Quick Answer: How many amps can a 14 gauge extension cord handle?

14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps.15-Oct-2020

  • 14-Gauge Cords: Any 14-gauge cord between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps. 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.

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

What does 14 AWG mean on an extension cord?

Recommended wire gauge for extension cords

Larger numbers mean smaller wires, which in turn means it can carry less power. 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 16 gauge extension cord handle?

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.

Which is better 14 or 16 gauge extension cord?

For blowers will 12 amps or less, use a 16gauge light-duty cord within 50 feet of your outlet. Go with a 14gauge medium-duty cord for a higher amp or a greater distance from the outlet. Make sure the cord is rated for outdoor use—look for a “W” on the jacket.

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Is 12 AWG speaker wire overkill?

The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thick wire (12 or 14 gauge) is recommended for long wire runs, high power applications, and low-impedance speakers (4 or 6 ohms). For relatively short runs (less than 50 feet) to 8 ohm speakers, 16 gauge wire will usually do just fine.

What is the best heavy-duty extension cord?

Here are the best extension cords:

  • 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.
  • Best indoor extension cord: Iron Forge Cable Extension Cord.

What is a heavy-duty extension cord?

Heavyduty 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. Uses: tools and heating appliances drawing up to 15 amps of power.

Which is better 12 gauge or 14 gauge extension cord?

14Gauge Cords: Any 14gauge cord between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps. 12Gauge 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 12gauge cord to safely power any tool. This is a great extension cord for many purposes.

How can I tell what gauge my extension cord is?

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.

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What is 16 gauge wire used for?

Choosing Electrical Wire Size

16gauge 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.

Can an extension cord handle 1500 watts?

Extension cords usually can‘t handle high current

Medium-sized space heaters draw around 1,500 watts and 12.5 or more amps. That is what most extension cords can barely handle. The rating for your extension cord could be anything between 10-15A.

What does 12/3 mean on an extension cord?

These are the gauge of the wire and number of conductors (wires) in the cord. So, a number like ‘12 3means the cord has 12 gauge diameter wire and 3 wires.

What is the best outdoor extension cord?

  • BEST ALL AROUND: Iron Forge Cable 100 Foot Outdoor Extension Cord.
  • BEST FOR LIGHT DUTY: FIRMERST Flat Plug 1Ft Extension Cord.
  • BEST FOR HEAVY DUTY: US Wire and Cable Extension Cord.
  • BEST FOR OUTDOORS: UltraPro Double Insulated Cord.
  • BEST DESIGN: Cordinate Fabric Braided Cord.

What gauge extension cord do I need 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.

How many watts can 12 gauge wire handle?

General Purpose Cords

14 – Wire 12Wire
Recommended 80% Wattage Load: 1440 watts (120 volts). Max Wattage Load: 1800 watts (120 volts). Recommended 80% Wattage Load: 1920 watts (120 volts), 3840 watts (240 volts). Max Wattage Load: 2400 watts (120 volts), 4800 watts (240 volts).
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