How many amps can my extension cord handle?
How many amps can my extension cord 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 between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps.
How do I know what gauge extension cord I need?
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.
Can a 16 gauge extension cord handle 12 amps?
When using 100 feet extension cords, you’ll need a: 16 Gauge for 1-10 Amps. 14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps.
What color is a 12 gauge extension cord?
Yellow
Yellow color-coded cable sheathing encloses 12-gauge wires. Yellow 12-gauge cable is typically used for 20-amp circuits that power general household outlets used for a variety of plug-in appliances.
How many amps will a 12 gauge extension cord carry?
14-15 Amps
14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.
What is the difference between 12 gauge and 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 does a 20 amp plug look like?
A 20 amp receptacle will have one slot that looks like a sideways T. If it is a dedicated circuit it would be a single receptacle instead of a duplex. If you look at the breakers in your breaker panel and there is a “20” on the handle, it’s a 20 amp circuit.
What is the AMP numbers on an extension cord mean?
Amperage is how much power (or amps) a cord is made to handle. For example, high-amperage appliance extension cords are designed to carry 20 amps or more. All extension cords have an AWG (American wire gauge) rating. This rating is a standardized wire gauge system for measuring electrical wire.
How can you determine the gauge of an extension cord?
Check the Box. If you just bought the extension cord,there’s a very good chance that the gauge will be printed on the box.
What gauge is my extension cord?
Extension cords range anywhere from 18 gauge to 10 gauge, with 10 gauge being the thickest. Lower gauge (aka thicker) wires allow more electrical current to flow through the extension cord, making lower-gauge cords better for larger appliances and tools that need a lot of juice.
What gauge of extension cord do I Need?
If the power strip needs an extension cord to reach the outlet, then it should have a minimum cord gauge of 14 as well. Particularly long extension cords, such as those used outside, should be a lower gauge. Any cord over 50-feet (15 meters) should be a minimum of 14-gauge.
