What gauge extension cord do I need for 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). Plus there will be much less heating.

Can a 10 gauge extension cord handle 30 amps?

This seems to be the most common size RV and power on the market. Extension cords for 30A RV's are rated for 30 Amps at 125V. Almost all of the cables on the market will be 10 Gauge. You will have no problem running 30 Amps though these cords as well.

How many amps is a 12 gauge extension cord good for?

12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.

Is there a 30 amp extension cord?

The Camco Heavy-Duty 30-amp RV Extension Cord with Power Grip Handles allows you to add sufficient length (50 additional feet) needed to reach distant power outlets.

Which is better 14 or 16 gauge extension cord?

Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a "W" on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.

Amps, Gauges

How many amps can a 14 gauge wire handle?

The NEC limit for 14-gauge wire is 20 amps, which means you should never use 14-gauge wire in your 240-volt circuits, only your 120-volt circuits, or the amperage will exceed the wire's capacity.

What is a 16 gauge extension cord good for?

Sixteen-gauge cords are low wattage and are intended for use with small appliances such as portable fans, alarm clocks, table lamps, or floor lamps (note: an electronic device such as a TV or computer should be connected to a surge protector).

How many wires can go on a 30 amp cord?

A 30 amp cord will have # 10 wiring in it. The 50 amp cord will have three # 6 wires in it to carry the current but the fourth wire is the ground wire and it will be of a smaller #8 gauge, which is adequate because it will only be used in the event of a short circuit and the breaker will trip soon thereafter.

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 12 gauge extension cord handle 30 amps?

Settle for the 14 Gauge Or 12 Gauge - What you Must Know

However, they carry different power amounts depending on the length of the cord in question. For instance, for a length of 25 - 50 feet, a 14 gauge cord will be great for 14-15 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will work for 16-20 Amps.

Is 16 gauge extension cord heavy duty?

The lower the number, the thicker the wire, or bundle of wire, and the thicker the wire, the more watts you can expect to power through it. So a 10-12 gauge cord would be a heavier duty cord than a 16-gauge cord, which would be a lightweight cord typically used for less energy demanding applications.

How do I plug my 30 amp RV into my house?

For a 30 amp RV, you will need a 30a female to 15a male. Detach the 30 amp plug from your generator plug and plug it into an adapter. You can then proceed to plug in the adapter to a heavy-duty extension cord.

How many watts can a 16 gauge extension cord handle?

As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. 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.

How far can you run a 30 amp cord to a camper?

As long as it's rated for 30 amps, there is no maximum distance. The question should not be how many feet, but how many cords. For example, two 50 foot, 30 Amp extension cords should be considered to have less capacity than one 100 foot extension cord.

Can I plug my RV into a 110 outlet?

Yes, you can plug your camper into a 110 outlet, but as mentioned before, you'll probably need an adapter. Only a few small RVs, such as pop-ups or teardrops, will have a standard household plug. But, with a modern RV with a kitchen, bathroom, and heating/cooling system, you need a 30-amp or 50-amp plug.

What can you run on 30 amps?

In a typical RV with a 30 amp electrical service some of the power hungry appliances and portable devices are the air conditioner, electric water heater, microwave, coffee maker, electric skillet, hair dryer, space heaters and a toaster.

What uses a 30 amp plug?

Typically, a 30-amp breaker is designed for heavy-duty appliances like HVACs and water heating systems. Besides, it can only accommodate 30-amp receptacles if it's a single-outlet circuit breaker.

What does 30 amp plug look like?

A 30 amp plug has three prongs – a 120 volt hot wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire – and is generally used on RVs with lower load requirements. A 50 amp plug has four prongs – two 120 volt hot wires, a neutral wire and a ground wire – that supply two separate 50 amp, 120 volt feeds.

What does 16 3 mean for an extension cord?

On the packaging of the extension cord, there should be some numbers. These are the gauge of the wire and number of conductors (wires) in the cord. So, a number like '12 3' means the cord has 12 gauge diameter wire and 3 wires. Here is the breakdown: 16 gauge=light duty.

What is the difference between a 10 gauge and 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.

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.