Full Answer
What does 18 AWG extension cord mean?
For this reason, long extension cords have a lower capacity than shorter cords of the same AWG size. For example, an 18 AWG cord may only be rated for 5 to 7 amperes (amps) of load at a length of up to 25 feet.
What does AWG mean on an extension cord?
American wire gaugeAmperage 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 is the difference between 18 AWG and 16 AWG?
It pertains to the diameter of the wire. The lower the AWG, the more current capacity it can carry. "draws" a current from the supply. The 16 AWG wire can accommodate an appliance with a higher wattage (power) than an 18 AWG wire.
How do I know if my extension cord is AWG?
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.
How many watts can a 18 gauge extension cord handle?
600 WattsMatching Extension Cord to LoadExtension Cord Wire Gauges, Amperage Rating, and WattageWire GaugeAmperage RatingWattage Rating#185 Amps600 Watts#167 Amps840 Watts#1412 Amps1,440 Watts1 more row•Jun 7, 2022
What gauge extension cord is best?
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.
How much current can an 18 gauge wire carry?
18 AWG Copper wire can handle 14 amps at 90°C. Usually, 18 AWG has a wire diameter of 1.024mm2 and a cross-sectional area of 0.823mm2.
Can you use 16 AWG instead of 18 AWG?
Yes the 16-gauge will work just fine.
Is higher or lower AWG better?
Higher AWG (American Wire Gauge) is smaller. The relation is logarithmic. Increasing the AWG by 3 approximately doubles the resistance; increasing it by 6 halves the diameter. Higher AWG is better in that the wire takes up less space and is easier to bend; lower AWG is better in that it carries more current.
What gauge extension cord is heavy duty?
10- to 12-gaugeA 10- to 12-gauge cord is for heavy and extra heavy duty applications (chainsaws, circular saws, shop vacs, air compressors, etc.). These are the heavier weight, and heavier duty cords designed for continual use on job sites, even in extreme weather, and are suitable for very high-amperage tools.
Which is better 12 or 16 gauge extension cord?
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.
Can a 12 gauge extension cord handle 20 amps?
If you check the chart below, you will see that 12 AWG extension cord can handle up to 18 amps (25-feet and 50-feet cord), up to 15 amps (100-feet cord), and up to 10 amps (150-cord).
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 12 or 16 gauge extension cord?
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.
What does 16 AWG mean on an extension cord?
Primarily on wire size (AWG gauge). Bigger wires (lower AWG number) can handle more watts and amps. Example: In the #1 chart for 25-feet extension cords, you can see that a 16 AWG cord can handle 1,430 Watts and up to 13 amps while a bigger 10 AWG cord can handle 2,200 watts and up to 20 amps.
Can I plug my pool filter into an extension cord?
You can use an extension cord for a pool pump. Thick extension cords with #12 or #10 gauge wires can deliver the necessary power to the pump. For the pump to work seamlessly, these extension cords must be on a dedicated circuit outlet and be of proper length.
Extension Cord Sizing Checklist
1. Determine amperage of tool/appliance 2. Calculate cord length - use the shortest possible cord. 3. Wire gauge determines amperage load 4. Watts...
How Do You Start to Size An Extension cord?
You start to size an extension cord by obtaining the motor amperage from the plate on the tool. You'll find this information on the small metal pla...
How Do You Size An Extension cord?
You size an extension cord by first determining the appliance or tool that will be plugged into the cord.Determine the amperage of the tool(s) bein...
Is The Length of The Cord Important?
Yes, the longer the cord is the greater the voltage drop will be. If you must go a distance greater than 100 feet, then upsize the extension cord.C...
What Does Wire Gauge Mean?
Wire gauge is the measure of the diameter of the metal conductors in the extension cord. Common extension cord wire gauges are: 1. 18 2. 16 3. 14 4...
What Load Can Each Gauge Wire 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 be...
How long is a 16 gauge cord?
Fortunately, many common small hand-held electrical tools can operate without danger of motor damage when powered by a 16 gauge cord that is 100 feet long . To make sure you're properly protected, use the following sizing guidelines below. CLICK or TAP HERE to get FREE ANSWERS from local electricians if you have extension cord questions.
How Do You Start to Size an Extension Cord?
You start to size an extension cord by obtaining the motor amperage from the plate on the tool. You'll find this information on the small metal plate where the serial number and model number is listed.
Why Does my Circuit Breaker Trip With the Right Cord?
Your circuit breaker may trip because the tool you're trying to power draws too much current. This is very common if you're trying to operate a large table saw cutting thick wood.
What Load Can Each Gauge Wire Handle?
16-Gauge Cords: Any 16-gauge cord between 0 and 100 feet long will adequately handle tool loads up to 10 amps.
How many amps does a 12 gauge cord need?
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.
What happens if you undersize an extension cord?
The size of your extension cord is very important. If you undersize one you can start a fire or ruin an expensive tool. CLICK or TAP HERE or my face to ensure you get the CORRECT extension cord so you or your family doesn't DIE IN A FIRE. Fortunately, many common small hand-held electrical tools can operate without danger ...
How to tell if orange cord is 18 gauge?
The orange cord is only 18 gauge. Look how thin it is compared to the yellow cord that's 12-gauge. NOTE the 18-2 before the word TYPE in the red oval. That's how you know it's 18-gauge wire. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter
Extension Cord Gauge Chart (Amperage)
Check out the below usage and amp rating chart of different extension cord sizes, to know what size suits your requirement.
Types of Extension Cords
Plug-type: Most of the extension cords are either 2 prongs or 3. The 2 prong plug is not grounded while the 3 prong plug is by default. The purpose of a grounded prong is to reduce the risk of electrical failure or heat emission at times.
Conclusion
You should always take precautions while using an extension wire. Extension wires lead to overheating and failures if multiple devices are connected. This is due to overloading. Take extra precautions for preventing shocks and heating issues. Hope with this extension cord gauge guide, you are now clear about which extension cord you should pick.
How long is a 14 AWG cord?
Cord length up to 25 feet: use 14 AWG wire. Cord length up to 50 feet: use 12 AWG wire. Cord length up to 100 feet: use 10 AWG wire. Note: Follow appliance manufacturer instructions regarding the use of extension cords.
What is a medium duty extension cord?
Medium-duty cords usually are grounded extension cords, which include the third wire and plug prong for grounding. They have plugs that accept three-prong grounded appliance cords.
How many amps does a heavy duty extension cord draw?
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.
What is the AWG rating?
Gauge is a numerical rating of copper wire diameter and is identified by an American Wire Gauge ( AWG) number. For example, a 12 AWG, 120-volt cord contains 12-gauge wires and is intended for use with standard 120-volt outlets. In the AWG rating system, the smaller the number the thicker the wire. Voltage drop is an effect ...
Why are extension cords dangerous?
An extension cord essentially is a bundle of insulated electrical wires with a plug on each end. Electrical current flowing through wires generates heat, and when too much current flows through a wire, it can overheat and melt the plastic insulation of the wires, causing short circuits and fires.
How dangerous are extension cords?
Unless you are always lucky enough to have an electrical outlet positioned exactly where you need it, you almost certainly use electrical extension cords around your home. However, most people don't understand just how dangerous it can be to use the wrong kind of cord. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that extension cords are among the most dangerous electrical devices in our homes, due to improper cord sizing and use. Each year, accidents from extension cords kill around 50 people, result in 4,000 injuries requiring hospital treatment, and cause more than 3,000 residential fires. Most extension cord failures can be prevented simply by using the right type of cord for the job.
What determines the load capacity of an extension cord?
Two important factors determine any cord's load capacity, its ability to carry electrical current: Wire gauge: The thickness or diameter of the wire affects how much current the wire can carry and how much the wire heats up. Length: The length of the extension cord affects ...
Why use 18 awg wire?
One reason that someone will choose an 18 AWG wire over an 16 AWG wire is because of its flexibility. An 18 AWG wire is more flexible than a 16 AWG wire. It is easier to bend and mold into shapes, straps, and around corners than other wire sizes because of how thin it is. If you don’t have a ton of space, you can push 18 AWG wires more tightly together compared with 16 AWG wires.
Why are power cords 16 AWG?
Many power cords and other “external” cords will be 16 AWG rather than 18 AWG because they are thicker and can withstand a little more abuse. These are the cords people choose to power their builds and other electronics.
What wire is used for vibration?
While thicker wires typically aren’t used in situations where there is a ton of vibration, there is a way around it, and that is using a stranded 16 AWG wire (more on that a little later).
How many AWG wires can you push together?
If you don’t have a ton of space, you can push 18 AWG wires more tightly together compared with 16 AWG wires.
Why is 18 aWG wire better than 16 aWG wire?
One reason that someone will choose an 18 AWG wire over an 16 AWG wire is because of its flexibility. An 18 AWG wire is more flexible than a 16 AWG wire. It is easier to bend and mold into shapes, straps, and around corners than other wire sizes because of how thin it is.
What does AWG mean in electrical?
AWG stands for “American Wire Gauge .” It is the standard system that helps people select the thickness of a wire they will use for a product. The measurement is of the cross-section of a solid, rounded electrical wire. The higher an AWG number is, the thinner or smaller the wire will be. This measurement hasn’t always been used, but it has been the standard in almost all electrical products since 1857. It also helps to measure current-carrying ratings, which is important if you don’t want to blow up your computer.
Why do cars use stranded wire?
Most houses will use solid wiring, but cars, tools, and planes all use stranded wiring because it is able to withstand vibration. At higher vibrations, there is a greater chance that something will pop and the presence of multiple strands strengthens the overall wire and reduces the need for replacement.
