What Length Extension Cord Can I Use With The NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger

Published 03/12/2022

Question:

My new Genius 10 seems to be working great. However, it did not work when I ran a 100’ extension cord to my truck. When I took the battery out of the truck, took it into the garage and plugged the Genius10 directly into the wall receptacle, it works. Is there a maximum length and gauge of cord that will work, should it always be plugged directly into the wall receptacle?

asked by: Gerald K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Every extra foot of cord adds more electrical resistance. This means when you tried to charge your truck battery with the NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 10 Amp, part # 329-GENIUS10, attached to an 100' extension cord, you were trying to send current through 106' feet of cord. I do not know what the extension cord length you should not exceed. I spoke with a representative from NOCO and they said ideally your extension cord should be at least 12 gauge. Their recommended extension cord length is a 10' or shorter. If you need a longer extension cord, you should not exceed 25' and it should be at least a 12 gauge cord. This chargers maximum amperage is 10 amps, but that is probably under the best of circumstances, no extension cord or when plugged into the wall.

I have included a video demo link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith