My jointer has a 3 hp 230 volt single phase Baldor motor. I also needed about a 20 foot cord. I used 10 gauge SJ or SO coming off the starter with a 30 amp twist lock going into a 30 amp twist lock receptacle. No way will this damage the motor due to any amperage drop. I probably could have gotten by with 12 gauge, but for the minor increase in cost, I know the motor has all the amps it will ever need, especially on start up.