- 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 determines the amp rating of an extension cord?
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.
How do I know what gauge my extension cord is?
On the extension cord itself there will be printed numbers and letters like; 12/3, which means 12-gauge with 3 wires or 16AWG, which means 16-gauge or AWG16x2C, means 16-guage with 2 wires. Else, you can check the box or use the thickness of your cord to determine the gauge.
How do I choose the best extension cord?
What’s important when choosing an extension cord is to determine the amount of the wattage and amperage that will be drawn by the tool or appliance connected to the extension cord. With simple devices, such as lamps, radios, televisions, and other electronics, the familiar basic household extension cord is perfectly acceptable in most cases.
What is the formula for size of an extension cord?
In it's simplest form, volts multiplied by amps equals watts. This simple formula helps you to understand the sizing of extension cords because you may be required to convert an amp rating on a tool or appliance to watts. Think about a light bulb. They're often sized by watts.
Extension Cord Sizing Checklist
1. Determine amperage of tool/appliance 2. Calculate cord length - use the shortest possible cord. 3. Wire gauge determines amperage load 4. Watts...
How Do You Start to Size An Extension cord?
You start to size an extension cord by obtaining the motor amperage from the plate on the tool. You'll find this information on the small metal pla...
How Do You Size An Extension cord?
You size an extension cord by first determining the appliance or tool that will be plugged into the cord.Determine the amperage of the tool(s) bein...
Is The Length of The Cord Important?
Yes, the longer the cord is the greater the voltage drop will be. If you must go a distance greater than 100 feet, then upsize the extension cord.C...
What Does Wire Gauge Mean?
Wire gauge is the measure of the diameter of the metal conductors in the extension cord. Common extension cord wire gauges are: 1. 18 2. 16 3. 14 4...
What Load Can Each Gauge Wire handle?
16-Gauge Cords: Any 16-gauge cord between 0 and 100 feet long will adequately handle tool loads up to 10 amps. 14-Gauge Cords: Any 14-gauge cord be...
What happens if you run an extension cord?
If you’re running tools on an undersized extension cord, you’ll burn out the motor on your tool. Since the tool isn’t getting enough current, you’re starving the motor. That means that your tool’s motor will wind up working too hard and it will exceed the designed limits.
What does 12/3 mean on extension cord?
If you find text that says something like “12/3” then that means you’re looking at 12-gauge wire that has 3 wires in it (the ground, neutral, and hot wires).
How many amps does a saw need?
If you’re using a saw that requires 15 amps with an extension cord and it’s working, you might wrongly assume that your cord is rated up to 15 amps. It could be that you’re using an undersized cord that’s straining to run your tool. This could give you a wrong idea about the wire gauge of this cord.
Why is an undersized extension cord bad?
First off, it can lead to a lot of heat and a fire if it’s used for an extended period of time. Since the wire isn’t large enough to carry the current, it will overheat. If the wire is in a coil, then it will heat up even faster.
Why don't you assume the gauge?
Don’t assume the gauge just because the cord powers a certain tool or item. Pro Tip: Most, if not all power tools will have a sticker, plate or placard on it that tells you how many amps it requires. Use this to determine what gauge extension cord to use.
Is 10 gauge wire thicker than 18 gauge?
The lower the number, the thicker the wire is. That means that a 10-gauge wire is thicker than a 18-gauge wire. Lower-gauge wires allow for higher currents.
How far can you go with an extension cord?
If you must go a distance greater than 100 feet , then upsize the extension cord. Calculate the length of the cord you will need. Of course, you want to determine the maximum distance you think you will be from a permanent electrical outlet.
What happens if you undersize an extension cord?
The size of your extension cord is very important. If you undersize one you can start a fire or ruin an expensive tool. CLICK or TAP HERE or my face to ensure you get the CORRECT extension cord so you or your family doesn't DIE IN A FIRE. Fortunately, many common small hand-held electrical tools can operate without danger ...
How long is a 16 gauge cord?
Fortunately, many common small hand-held electrical tools can operate without danger of motor damage when powered by a 16 gauge cord that is 100 feet long . To make sure you're properly protected, use the following sizing guidelines below. CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE ANSWERS from local electricians if you have extension cord questions.
How to convert watts to amps?
If for some odd reason, you see watts listed instead of amps, you can convert watts to amps easily! Here is how you do that: The formula for the conversion is: Voltage x Amps = Watts.
What is the gauge of copper wire?
Remember, wire gauge refers to the thickness of the actual copper wire. As a wire gets thicker it can carry more electricity (amps). To confuse us, some idiot decided that as a wire gets thicker (bigger) the gauge number should get smaller! The orange cord is only 18 gauge.
What is wire gauge?
Wire gauge is the measure of the diameter of the metal conductors in the extension cord. Common extension cord wire gauges are: Use the following list to select the proper gauge extension cord. Remember, wire gauge refers to the thickness of the actual copper wire.
Can you have multiple tools on one extension cord?
Yes, you can have multiple tools operating on one extension cord. You just have to be sure the cord is large enough to handle the loads. I was guilty of this infraction many years ago before I fully understood all that's involved. On construction sites, we'd commonly feed multiple saws and drills from one cord.
What is extension cord?
Extension cords offer a means of extending a home's or workshop's electrical circuits when a lamp, appliance, or tool has an attached cord that is too short to reach the needed location. Most people have several extension cords they keep on hand for this purpose.
What is the importance of an extension cord?
What’s important when choosing an extension cord is to determine the amount of the wattage and amperage that will be drawn by the tool or appliance connected to the extension cord. With simple devices, such as lamps, radios, televisions, and other electronics, the familiar basic household extension cord is perfectly acceptable in most cases.
Can you use an extension cord with a motor?
The electrical load of these items is substantially higher, which means light-weight extension cords should not be used with them.
Can you plug a heater into an extension cord?
You should never use an extension cord to plug one of these heaters into a power source. Numerous house fires have occurred when heaters are plugged into extension cords, due to their high wattage and amperage demands.
What is an extension cord?
Extension Cords. Extension cords are commonly used for a variety of electrical devices. This page will show how to use the right type of cord, for different devices. Be careful when using extension cords so they do not cause a trip hazard. Someone could get hurt or damage the receptacle or electrical device. Hair dryer.
What happens if you use a shorter extension cord?
Longer wires tend to have a lower amp rating. Using an extension cord with a lower amp rating than listed on the electrical device could cause the wire, plug, or cord socket to overheat.
Can you use an extension cord on a high wattage appliance?
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. Some high wattage appliances have a short cord to minimize voltage drop, and should be placed near a receptacle.
Can I use a 2 wire to 3 wire adapter?
Also, do not use a 2-wire to 3-wire adapter. A 3-wire extension cord has a ground wire and ground connections. 3-wire cords are usually rated for outdoors and carry a higher amp rating. 3-wire Plug. 2-wire Plug.
Do vacuum cleaners need an extension cord?
Vacuum cleaners have a long cord and should not need an extension cord. If an extension cord is absolutely needed, use one with the proper rating (derated by 125% when necessary) and as short as needed. You can find an extension cord specific for window air conditioners.
Can I use a 2 wire extension cord with a ground wire?
2-wire extension cords have no ground wire and no ground connection. They are commonly rated for indoors only, and intended for use on low wattages devices (table and floor lamps, etc). Never plug a grounded electrical device into a 2-wire extension cord. Also, do not use a 2-wire to 3-wire adapter.
Type of plug of your appliance
The first thing that needs to be done is find out what type of plug your appliance has on it (NEMA 5-15P, for example). This information can usually be found on the backside of your device near where it plugs in.
Choosing an Extension Cord
Now that you have identified what gauge an extension cord is, all that’s left is choosing one! There are three different types available – light-duty cords (10/2), medium-duty cords (12/3), and heavy-duty cords (14/3).
How to tell the gauge of an extension cord? The Best Practice
In the case of a power outage or circuit overload, it is best practice to unplug all appliances from extension cords before turning off breakers in your breaker box. Doing so will ensure that you avoid an electrical fire caused by sparking when equipment with residual current runs through those circuits after they have been broken.
Signs to look for when checking a Gauge
The size of the wire is measured by AWG (American Wire Gauge) – this number will be smaller as it gets higher, with 14 being most common for small appliances and 12 or 16 typically used for extension cords. If you notice that your cord has multiple wires inside, it’s likely to be thicker than if only two wires are present.
What You Need To Know About Extension Cord Gauge
Extension cords come in various gauges, and knowing which one you need is vital for both safety and how well it will work.
Extension Cord Gauge Chart (Amperage)
Check out the below usage and amp rating chart of different extension cord sizes, to know what size suits your requirement.
Types of Extension Cords
Plug-type: Most of the extension cords are either 2 prongs or 3. The 2 prong plug is not grounded while the 3 prong plug is by default. The purpose of a grounded prong is to reduce the risk of electrical failure or heat emission at times.
Conclusion
You should always take precautions while using an extension wire. Extension wires lead to overheating and failures if multiple devices are connected. This is due to overloading. Take extra precautions for preventing shocks and heating issues. Hope with this extension cord gauge guide, you are now clear about which extension cord you should pick.
