Preface: This article covers the use of extension cords for your Thunder Laser Nova Series machines
Extension cords are not recommended but if you need to extend from the machines 6ft power cord and it is your only option then the details will be covered in this article
Things to consider:
- How long the cord has to be. Longer Cords should have larger wire sizes.
- What type of plug is on your laser's main power cord. 15A or 20A. Nova 24 comes with a 15A plug, all other Nova machines come with a 20A NEMA 5-20 plug.
- What type of outlet are you plugging the cord into. 15A or 20A. You should have the proper NEMA-5-15R or NEMA 5-20R installed for your machine per the Power Requirements.
Recommended Cord Specs:
NOVA (Glass Tube)
| Machine |
Short Cord Type <=10ft |
Long Cord Type >10ft, <30ft |
| Nova 24 |
15A 14AWG |
15A 12AWG |
| Nova 35 |
20A 12AWG |
20A 10AWG |
| Nova 51 |
20A 12AWG |
20A 10AWG |
| Nova 63 |
20A 12AWG |
20A 10AWG |
NOVA Plus RF tube:
| Machine |
Short Cord Type <=10ft |
Long Cord Type >10ft, <30ft |
| Nova Plus 24 60w |
15A 14AWG |
15A 12AWG |
| Nova Plus 35 60/80w |
15A 14AWG |
15A 12AWG |
| Nova Plus 51 60/80w |
15A 14AWG |
15A 12AWG |
| Nova Plus 63 60/80w |
15A 14AWG |
12A 12AWG |
Example Extension Cords:
NOVA (Glass Tube)
NOVA Plus RF tube:
Additional Resources:
NEMA Plug and Receptacle Types
