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What is the difference between 14 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.
Is 16 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord better?
The lower the number, the bigger the gauge and the greater the amperage and wattage is. In addition, a cord with a larger gauge will carry power a greater distance without dropping as much voltage compared to a cord with a smaller gauge. Attempting to run a motor on insufficient voltage can cause permanent damage.
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.
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.
What is the best gauge for an extension cord?
Recommended wire gauge for extension cords 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.
How many watts can a 14 gauge extension cord handle?
Matching Extension Cord to Load Extension Cord Wire Gauges, Amperage Rating, and Wattage Wire Gauge Amperage Rating Wattage Rating #18 5 Amps 600 Watts #16 7 Amps 840 Watts #14 12 Amps 1,440 Watts.
How much power can a 16 gauge 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.
What is 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 gauge wire is a heavy duty 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 difference between 14 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.
Is 16 gauge extension cord good 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. Devices that generate heat, such as space heaters, should not be used with extension cords.
What is the strongest extension cord?
Our pick: U.S. Wire & Cable 50 FT. Extreme All-Weather Extension Cord. Also great: SJEOW heavy-duty extension cords. Photo: Sarah Kobos. Budget pick: Iron Forge Tools 12/3 SJTW Heavy Duty Yellow Outdoor Extension Cord. Photo: Sarah Kobos. Indoor pick: Cordinate Décor Extension Cord with 3 Grounded Outlets. Photo: Sarah Kobos.
Does the length of an extension cord affect the power?
A cord, based on its gauge, can power an appliance of certain wattage only at specific distances. 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.
What kind of extension cord should I use for a space heater?
What Gauge Extension Cord Is Best For Space Heater? To run a space heater, you need to use medium or heavy-duty extension cords ranging from 14 to 10AWG.
Can 14 gauge handle 20 amps?
14 AWG must be protected at 15A, according to NEC 240.4(D)(3). 14 AWG can’t be used on a circuit with a 20A breaker. The screw terminals are the better choice if you want to put 15 Amp receptacle on a 20 Amp circuit with 12 gauge wire. You can use the side terminals.
What is a 14 gauge extension cord?
Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity. Every extra foot of cord increases the electrical resistance.
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 kind of extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?
Best Extension Cord for a Refrigerator Extension cords with a lower gauge number—like 10 or 12 gauges—are considered heavy-duty cords because they have a higher capacity to deliver power. Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator.
