What do you need a 10-gauge extension cord for?

Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG.

What are 10 gauge extension cords used for?

The lighted ten gauge extension cord is ideal for running power to a high-wattage tool or appliance outdoors from a generator. It is safe for cold weather and moisture, making it a good fit for those powering their homes during a blackout or similar power failure as well.

How many watts can a 10 gauge extension cord handle?

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.

What gauge of extension cord do I need?

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.

Can a 10 gauge extension cord handle 30 amps?

30 Amp RV Extension Cord Gauge

For the 3,600 watts that a 30-amp cord can handle, you'll want a 10 AWG extension cord. Remember: the longer the extension cord, the lower the AWG number required.

Extension Cord 101 | Best Size For YOU

Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?

Round down = 10 Gauge. 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.

What size extension cord will handle 30 amps?

That's why you really need at least a 10-gauge extension cord for any 30-amp circuit. As you can see from the chart above, it's rated for 30 amperes of current so it will have much less voltage drop (easily half as much as a 14 gauge cable with the same current).

How many amps can 10 gauge wire handle?

“Twelve-gauge wire is good for 20 amps, 10-gauge wire is good for 30 amps, 8-gauge is good for 40 amps, and 6-gauge is good for 55 amps,” and “The circuit breaker or fuse is always sized to protect the conductor [wire].”

What is a 12 gauge extension cord used for?

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.

What does 10 AWG wire mean?

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard way to denote wire size in North America. In AWG, the larger the number, the smaller the wire diameter and thickness. The largest standard size is 0000 AWG, and 40 AWG is the smallest standard size.

What is a 10 3 extension cord rated for?

10/3 Heavy Duty extension cord 75 ft 10 gauge extension cords Rated up to 1875 Watts 125V, 15Amp 3-Outlet Lighted SJTW Indoor/Outdoor 10-Gauge Grounded cord (10 Awg Triple Outlet Extension Cord 75 ft)

What size extension cord do I need for a 1500 watt heater?

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.

Is a 12-gauge extension cord heavy duty?

A 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.

Do I need a heavy duty extension cord?

If you need an extension cord that can be used outdoors, you will want a heavy duty power cord that has a heavy gauge. Despite the fact that a majority of extension cords look similar, it is usually not the best idea to grab whatever extension cord you see first, especially if you require heavy duty extension cords.

What gauge extension cord do I need for a block heater?

Premium Member. You really want a 12 gauge (12 AWG), exterior grade extension cord for this job.

What kind of extension cord can I use for an air conditioner?

A 14-guage extension cord can handle that much current, but remember that an air conditioner, like most appliances, draws more current when it starts up. For this reason, and to prevent poor performance because of voltage drop, it's safer to use a 12-gauge cord.

Is 16 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord better?

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 kind of extension cord should I use for a treadmill?

The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you absolutely must use an extension cord, make sure it is grounded (the type with three prongs), less than six feet in length, and is at least as thick as the treadmill power cord (14 gauge).

What is the most heavy-duty extension cord?

Q: What is the heaviest duty extension cord? A 10- to 12-gauge wire is considered a heavy-duty extension cord, a 14-gauge wire is a medium-duty cord, and a 16-gauge wire is a light-duty cord.

Can I use 10 gauge wire for outlets?

Yes, you can use 10 AWG copper conductors with a 20 ampere breaker. The smallest size conductors you could use with a 20 ampere breaker, are 12 AWG copper conductors. There's no problem using larger conductors, other than cost to you, and difficulties associated with working with thicker conductors.

Can 10 AWG handle 50 amps?

A 10-gauge bare copper wire can carry a 50-amp load, but the resistance in the cable will cause it to heat up substantially.

Can I use 10 gauge wire 220?

If you're wiring a 220v, 20-amp outlet to run power tools, you can use the same 12-gauge wire you would use for a 110-volt, 20-amp circuit. Remember that the cable must have an extra hot wire. If the appliance draws 30 amps, you need a different type of receptacle, and the cable needs to be 10-gauge.

Can a 12 gauge extension cord handle 15 amps?

When using 100 feet extension cords, you'll need a: 16 Gauge for 1-10 Amps. 14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps.

Can I use a 12 gauge extension cord for my RV?

For RV's that need to get 15A power, we recommend using a 10 Gauge Extension Cord. This is a good cord to run at any length, as it has a very durable jacket, and thick stranded wire. At minimum we recommend using a 12 gauge extension cord.