Extension Cords Size Chart
Summary: Extension cord sizes are specific for different types of tools. The amperage flowing through an extension cord can ruin a tool. It is important to choose extension cords that are proper for the kind of tool you will be using. Here is an extension cord size chart that lists the amperage and the gauge of the extension cords.
Related Articles: extension cord manufacturers, cord sizing, cord accessories
Extension Cords Size Tables
OK, what size cord should you use for which tool? You will have to do a little work to figure this out. It is not hard. Fortunately, many common 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 are properly protected, use the following sizing guidelines.
All you must do is obtain the motor amperage from the plate on the tool. You will find this information on the small metal plate where the serial number and model number is listed. Usually, you will see an amperage rating. If, for some odd reason, you see watts listed instead of amps, you can convert watts to amps easily! Here is how you do that: The formula for the conversion is simply Voltage x Amps = Watts. Because we use 120 volts as an electrical standard here in the USA, that means that every 600 watts equals 5 amps (120 x 5 = 600). To switch that formula around for people like me who are algebra impaired.
Important Tool Safety Tip: Voltage drop is a reality. Electricity encounters friction as it travels through electrical wires. Knowing this, use only as much extension cord as you really need. In other words, don't use a 100 foot cord for a project that is only 20 feet away. Purchase and maintain an assortment of different length cords.
Multiple tools on one cord - I was guilty of this infraction. On construction sites, we would commonly feed multiple saws and drills from one cord. If the circuit breaker at the panel is working fine, then you will pop the breaker if there is a current overload. However, if the breaker is bad you can either burn up the cord or damage tools from voltage drops. Use common sense.
Sizing an Extension Cord
Step 1
Determine the amperage of the tool(s) being used. Here is a handy list of some common electric power tools. The average amperage is listed below the tool. Always check on your tool label for its specific amperage.
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Step 2
Calculate the length of the cord you will need. Of course you want to determine the maximum distance you think you will be from a permanent electrical outlet.
Step 3
Use the following list to select the proper gauge extension cord. Remember, wire gauge refers to the thickness of the actual copper wire. As a wire gets thicker it can carry more electricity (amps). To confuse us, some idiot decided that as a wire gets thicker (bigger) the gauge number should get smaller!
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 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.
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Comments:
Pete M 25 Oct 2008, 14:55
YUP...the smaller the gauge number, the BIGGER the wire!!!
gary 30 Dec 2008, 10:11
hi tim iam wanting to purchase a 30 foot locking cord reel. most of these
are 16ga. will that be safe enough to carry the load for an amperage of a
tablesaw i.e. 18 amps at 110 volts. i know that length of the extention
cord can make a difference.
thank you gary
Gerard Bilodeau 25 May 2009, 09:52
How can I determine the gauge size of extension cords that I have owned for
several years (usually shown on the original packaging)?
Thank you.
John B 26 Jul 2009, 17:22
A bit confused by this. We have a weed-eater/edger with a 5-amp motor.
Our 50-foot cord was not long enough to reach the extremity of the yard, so
we bought a 100-ft 14 gauge cord. Would this gauge be adequate?
Another John B 05 Aug 2009, 15:07
to the original John B. That should be plenty adequate as i run my 12 amp
lawn mower on the same cord. My question to anyone out there is this: My
100 ft cord is not long enough to mow my whole yard so I am thinking of
buying a 100 ft 12 gauge and another 10-25 ft 12 gauge. Would this be
advisable or any problems forseen to power my 12 amp lawn mower? Thanks
Mark 22 Aug 2009, 11:53
I have the same question as Gerard.
How can I determine the gauge size of extension cords that I have owned for several years (usually shown on the original packaging)?
skibo 01 Sep 2009, 06:54
On older cords, the gauge is usually printed or stamped into the insulation
at regular invervals - often followed by the number of conductors. So, if
you see 14/3 on the cord that means 14 gauge, 3 conductor.
terry myers 01 Oct 2009, 16:31
can i burn up an electric drill by using to long of an extension cord
christopher B 28 Nov 2009, 11:58
I have a 7.2 amp grass trimmer/edger and I need two 100 foot extension
cords at least in order to reach the farthest part of my yard. What guage
cord should I get?
tracy 10 Dec 2009, 10:06
we have a Toro 1800 12 amp electric snow blower and our extension cord
melted and smoked where the female end of the cord plugs into the machine.
we read the specs in the manual and it reads that a 16 gauge cord is required. I can't find a 16 gauge 100 ft. cord that allows for 12 amps. Will we need to get a 50 ft. cord instead? your guideline above reads that we can use a 12 gauge cord for 100 ft., but I'm unsure about this. View all comments |
