GM-GMC: block heaters, consumer protection groups, outdoor extension cord

Question
I have a 2001 Chevy truck with the duramax diesel. Have you heard about any of them catching fire from the block heater. And does GM require a certain kind of extension cord or amperage for the power supply.
Thanks
Sean  

Answer
My newest diesel is a 1984 GM 6.2 L.  I have no experience with the Duramax.

Any such problems, such as fires caused by a defective part, would quickly gain the attention of NHTSA and consumer protection groups.  A widely publicized recall would follow.

The NHTSA site is www.nhtsa.gov and it will list all recalls for vehicles.  Click the "Vehicles and Equipment" tab at the top and you can choose recalls from the menu on the left-hand side.

I have read that the Duramax uses a 1,000 Watt block heater.  That means it will draw about 8 Amps of electricity when it is plugged in (not counting the inrush current).  A standard, three-wire, outdoor, extension cord of 14-16 gauge wire is more than adequate to supply power to your block heater.

The block heater element is also like a light bulb (resistive load) and that means a long extension cord, which might cause a voltage drop, will not cause any problems with the block heater's operation.