How to Choose the Correct Extension Cord Sizes

1. How to Choose the Correct  Extension Cord Sizes          W​hen we hear the name extension cords, the very first thing that                         comes to our mind is that they could provide an extension of any                           home’s or workshop’s electrical circuits. This comes in handy                   when a lamp, appliance or tool has a short cord to reach the                           required location. We often get to know about how important it is                         to maintain the security of these cords. However, out of all the                         factors, choosing the right length and size of the power cord is                         equally important to manage the load.    Let’s explore how:      1​​

2. Extension Cord’s Ratings    The cords may vary in rating based on the amperage they can                         carry and the wattage they can handle. The amperage rating for                       each extension cord needs labeling on a tag attached to each cord.                         However, it might not be present or visible always. While choosing                       an extension cord, it is important to determine the amount of                       wattage and amperage that the tool will draw when you connect it                         to the cord. With devices like lamps, radios, and televisions, the                       basic household extension cord is acceptable in most cases.                   Generally, these basic extension cords use 16-gauge wire.            2​

3. While   using   devices   including   motors   that   produce   heat,   light-weight extension cords are least preferable. It can be                   complicated with such devices to choose the right extension cord.                     With the longer extension cords, it contains a higher resistance                     power cord and the potential for overheating is greater. A                     5-ft-long heavy-duty extension cord powering a high-standard               device may overheat, but a 50-ft-long extension cord of the same                       wire gauge will be undersized for the job.    Matching Extension Cord to Load    It is important to rate extension cords on the basis of their load                           capacity to get an idea of how the tool will work or if the load                               capacity   matches the required necessities of the tool. To                 accommodate voltage, drop due to the natural resistance of the                     wire, you should implement over the 50-feet wire.    However, it is important to take proper caution with electric                     devices especially house heaters. If you are considering to use an                       extension cord to plug one of the heaters into a powerhouse, then                         make sure it can handle the load. There have been incidences of                         house catching fires due to selecting the wrong extension cord                     that did not meet heater’s high wattage amperage demands. It is                       3​

4. always good to plug space heaters into electrical outlets. But even                       there it is important to be careful and not exceed the amperage                         rating of that circuit. If you come across a circuit breaker trips or a                             fuse when you plug in a space heater, try another circuit with                         heavier wire and a larger circuit breaker amp rating.        ● Leaf​​blower​: Choose a 14-gauge medium-duty cord for a  higher amp.  ● Table​​lamp​: An 18-gauge, light-duty, two-prong, light-duty  extension cord. It can handle up to 7 amps up to 25 feet  power.  ● Laptop​​computer​: A 14-gauge, medium-duty, three-prong  like ​c13 power cord​ is an ideal choice.  4​

5. ● Treadmill​: Go with a cord made specifically for treadmills like  the 9-foot Tread cord.  ● Circular​​saw​: Choose a 12-gauge heavy-duty cord, which will  cover up to 100 feet from the outlet.  ● Indoor/outdoor vacuum:​ 16-gauge cord for indoor and  12-gauge for outdoor.  ● Holiday​​lights​: Use a 16-gauge cord for 25 feet, or 14-gauge  for more than 25 feet.  ● Bug​​zapper​: All you need is a 16-gauge extension cord to keep  the lamp cooking.  ● Portable​​compressor​: A 10-gauge heavy-duty extension cord  to let you put air in a tire up to 100 feet away from an outlet.  ● Workshop​: Choose a 14-gauge c13 power cord, which powers  most tools. While buying, make sure the model comes with  multiple outlets so you can plug in more than one tool.    One Last Important Thing    Make sure to discard or repair extension cords which are missing                       ground connections or show signs of extreme wear, or have cracks                       or cuts or If you can see a bare wire, uncovered, through the outer                             jacket of the cord. Power cords without ground connection can be                       hazardous to the user. Examine the ends of the plugs which end up                           5​

6. on your extension cords where you are looking for damage. Your                       local hardware store may have replacement plugs that you can use                       to extend an extension cord’s life. There are online options                     available as well. You might want to check it out here. Here is the                             guide to help you choose the correct sized extension cord for your                         use.    This Article is originally posted here​;  https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-ar ticles/how-choose-correct-extension-cord-sizes-1742524.html    If you found these articles useful, here are some other articles                       that may be of interest.    Everything You Should Know About Power Cords [Infographic]  Safety Guidelines to Choose The Right Extension Power Cord  What is the difference between C13 and C15 Power Cords?  Your Guide to Power Extension and Charging Station Setups      6​