The problem: I have a portable induction oven that I use outside. It's rated 3500W. However, whenever I use it at more than 2000W (I can select how "strong" I want it to be), the extension cord (which has over-voltage protection) switches off. What I don't know is if I buy a heavy duty extension cord, would this make the situation better so I can use it to the full potential of 3500W?
I am reluctant to plug it directly into the mains as if it turns on the protection of my extension cord, I imagine the risk is to switch on the protection of the apartment (which is zoned anyway, but still...)
what's your current limit? you would be tripping it around 2300W . since it would be the 230V * 10 Amps of the installation. So I don't particularly see how a heavy duty extension cord will help? I actually would expect you to be tripping at less than 2000A arent appliances fused at 6 amps here?
As was already posted, the mains here are usually protected to switch off when over ten amps so if you plug your oven in directly then any setting over 2300 Watts will cause switch off.
It sound like you’d need a 16 Amp circuit which an electrician could install if you have not already got one.
That you have been able to use a normal extension lead (at least until it trips) indicates that a normal 10A plug has been fitted to your appliance.
If you are using an extension lead with a high power appliance, it always best to completely uncoil the the lead.
Installing a new 16 Amp circuit might require replacing the wiring in the walls which could be difficult or expensive depending on how the original installation was implemented.
So essentially I'm better off keeping the same setup and just use the appliance at or below 2000W. Does the fact that the extension cord feel warm to slightly hot at the touch after it switches itself off? This is what lead me to think that a more sophisticated power cord could be a solution.
the power cord needs to be rated to handle the current. otherwise it will heat up until it eventually catches fire.
this is also the reason that if your internal wiring is insufficient, you will also start a fire there (absent a safety mechanism cutting the electricity off).
make sure your extension cord is rated for the current you will draw. if the cord is tripping, then get a beefier cord. then it will be down to whether the socket you are plugging into is rated for the higher current.
In fact if you look carefully at the PDF me.anon posted, you will see your dilema.
The standard sockets (and extension leads) in current/modern installations are of T12/T13 type, which are rated up to a maximum of 10A (Amps) at 220V, which means max 2200Watts. That means that that most likely neither your extension lead nor the socket you are plugging it into are able to handle the 3500W you want
You have to either go to a 3-phase current (400Volt) on 10A or to a 220Volt circuit at 16A. It's unlikely you can use 400 Volts on your oven so you'll have to go with the latter, which will require Type 23 plugs. These look similar but are not compatible with Type 12/13. You can plug a Type 12 plug into a type 23 socket, but not the other way around. You'll need a Type 23 extension lead but it won't plug into a type 13 socket. You'll need to "upgrade" your wall socket to type 23 (assuming you don't have it already), for which you will legally need the work of an electrician.
Also a 3.5kW device may need additional protection when used outside
Best to talk to an electrician unless you really know what you are doing.
If you used an extension cord on a drum you must fully unwind it to use it with such high power. This is also stated on the drum. Modern drum have a overheat protection.
Most modern flats have a 13A breaker, which means you could draw up to 2990 W. It works but it is not recommended as you are at and above the design limit of socket, plug, and cable. The 13A are meant that you can use a 2300 W device plus have the lights on w/o tripping the breaker.
To use the full power of your device the only option is to install a T23 socket, a 16 A breaker, and maybe an upgrade of the house wiring for this socket.
Yes, this is fairly typical for Swiss kitchens, but mind you these sockets are also typically already used for the kitchen equipment and very rarely even visible or accessible as hidden behind cabinets and such...
Our washing machine when we moved in was on 3P. We had the 3P converted to 1P and now have a 1P extension that I plug my high power stuff in that can handle 16A.
My stove uses 2P, and the outlet is 1P. But the other connection I split into 3x 1P. Inspector didn't like my extension cord (I should have just removed it), so had me have it hardwired. Electrician was happy with the cable I was using, however, and simply used that (I had bought it special from the local supplier decades ago, specifying that it was for a 16A 3P circuit), and also with the other stuff I did, so did one or two things, and signed off on the rest, billing me half his original estimate!
I will eventually add a 3P outlet, as I have a 3P drill press that I got from work.