It’s probably designed for “peak” 15A current draw with average draw being much lower. I looked it up and and the manual doesn’t list any special circuit requirements, so it should be perfectly fine in a standard 15A circuit.

How many amps will a 12 gauge extension cord handle?

14-15 Amps





12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.

What is a 12 gauge extension cord used for?

12-gauge extension cords are used for most tools and high power appliances. A 12 gauge extension cord rated at 20 amps is a versatile extension for both indoor and outdoor use. Over 100-feet, it can safely handle 16 amps. It lets you run a single high-wattage power tool or two to three smaller tools or appliances.

Is a 12 gauge extension cord heavy duty?

A 10- to 12-gauge cord is for heavy and extra heavy duty applications (chainsaws, circular saws, shop vacs, air compressors, etc.). These are the heavier weight, and heavier duty cords designed for continual use on job sites, even in extreme weather, and are suitable for very high-amperage tools.

Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?

Round down = 10 Gauge. Most devices will do fine with 12 gauge extension cords. Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG. Keep in mind, the lower the gauge means the thicker the cord.

How far can I run 12 gauge wire?





You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.

Is 16 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord better?

The lower the number, the bigger the gauge and the greater the amperage and wattage is. In addition, a cord with a larger gauge will carry power a greater distance without dropping as much voltage compared to a cord with a smaller gauge.

How thick is a 12 gauge extension cord?

0.1084 inches

The most important thing is to consider the thickness and length. 12-gauge cords are thicker than 14-gauge. Note that 12-gauge steel sheets come with a thickness of 0.1084 inches, while the 14 gauge metal sheets are 0.0785 inches thick.

What gauge extension cord is best?



A cord measuring 14 AWG is the thinnest we recommend—and at lengths of only 25 feet or shorter—and the much thicker 10 AWG is likely the thickest gauge you’ll find in an extension cord. Look for the numbers in the table above when you’re trying to decide which cord is right for you.

What gauge should a 100 ft extension cord be?

With that being the case, only one of our recommendations hit that level, the 100-foot 12-gauge extension cord with a full 15A draw.

What is the heaviest duty extension cord?

10- to 12-gauge wire



Q: What is the heaviest duty extension cord? A 10- to 12-gauge wire is considered a heavy-duty extension cord, a 14-gauge wire is a medium-duty cord, and a 16-gauge wire is a light-duty cord.

How many amps can a 14 gauge extension cord handle?

100 Feet Extension Cord Amp Rating + Wattage Chart

Device Amps: Extension Cord Size: Maximum Wattage (At 110V):
Up To 10 Amps 16 AWG (Light Duty Cord) 1,100 Watts
11 To 13 Amps 14 AWG (Medium Duty Cord) 1,430 Watts
14 To 15 Amps 12 AWG (Heavy Duty Cord) 1,650 Watts
16 To 20 Amps 10 AWG (Extra Heavy Duty Cord) 2,200 Watts

Can I use a 14 gauge extension cord for refrigerator?

Experts advise that the extension cord must be of the right length, voltage, and rating for the appliance to work properly. With no problem, you can connect your refrigerator to a power strip cord with conductors of 14 gauge or thicker-12 gauge. Most houses use 14 gauge wiring or better.

Is 12 gauge extension cord OK for refrigerator?



Best Extension Cord for a Refrigerator
Extension cords with a lower gauge number—like 10 or 12 gauges—are considered heavy-duty cords because they have a higher capacity to deliver power. Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator.

Why can’t I use an extension cord with my freezer?

The extra current overheats smaller 16- and 18-gauge extension cords, which are intended for lamps and small appliances, and you should never use one for a refrigerator or freezer.

Should a freezer be plugged into an extension cord?

GE strongly recommends that an extension cord not be used with a freezer due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions.

Can I run a fridge off an extension cord?

While most small appliances can be plugged in to an extension cord with no problem, that isn’t the case with a refrigerator. Refrigerators are huge and need a lot of energy to run and thus a regular extension cord may not be able to take on the job and be a fire hazard to boot.

Why do some appliances say not to use an extension cord?



Certain high wattage appliances should not use an extension cord when possible (check the owner’s manual). Using an extension cord on these appliances could cause excessive heat and voltage drop, this could damage the appliance or motor.

How can I tell what gauge my extension cord is?

The lower the number, the higher the cord’s capacity to deliver power. Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity.

What is a 12/3 extension cord?

These are the gauge of the wire and number of conductors (wires) in the cord. So, a number like ’12 3′ means the cord has 12 gauge diameter wire and 3 wires.

Can an extension cord be too big?

An improperly sized extension cord can cause a tool or appliance motor to burn out if allowed to run for too long. It can also cause a dangerous situation if it overheats.