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.

Do I need a 14 gauge extension cord?

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 14 gauge extension cord good for?

Frequent use cords.

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 gauge extension cord is best?

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. Look for the numbers in the table above when you're trying to decide which cord is right for you.

Is lower gauge extension cord better?

In general, the lower the AWG number, the thicker and higher capacity the cord. Using the incorrect gauge electrical cord can cause equipment or outlet overheating.

Extension Cord 101 | Best Size For YOU

Can I use a 14 gauge extension cord for refrigerator?

Experts advise that the extension cord must be of the right length, voltage, and rating for the appliance to work properly. With no problem, you can connect your refrigerator to a power strip cord with conductors of 14 gauge or thicker-12 gauge.

How many watts can a 16 gauge extension cord handle?

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. A 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50 feet in length can only power an appliance up to 1250W.

What is the safest extension cord?

Longer cords can't handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge. 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.

Do I need a heavy duty extension cord?

If you need an extension cord that can be used outdoors, you will want a heavy duty power cord that has a heavy gauge. Despite the fact that a majority of extension cords look similar, it is usually not the best idea to grab whatever extension cord you see first, especially if you require heavy duty extension cords.

What kind of extension cord can I use 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.

Can I use a 16 gauge extension cord for a refrigerator?

No don't use that 50 or 100 foot orange 16/3 cord from the garage. There should be a tag on the back of the fridge or possibly on its cord. This tag should specify its electrical requirements: some combination of amps, volts, and watts.

How many amps can a 14 gauge wire handle?

The NEC limit for 14-gauge wire is 20 amps, which means you should never use 14-gauge wire in your 240-volt circuits, only your 120-volt circuits, or the amperage will exceed the wire's capacity.

Are green extension cords for outdoor use?

This makes outdoor cords thicker than standard power cords made for general indoor use only, though there are some thick indoor cords designed for some purposes. Color — Many cords sold for outside maintenance or other utility purposes have bright yellow, orange, blue, green.

How often should you replace extension cords?

Extension cords and power strips: While extension cords and power strips don't come with an expiration date per sae, they do have a limited lifetime use. These items are only designed to handle so much juice over the years and will eventually short out or lose effectiveness.

Why should you not use an indoor extension cord outside?

Indoor extension cords

External extension cords are thicker, rain tight and have a safe rubber moulded female socket at the end and can carry more power over longer distances. Indoor extension cords left outside for extended periods may break and could lead to sparking, fire and shock.

How do I know if my extension cord is overloaded?

Extension Cord Safety

  • If any part of the extension cord is hot while in use, it is a warning sign that it may be overloaded. Check if the extension cord is properly rated for the products that are plugged into it. ...
  • Do not overload your extension cord by using it to power appliances beyond its capacity.

    • What should not be plugged into an extension cord?

    Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip:

    • Refrigerators.
    • Washing machines and dryers.
    • Sump pumps.
    • Space heaters.
    • Portable air conditioners.
    • Microwave ovens.
    • Toasters.
    • Coffee makers.

    What is the difference between heavy duty and light duty extension cords?

    These are also known as “light duty” extension cords. Thicker-gauge extension cords in the range of 10-14 gauge are known as “medium duty” or “heavy duty” extension cords (like this one) and usually look like a really-thick ethernet cable of sorts.

    What is difference between a heavy duty extension cord?

    Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power. These are always grounded extension cords that include a third wire and plug prong for grounding and have plugs with three slots for accepting grounded appliance cords.

    Which brand extension cord is best?

    TL;DR — These are the Best Extension Cords:

    • US Wire and Cable 74050.
    • Cable Matters 16 AWG Heavy Duty Extension Cord.
    • Maximm Cable Rotating Extension Cord.
    • Voltec 05-00364 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Extension Cord.
    • Iron Forge Cable 25-ft Lighted Extension Cord.
    • meross Smart Power Strip.
    • AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord.

    Does leaving an extension cord plugged in use electricity?

    Unplugging – Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use.

    Does using an extension cord use more electricity?

    The longer the extension cord, the more power it takes to run to the appliance. An appliance plugged in using an extension cord will use more electricity than if it was just plugged into the wall. For small items, this increase is negligible, but it will add up over time for more significant things.

    What is 16 gauge wire used for?

    Choosing Electrical Wire Size

    16-gauge are used for light-duty extension cords supporting 13 amps. 14-gauge are usedfor light fixtures, lamps, lighting circuits with 15 amps. 12-gauge are used in kitchen, bathroom, outdoor receptacles, and 120-volt air conditioners supporting 20 amps.

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