Outdoor-rated extension cords are specially designed for use outdoors since normal indoor cords can be easily damaged by weather. To make an extension cord suitable for outdoor use, it must be water and UV resistant.
The insulation must also be thicker and tougher to protect it from the elements. Additionally, they must be made with thicker and more durable power cable which is more resistant to wear, abrasion, and the damage that can be caused by dragging them over rough surfaces.
Outdoor-rated cords also have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) which can prove valuable in wet or damp locations. Finally, the plugs must be designed to latch securely to outlets and the cords must be marked to denote their suitability for outdoor use.
How many amps should an outdoor extension cord be?
The National Electrical Code has guidelines for the proper sizing of extension cords. As the cord size gets longer, the wire size must increase to compensate for the voltage drop that occurs over longer distances.
Generally speaking, an outdoor extension cord should be at least 12 gauge in size. This size can carry up to 15 amps and should be used for appliances that require 12 amps or less. If an appliance requires more than 12 amps of power, then you should use a 10 gauge cord, which can handle up to 20 amps.
For even higher current requirements, an 8 gauge cord should be used, which can carry up to 30 amps. Be sure to check the power requirements of the device you are plugging in to the cord and make sure that the size of the cord matches or exceeds the current requirements of the device.
What are the different grades of extension cords?
Extension cords come in a variety of types, and the grade of an extension cord depends on the type. The most common and versatile type is the standard household extension cord, which is available in either indoor or outdoor grades.
The outdoor grade is designed with a thicker and more durable insulation that is resistant to moisture and tears, and has grounding protection. Other types of extension cords include heavy-duty cords, retractable cords, and heavy gauge cords.
Heavy-duty cords are typically used for heavier loads such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and industrial tools. These types of cords are also available in indoor and outdoor grades, and are marked with a higher amperage than standard cords.
They are also thicker and have a sturdier plug construction.
Retractable cords are designed for indoor use and feature a built-in reel that allows the cord to be neatly stored when not in use. These cords are available in varying lengths and are typically of the standard grade.
Heavy gauge cords are designed for large capacity appliances and tools. These cords are typically used for high-power loads such as electric ranges or panel saws. Heavy gauge cords are marked with a higher amperage than standard cords, and have an extra thick insulation.
How can I tell what rating my extension cord is?
In order to determine the rating of your extension cord, you will need to identify the amp rating that is printed on the male plug. This is usually stylized as ‘A’ followed by a number; for example, ‘A15’ indicates a cord with a 15 amp rating.
It is important to note that the rating printed on the plug may be different than the rating printed on the female end, so check both ends of the cord to be sure. Once you have identified the amp rating, you can compare it to the chart provided by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
The chart lists the typical ratings for cord sets: 0-7 amps, 8-15 amps, 16-20 amps, and 20-30 amps. If you are unable to locate the UL chart, you can also look for the ‘Extension Cord Marking’ which will appear printed next to the standard ‘UL Listed’ mark on the male plug.
This ‘ECM’ will tell you if the cord is 0-7 amps, 8-15 amps, or 16 amps or higher. To accurately gauge the amp rating of your extension cord, you may wish to visit an electrical supply store to find the UL ratings or familiarize yourself with the ECM codes.
Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?
The answer as to which is better: 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord, depends on what you are going to be using it for. If you are looking for an extension cord use for light-duty applications, such as a lamp or other low powered devices, then a 12 gauge extension cord is a perfect solution.
However, if you will be using the extension cord for heavier-duty applications that require more power, such as a large power tool or other high-powered device, then a 10 gauge extension cord is recommended.
The 10 gauge cord is thicker and is able to handle more electricity without overheating or posing a safety hazard.
What do numbers on extension cord mean?
Extension cords are electrical cords that are used to extend the reach of an existing electrical outlet. They come with a variety of ratings (ampacity, voltages, length, etc. ), and the numbers on them help denote the tools or devices that may be safely used with the cord.
The most commonly seen numbers are 12, 14, and 16, which represent the gauge – or thickness – of the cord. The lower the number, the thicker and more heavy duty the cord.
12 Gauge cords: 12 gauge cords are the thickest and are mainly used for portable construction tools that require a lot of power, such as circular saws, table saws, and sanders.
14 Gauge cords: 14 gauge cords are medium-weight and are suitable for portable tools that require less power, such as drills, hand saws, and hedge trimmers.
16 Gauge cords: 16 gauge cords are light-weight and designed for applications that require very little power, such as lamp cords, phone chargers, and laptop chargers. They’re also used for extension cords that are used to connect one end of the cord to a power outlet and the other end to a device.
In addition to the gauge, extension cords also feature a maximum power rating, which tells you how much power the cord can safely handle. The power rating is usually listed in watts or amps. If the power rating is too low, the cord will not provide enough current for the device, and if it is too high, the cord may overheat and result in a fire hazard.
How many watts can a 15 amp extension cord handle?
The amount of watts that a 15 amp extension cord can handle depends on the voltage rating of the cord. Standard 15 amp extension cords have a rating of 125 volts, which translates to a maximum power rating of 1875 watts (125 volts multiplied by 15 amps).
If the extension cord is rated for 250 volts, then it would be able to handle up to 3750 watts (250 volts multiplied by 15 amps). It is extremely important to never exceed the watt rating of the extension cord as it can damage the appliance and/or the cord.
A simple rule of thumb when using a standard extension cord is to multiply the amps by the current voltage to calculate the watts before connecting the appliance to the cord.
How do I know if my extension cord is heavy-duty?
The best way to determine if your extension cord is heavy-duty is to check the label or packaging for information about the purpose and gauge of the cord. Look for terms such as “heavy-duty”, “outdoor” or “contractor grade”, which all indicate the cord is suitable for tasks that require the added safety and wattage capacity provided by these cords.
Additionally, the gauge of a cord, indicated by a number printed on the insulation of the cord, also helps to determine the capacity and purpose of the cord. Lower numbered gauges correspond to higher wattage capacity, which is ideal for tasks like lawn mowing and power tool operation.
Higher numbered gauges, on the other hand, are more appropriate for indoor tasks such as plugging in small kitchen appliances or televisions. If the gauge is not present on the cord, look for the manufacturer’s information where the wattage capacity ratings might be listed.
Depending on the wattage allotted to the cord, it will tell you whether it is heavy-duty or not.
Is 12 AWG the same as 12 gauge?
Yes, 12 AWG and 12 gauge are often used interchangeably when referring to wire size. AWG stands for “American Wire Gauge” and is the standardized wire gauge system used in the US. It refers to the diameter of the wire, but the thickness of the wire will vary depending on the type of metal.
In the AWG system, the smaller the number, the larger the conductor and the thicker the wire. So a 12 AWG wire is thicker than a 14 AWG wire. Gauge is another term used to refer to wire size, and it is also used to measure the thickness of the wire, but it is not as widely accepted or used as the AWG system.