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A leaf blower will work with 12 amps or less so the best gauge for this will be 14-gauge (14 AWG) to 16-gauge. You also want to look for the “W” rating to designate the cord for outdoor use. A 14 AWG is the thinnest recommended for a leaf blower or any gardening appliance.
Which is better 12 gauge or 14 gauge extension cord?
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 is a 16 gauge extension cord good for?
Sixteen-gauge cords are low wattage and are intended for use with small appliances such as portable fans, alarm clocks, table lamps, or floor lamps (note: an electronic device such as a TV or computer should be connected to a surge protector).
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 gauge of extension cord do I need?
Recommended wire gauge for extension cords Larger numbers mean smaller wires, which in turn means it can carry less power. 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.
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.
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.
Is a 14 gauge extension cord heavy-duty?
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.
How far can you run 12 gauge extension cord?
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 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.
Can a 12 gauge extension cord handle 20 amps?
14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.
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. Supposedly, the higher the gauge, the better the sound – but only to a point, as some wires loose contact or break off.
What is the difference between 14 AWG and 16 AWG?
The size of the wire in diameter. 14awg is larger in size than 16awg. The smaller the number the larger the diameter of wire. Larger wire is capable of handling more power with less resistance which helps to get clearer sound.
Can I mix 12 gauge and 14 gauge wire?
Originally Answered: Can I mix 12 and 14 gauge wire? The 12 gauge can carry more current, therefore; you must not use 14 gauge in place of 12 gauge, but you can use 12 gauge in place of 14 gauge, but 12 gauge is larger.
What is a 10 gauge extension cord used for?
Heavy-duty 10 gauge extension cords When you’re going to be running an outdoor cable that needs the highest amperage possible, you need one of our ten gauge cables. Each cable handles up to 30 amps, which means that you can use it to power up to two 15-amp power tools or appliances.
What does 12 AWG mean on an extension cord?
12 gauge=heavy duty. 10 gauge=very heavy duty. The longer the extension cord, the bigger the drop in amps. It’s important to use a cord which is a heavy enough gauge for the tool or appliance.
Can I use a heavy duty extension cord with space heater?
A heavy duty extension cord made with 12 gauge wire, rated for 20 amperes, not exceeding a length of 20 feet should be safe to use with most standard, 120 VAC plug-in space heaters.
What is a good extension cord?
A good extension cord should have a 15-amp power rating and 12-gauge wires, and be tested and approved by a third party—either UL or Intertek. It should have an elastomer sheath that makes it flexible enough to consistently lay flat on the ground and easy to coil up.
