Best 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 Gauge Extension Cord Chart

2022-07-22 21:56:50 By : Mr. Dean Yang

What extension cord gauge do I need? That’s a good question that you will get answered in this article.

Extension cords play a vital role in almost everyone’s life. Not all the time, an outlet is close enough to access. In this case, you will need one from a nearby outlet to your location. Many times it has made it easy for people to the plugin. It enables people to recharge a device or supply power to an appliance. They can also provide light. Just like AWG wires, they come in different forms & types.

If you have ever been to an electrical supply store, you will notice they come in different lengths and sizes. The most common length are 25 ft, 50 ft, 100 ft, and 200 ft. In a recent study by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, extension cords are among the most dangerous electrical products for home use. The main reason it is dangerous is the incorrect size and use. With that said, people need to know how to prevent them from failing.

We understand you may not be interested in all the gauges in this article. To make it easy for you, you can jump to the section you would like to read using your browser’s search functionality. Whether you’re looking for a 6 through 16 gauge extension cord, we have listed the best extension cords for various uses. With this guide, you’ll quickly determine which size is right for your project.

As for wires, we also have an extension cord gauge chart. It determines how many amps a particular AWG wire can handle. It will help you realize which option is right for you, whether it’s 10 or 14. It depends on the wattage and size you require. The appropriate amp rating is crucial!

The chart above indicates that a 12 aluminum wire is a safe choice for your 220V 20 amps at 167°F ambient temperatures. Similarly, you can use a 14-gauge copper wire for 220V 20 amps at 167°F. If you seek one out for your washing machine, you can use the chart above as a guide.

The AWG wire for a certain ampacity depends on a few factors, such as the conductive material and the ambient temperature rating. It is important to know the conductive material you plan to use. When using aluminum as the material, you will refer to the aluminum column. If you are using a copper wire, you must refer to the copper column. There are a few of these for the ambient temperature rating, so keep that in mind.

Copper can carry more ampacity than aluminum at the same AWG. In other words, an 8-gauge copper wire can support more ampacity than the equivalent aluminum one. Having a higher ampacity means it can allow more current to flow at any given time. Ones with a high ambient temperature rating can carry high loads of power. It explains why a 12-gauge copper extension cord with an ambient temperature of 140°F is compatible with 20 amps. The same at a higher ambient temperature of 194°F can carry up to 25 amps.

The outlined factors above make it tricky to choose the correct rating. Always remember that it is fine to pick a thicker one than the recommended one. However, never choose one size smaller than the recommended option.

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Getting the correct one is very important. Choosing a smaller one can ruin your tool or even start a fire. In most cases, a common small hand-held electrical tool can operate without any danger with a 16-gauge extension cord about 100 feet long. Reading through this section will guide you in determining the correct one to use.

The first thing to do is obtain the motor amperage from the tool’s plate. This information is usually in the small metal plate, where you can find the model number and serial number. An outdoor circular saw shows 15A, which means it has a rating of 15 amps.

Knowing Ohm’s law is important because it helps in keeping you safe when dealing with electricity. To put it in simple terms, you multiply amps with volts to get watts.

Volts (V) x Amps (amps) = Watts (W)

This formula helps understand the different sizes because it may require you to convert the rating in the tool or appliance to watts. In the US, we use 120 volts in most homes. Some regions across the globe use 240V. It may vary depending on which region you are in, so check before proceeding.

When electricity travels down a long wire, it loses voltage. It happens because electricity encounters resistance as it travels. With this knowledge in mind, only use the length that you need. It is one of the many reasons why using the correct wire size and length is important. Electrical resistance creates friction, which also creates heat.

To test this out in a simple real-world experiment, rub your hands together. When you do it slowly at first, you may not feel much. As you gradually increase the speed, press down harder. You may feel the heat building up, and it becomes rougher to rub your hands. It is because resistance is building up. The same happens with electricity traveling down an extension cord.

To summarize, do not use a 50 feet long extension cord if you only really need about 20 feet. Purchase an assortment of options with varying lengths. You can use a short one if the outlet is only a few yards away from your project.

If you have a project that needs welding, it will surprise you that several types of welding may need different types of cables. You can look into gasless MIG welding and aluminum welding.

The first thing you need to do is determine the tool or appliance you will be using. Once you have the information on hand, look into the Electrical Wire Size Chart table. This chart determines the compatible AWG number.

Below is a list of common electrical tools with their respective amp ratings to make things easier.

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Attaching two or more cords can sometimes be the only solution if you want to extend the length of coverage. However, this is not a good idea at all. If you practice this at home, immediately unplug them and buy a longer one to serve your needs.

There is a consideration in stringing two or more together. It has to be for a short term, temporary use only. The problem is that it creates a risk when using it as a long-term solution. Extending one with another could drastically reduce its wattage capabilities. It could lead to a meltdown and fire at worst.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates 3,300 residential units catch fire each year, which is the reason. The common causes include misused or damaged cords or overloaded circuits. Connecting two different ones is one example of misusing it.

Avoiding the use of extension cords is the ideal solution. However, consider using a short one with adequate protection and heavy insulation if this is not possible. There are times it is unavoidable not to use one. In this case, use the shortest length and the correct size.

Looking for an extension cord is an overwhelming task, especially if you do not know a lot about it. It’s at least the case if you aren’t simply buying one of the most common ones. If you need to provide electricity for more powerful tools, find the right one. Here are some points to consider when shopping for one online or in-store.

Although we do not recommend getting a length that is way longer than you need, it is good to get the next longest cord. If the next available size is way longer, you might want to reassess your measurements.

It is important to know that you should not daisy-chain them. Plugging them into each other without having thicker wires to compensate for the distance could add electrical resistance between the outlets. High electrical resistance results in voltage drop, which leads to a lower power supply to your equipment. Daisy-chaining them causes unnecessary heat from building up, increasing the fire risk.

The thickness determines how much electricity can safely flow through it. A thicker one can safely carry more electricity over a longer distance. A shorter wire can safely carry electricity over a shorter distance. Thin cables are ideal for low-power equipment such as battery chargers and lights. If you plan to use it in power tools such as vacuum cleaners and saws, you will have to choose a thicker one. The 14-gauge is the thinnest we recommend at 25 feet or shorter lengths.

We recommend a cord that can handle at least 15 amps. Skip a cord that does not have a specification regarding its maximum capacity.

Some cords are more flexible in cold weather conditions. These are easier to stretch out and bend across your workspace, and easy to keep and store. They are flexible in tight spaces. It is hard to determine if a cord is flexible without actually opening the package when you’re at an electrical store. The best way to ensure flexibility is by looking for one compatible with lower temperatures.

Getting a multi-outlet extension cord is tempting because you can plug several tools into it. Getting one is fine if you plan to use it on light-duty equipment. We do not recommend a multi-outlet cord for heavy-duty equipment because it is easier to overload.

For example, an extension can easily handle a circular saw. If you plug in a few other tools into it, you might overload the plug. It could cause a meltdown or start a fire.

There are several gauges you can use. Most will have a print of their rating somewhere on the wire. It may be too small to find, so carefully inspect it. For brand new products still in their original packaging, read through the product specifications. The size should be somewhere there.

Doing a quick bend test is another way to know what type you have. Although this is not a reliable way of determining the size, you get at least an idea. If it is hard to bend or curl, it is probably 16 or 14-gauge or less. Otherwise, it could be 18-gauge or more.

If you want to purchase a mini metal lathe, you should check this curated list. It consists of a list of the best options you can find in the market.

A 6-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 50 amps at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 60 at an ambient temperature of 194°F. A 6-gauge copper extension wire has a rating of 55 amps at an ambient temperature of 140°F. It’s rated 65 at 167°F and 75 at 194°F. Some thick extension cords are waterproof. It is best practice to check the specifications.

An 8-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of about 40 amps at an ambient temperature rating of 167°F or 45 at an ambient temperature rating of 194°F. An 8-gauge copper extension cord is rated at 40 amps at an ambient temperature of 140°F. It’s rated 50 at 167°F and 55 at 194°F.

Aside from knowing the above information, the safe length for an 8 AWG wire is also important. An 8-gauge extension cord wire is thicker than a 10, making it more heavy-duty than the latter. It comes in several lengths. Some of them include 25 ft., 50 ft., and 100 ft. You can use an 8-gauge 50 ft. extension wire with a welding machine. Some long cables are retractable, making it easy to pack them up.

Aside from metal welding, there are other welding types available. Some of these types are gas welding and glass welding.

A 10-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 30 amps or 3600 watts at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 35 at 194°F. A copper wire of the same AWG has a rating of 30 at 140°F. It’s rated 35 at 167°F and 40 at 194°F.

You can use a 10/3 with a ground wire for an apartment. They’re great for a large air conditioner or an electric dryer. Only appliances mentioned with a rating of up to 30 amps are compatible. Note that some of these appliances use a NEMA 10-30 three-prong plug, so you may want to pick a multi-outlet option.

A 12-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 20 amps at 167°F and 25 at 194°F. A copper wire of the same AWG has a rating of 25 at 140°F. It’s rated 25 at 167°F and 30 at 194°F.

You can use a 12/3 cord in various appliances and tools, such as but not limited to:

Some options come in a male-to-male or double-male format. However, never use this as it is dangerous and prone to fire.

In the case of a 14-gauge extension cord, it usually only uses copper for the conductive part. It has a rating of 20 amps at an ambient temperature rating of 140°F and 167°F and 25 at 194°F.

A 16-gauge extension cord has a rating of 13 amps, which you can use for light-duty work. This type can only support devices that are not power-hungry. It is dangerous to use it with a space heater or any heat-generating appliance, such as toasters.

If you have a 15 amps appliance or tool, we recommend using a 14-gauge copper wire. If unavailable, you can pick larger diameters. Choose a 12 or 10-gauge. You can get a bigger wire when choosing the AWG size without worrying about compatibility issues.

An extension cord is an electric wire with multiple outlets on one end and a plug. It is an important and necessary piece of equipment that allows users to reach inaccessible electrical outlets located too far away for their devices.

However, using them is not without risk.

Now that you know how to purchase this important home equipment, it’s essential to know how to maintain safety around it. Even if they are a handy piece of electric equipment, they can be a fire hazard or a tangled mess that can lead to accidents. Each year around 3300 home fires are caused by careless use.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that around 2000 injuries caused due to negligent use are reported in hospital emergency rooms each year. These mostly include fractures, lacerations, sprains, and sometimes electric shock.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International has recommended tips for you to keep the electric wiring running cautiously. Here’s how you can keep your family safe and tangle-free!

Apart from these tips, it’s essential to check up on appliances around the house and make sure they are fit for use too. Old hairdryers and faulty chargers must be replaced and upgraded to avoid accidents in case they burn out. It can be caused by excessive usage or faulty wiring issue.

When you buy any electrical equipment, it’s important to know its proper usage and terminology before installing it. Here are some terms that designate cords into several categories. Read up on these and only buy the correct strip for your project.

The heaviest gauge extension cord is the 6 AWG cord. The lower the number of the gauge, the higher the thickness and voltage of the cord. This means that 6AWG is perfect for heavy-duty appliances and carries larger current loads.

A 10 AWG can ideally carry 15Amps. It’s safe to assume this extension cord can carry in the range of 16-20 amps.

This depends on your use in mind for the extension cord. Anything between 10AWG to 14AWG should be the best fit. If you’re looking for something heavy-duty, 10AWG is best. 14AWG is more suited to lighter appliances. It’s also recommended that you check that the cord can handle at least 15amps and is suitable for outdoor and indoor work.

This all depends on the usage you’re aiming for. If your voltage demand is 30 amps, then a 10AWG gauge cord is great. If you’re aiming for current as low as 20 amps, then a 12 AWG gauge is an optimum size.

Most professionals will be familiar with the 12AWG gauge extension cord used. This cord is used mostly for high-power tools and large appliances. It would be highly common for you to see those in garage workshops and the hands of professional carpenters and mechanics.

You may already have some extension cords lying around the house, but it is risky to use if you’re not sure what the gauge capacity is. Let’s look at how to find out the Amp of the cord.

How do I know what AMP my extension cord is?

If your cord packaging is still present in the house, look at the box. You may find the gauge or thickness and the amps written on the manual.

You can also take a look at the tag on the extension cord. The label will have some sort of amp and voltage properties written on it. If you only find the gauge, you can check online and determine the amps.

If you still can’t find the properties on the cord, you can cut open the cord and measure the diameter. Once you have done this, you can match the thickness with the gauge and amps online and determine all the properties of the cord.

We hope you will experiment and try out our purchasing tips on your next run for this addition to your home. Our electrical safety tips certified by the ESFI are especially important to read over before you begin any new DIY project or installation in your home. Remember to consult a professional when in doubt regarding any electrical work.

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