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Which extension cord is best?
For home use, a 50-foot extension cord with a 12-gauge wire thickness offers the best in portability and power. A 12-gauge, 50-foot wire can handle 15 amps, which matches most residential breakers and many older fuses. These breakers prevent overloaded circuits by cutting the power if you try to draw more than 15 A.
What should I look for in an extension cord?
How to Pick the Best Extension Cord at the Hardware Store Buy longer than you think you’ll need. Thicker cords can carry more power. Look for cords that can handle 15 amps. Cords designed for cold weather are generally more flexible. Skip indoor/outdoor cords with multi-outlet ends. Different guidelines for indoor-only cords.
What is the difference between an extension cord and a power strip?
It is designed to extend electrical outlets to distant electrical equipment or appliances. So if you want to increase the number of electrical outlets, use a power strip. If you want to extend power to a distant device, use an extension cable.
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.
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.
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.
Can a TV be plugged into an extension cord?
Yes you may plug the TV using an extension cord.. as long as the extension cord is larger and fatter than power cord. The TV set does not consume much power anyway and therefore safe to use an extension 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.
What does AWG mean on an extension cord?
Amperage is how much power (or amps) a cord is made to handle. Extension cords have an AWG (American wire gauge) rating. This rating is a standardized wire gauge system for measuring electrical wire. In general, the lower the AWG number, the thicker and higher capacity the cord.
What should you never plug into a power strip?
10 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip Refrigerators and Freezers. 1/11. Microwaves. 2/11. Coffee Makers. 3/11. Toasters. 4/11. Slow Cookers and Hot Plates. 5/11. Hair-Care Appliances. 6/11. Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners. 7/11. Sump Pumps. 8/11.
Which is safer an extension cord or a power strip?
When it comes to plugging your appliances into power strips, a surge protector is safer than an extension cord. Surges can occur for any number of reasons, including lightning strikes and faulty wiring.
Does leaving an extension cord plugged in use electricity?
An extension cord of this kind does not consume electricity when plugged in. The reason is that this kind of tool merely conducts electricity from the wall or other source to whatever is plugged into it. By itself, it does not and cannot consume units of power.
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.
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.
Can you use an extension cord permanently?
Conclusion. The authorities do not want people to use extension cords permanently because they present a fire, electrocution, and tripping hazard. If you are determined to use an extension cord over the long term, don’t cover it. You shouldn’t pass it through walls, ceilings, and floors.
