How much resistance is added per AC plug/socket connection?

[Boomzilla]

I have a 15 amp GFCI-protected socket on my carport. I have one 100-foot, 12AWG extension cord, one 50-foot, 12AWG extension cord, and two 25-foot, 12AWG extension cords for a total of 200 feet of wire. At the end of the wires, I'll have a 4-ampere motor on a tool.

The wire resistance is negligible, but how much will the socket-to-plug connections add to the series resistance? I find little information on this via Google. None of the sockets or plugs is in new condition - their brass is oxidized. I have, however, inspected the cords and all insulation is in like new condition. Power will have to pass:

From the wall socket to the plug of extension cord 1 +
from the socket of extension cord 1 to the plug of extension cord 2 +
from the socket of extension cord 2 to the plug of extension cord 3 +
from the socket of extension cord 3 to the plug of extension cord 4 +
from the socket of extension cord 4 to the pig-tail of the tool.

My gut feeling is that the series resistance, even with oxidized brass, will still be negligible. Even if the draw becomes too high, the breaker will trip. I can check the wires by feel for elevated temperatures at 10 minute intervals as the tool is started.

Other than securing the connections (and keeping them dry), is there any other safety issue that I should consider?

Thanks - Boom

[ttocs]

Well, clean the plug/socket terminals.

It'll be the second hundred feet of extension cord (and of course add the length of the wire from the panel to the outlet) that will cause a voltage drop which will effectively limit the amount of Current available.

Safety wise though, it shouldn't be "unsafe" if you check the cords like you are going to.

[Boomzilla]

In the past, I’ve used a dry Teflon pad to buff the oxidized layer from brass plug blades. Is there a better way?

[405x5]

[SteveH]

A single 200 foot run of 12 gage wire supplying 125VAC at 4 amps will give you about a 2.3% voltage drop. The NEC requires a voltage drop of 3% or less. The cleaner the plugs and sockets, the better chance you have of remaining under the 3% voltage drop.