What does the average person look for in choosing an extension cord? Is it the color? The length? Depending on the intended use, there are important specifications that should be considered.
The following are considerations that everyone should be aware of when purchasing an extension cord or power strip:
- Sizing of the extension cord is most important. Wire size determines how much current can safely be utilized to power devices. Not knowing the proper wire size needed for an extension cord for its intended use is the most common mistake and one that causes fires and equipment failure.
- 16awg extension is rated for 10amps
- 14awg cord is rated for 15 amps,12 awg cord is rated for 20 amps,
- 10awg cord is rated for 30 amps.
- It is important to know the current consumption of the device or devices to be powered so the sized extension cord can be matched.
- Here’s another kicker that coincides with sizing; length. Length is important not just for convenience, but wire sizing as well. The longer the length, the larger the wire is needed to supply the rated current. That 16awg extension cord is good for 10 amps up to 50ft. If you needed to power something 75ft. away, you would want to increase the extension cord size to 14awg. A 16awg cord or power strip if less than 10ft., is also rated for 13 amps. Same goes for the 14-10awg cords. When you start getting to distances over 100ft. and are needing to maintain the rated current of the cord, larger sizing is necessary. There is more detailed electrical theory to explain this which can be covered in another discussion.
- Another specification to consider is the rating of the insulation. If the intended use for the extension cord is outdoor, attention should be paid to an “outdoor” rated extension cord.
Signs of undersized extension cords and power strips include heat and discoloration. If a cord feels especially warm to the touch, it may be undersized for the load it is serving. Discoloration is a sign of overheating as well.
As tempting as it may be to purchase the cheap 16 or 18awg extension cord, keep in mind what the demand of the cord will be. If it needs to be a long distance or there will be many devices or large devices, a larger wire sized cord should be considered. Remember the smaller the awg number, the larger it is. 10awg is larger than 14awg. When it comes to extension cords, bigger is better.