fedia.io 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Not an electrician - but if you don't see a cable out there, it might be for a good reason. Running copper cable to relocate the outlet from current location to new location might be a solution - and something that -depending on your comfort level and situation, could be doable diy.
Electric dryers I've seen typically have different outlet type. Might be worth looking up their v / amps so you are sure the right gauge wire is running from panel to outlet.

[–] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 5 points 4 months ago

Dont go fooling with this if you don't 100% know what youre doing.

Source: i am an electrician

[–] CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Just move the receptacle.

DON’T use uncertified Amazon import stuff, especially when discussing 50A 220V circuits that run for over an hour straight. Your insurance adjuster will appreciate the denied claim.

[–] Nomecks@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Princess Auto or Harbor Freight will have one. They're used for welders.

[–] aramis87@fedia.io 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I'm not familiar with Princess Auto, but I certainly wouldn't put long-term trust in something from Harbor Freight.

[–] Nomecks@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago

Same store, different country.