Which is better 14 or 16 gauge extension cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
How many amps can an extension cord handle?
For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord’s length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.
What gauge is a regular household extension cord?
Common household extension cords are available in 16 gauge (smallest), 14 gauge, 12 gauge, and 10 gauge (biggest). The lower the number, the bigger the gauge and the greater the amperage and wattage is.
How to tell amp rating of extension cord?
Extension Cord Amp Ratings
- Extension cord amp ratings are shown on the package and is determined by the wire diameter and length.
- For cords of the same length, the larger wire diameter, the higher the amps rating.
- Shorter wires tend to have a higher amp rating.
- Longer wires tend to have a lower amp rating.
What is a 14 gauge extension cord good for?
A 14-gauge cord is for medium or frequent duty applications (lawnmowers, power drills, table saws, television sets, etc.). These cords are also great for things like power tools, electric chainsaws, leaf or snow blowers, etc. They can handle larger tools and equipment and heavier use.
Is a 13 amp extension cord enough?
Look for cords that can handle 15 amps
We recommend skipping indoor/outdoor extension cords rated for 10 A or 13 A. Instead, get one rated for at least 15 A. (If the cord doesn’t list a maximum amperage, you should skip it entirely.)
What gauge is a 13 amp extension cord?
14 Gauge
14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.
Can 14 gauge handle 20 amps?
14 AWG can’t be used on a circuit with a 20A breaker. The screw terminals are the better choice if you want to put 15 Amp receptacle on a 20 Amp circuit with 12 gauge wire. You can use the side terminals.
How many amps can a 14 gauge wire handle?
According to the “powers-that-be”, a 14 gauge wire can carry 20 Amps, but only as a built-in safety measure.
Is AWG the same as gauge?
Both Gauge and AWG are ideally the same. When writing, we call it a gauge for clear understanding. AWG measurements do not consider the insulation of the conductor. The higher the AWG number, the smaller the conductor.
Which is better 12 or 16 gauge extension cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
Is it OK to run a TV on an extension cord?
It is safe to plug a TV into an extension cord. Extension cords are only dangerous when you overload them by using them to operate powerful appliances like refrigerators. A television set will overload an extension cord if the extension cord is already running other heavy-duty items.
What is the most heavy-duty extension cord?
Best overall: Coleman 14 Gauge 100 Ft. Extension Cord. Best with a power strip: Anker Power Strip Extension Cord. Best heavy-duty extension cord: Watt’s Wire 14-Gauge Extension Cord.
What is considered a heavy-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.
What is the safest extension cord?
Choose cords with polarized or three-prong plugs. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords.
Why you shouldn’t use an extension cord?
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
How can you tell what gauge an extension cord is?
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. Every extra foot of cord increases the electrical resistance.
How do I know if my extension cord is for outdoor use?
Letter Designation
On the extension cord packaging or on the cord itself, the letter “W” indicates that the cord is designed for use outside. Outdoor extension cords have a heavy-duty appearance and tend to have tough, bright orange covers that are made from rubber, vinyl or plastic.
Does the color of an extension cord mean anything?
The green wire is the ground wire, the white wire is the neutral wire, and the black wire is the hot wire. Light-duty interior extension cords often lack the ground wire, but if a ground wire is present, be sure to connect it.
