14-Gauge Cords: Any 14-gauge cord between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps. 12-Gauge Cords: If your tool load is between 10 and 15 amps and the length of the cord is 50 to 100 feet, you need a 12-gauge cord to safely power any tool. This is a great extension cord for many purposes.
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.
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.
What is the best gauge for extension cords?
Recommended wire gauge for extension cords
A cord measuring 14 AWG is the thinnest we recommendand at lengths of only 25 feet or shorterand the much thicker 10 AWG is likely the thickest gauge you’ll find in an extension cord.
Will a 12 gauge extension cord run a refrigerator?
Best Extension Cord for a Refrigerator
Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators.Extension cords with a lower gauge numberlike 10 or 12 gaugesare considered heavy-duty cords because they have a higher capacity to deliver power.
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.
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.
Can 14 gauge handle 20 amps?
No. 14 gauge wire is not listed to handle a 20 amp load. The wire can get hot and cause a fire! Use #12 wire!
What is the heaviest gauge extension cord?
10 gauge
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.
Do longer extension cords use more power?
As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge extension cord less than 50 feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W) appliance. A 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50 feet in length can only power an appliance up to 1250W.
Does gauge of wire matter?
Unfortunately, size does matter. The most basic explanation on why wire gauge matters is because the thinner a wire is (higher gauge) the more resistance there will be to the flow of current. More resistance means more energy loss, which means weaker/less reliable detections.
What gauge is orange extension cord?
16/3 Gauge
Technical Details
| Manufacturer | ?Iron Forge Cable |
|---|---|
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | ?No |
| Size | ?16/3 Gauge – 100 Foot |
| Color | ?Orange |
| Voltage | ?125 Volts |
What gauge extension cord do I need for Christmas lights?
For running Christmas lights, you want to make sure that any cord you use is rated for outdoor use. Pick a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet.
Is it OK to plug a freezer into an extension cord?
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.
What gauge extension cord do I need for an air conditioner?
Extension cords for air conditioners are usually a minimum of 14 gauge, which is considered medium duty. The tricky thing with gauges is that lower-gauged extension cords can handle more amps (yes, you read that right!)
What kind of extension cord should I use for a space heater?
For instance, if your space heater pulls 15 amps, you’ll want an extension cord that can handle at least 15 amps. This means you’ll probably end up with at least a 14-gauge extension cord, but even 10- or 12-gauge cords will work as well.
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.
What’s the difference between 14 gauge and 16 gauge?
14 gauge is thicker than 16 gauge. Bigger speakers or long distances will be better with thicker wire.
Is 14 gauge or 16 gauge steel thicker?
16ga steel is . 065 inches thick, that is about 1/16th of an inch thick. 14 gauge in comparison is . 083 inches thick which doesn’t sound like much except it is almost 30% thicker (27.6% to be exact).
How many amps is a 12 gauge extension cord good for?
14-15 Amps
14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.
Do extension cords reduce power?
Long extension cords can cause significant drops in voltage to appliances. Anything that resists the flow of electricity causes voltage to drop.Whether an extension cord causes a noticeable or significant voltage drop depends on the length and gauge of the wire and the appliance plugged into it.
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