Small compressor fire (almost)

[Tone357]

I'm listening guys, I appreciate it.

[Transom]

What gauge is the extension cord? Most of the multi-outlet cords are usually not that beefy. I suspect that it was damaged cumulatively over time and when you used it today it caused a catastrophic problem. Looks to me like arcing damage moreso than simply being overloaded but overloading over time may have been the root cause.

[billnorman1]

A. Turn it off when you plug it in to anything
B. Replace the male plug
C. Throw away all the damaged male or female plugs
D. If you plug something in, do it in a quick and positive manner

The compressor might have a damaged start circuit it might not.

[jbassman87]

Most compressors tell you not to use an extension cord.... Plug directly into the outlet, Use a longer air hose.

This is how it should be done.

[rboren]

Definitely a problem in plug or soon house if you don’t fix it!

[mattmann7]

I always run my compressors on a dedicated circuit like a washer or dryer. I learned the hard way on a job site. I was replacing the front porch and tied in to the exterior plug. That plug was being shared by a computer and when I ran my table saw I shut down the circuit. This was back when files were not automatically backed up and the guy lost a ton of files. Then he hired a company to solve the file issue and hooked me up with a dedicated circuit.

[NAMVET1968]

Most people don’t realize that the wire size of most extension cords are too small and not equipment or appliance rated. Then the farther you run one the amp voltage capacity drop’s add a few flat spots, loops or kinks overheating the wire quickly. Combine that with loose connections whether wire under the terminals or the blades of a plug itself will start a fire quick. Don’t buy cheap extensions cords, look for the wire size unfortunately most are 16 gauge or 14 gauge when 12 gauge should be a minimum for anything running a motor of equipment or appliances. I prefer 10 gauge. I have been known to make my own to suit the loads I need them for.