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Most tools in your garage or workshop can be used with a 14-gauge cord. If you need a longer cord, purchase one with a larger gauge, such as a 12 or a 10-gauge to help negate the voltage drop. It is recommended that you buy the length you need without having a lot of excess. The current meets increased resistance the further it has to travel, causing the voltage to drop by the time it reaches the device. The list below shows the common wire gauges and how many amps they can handle:Īs you can see, length directly affects how much power is able to reach a device. For example, a 16/2-gauge wire has 2 wires with a 16-gauge thickness. Lower AWG numbers are referred to as higher gauges since they are able to handle higher amps. Gauge is measured by American Wire Gauge (AWG) and can be found printed on both the cord jacket and the packaging. This determines how much current is able to safely pass through the wire. The wire gauge is the diameter of the wire. If you plan on using multiple devices at once, you will want to add up the current requirements for all of the devices to ensure that you do not overload the cord. Running a device that requires a higher amperage than the cord is rated for can cause the cord to overheat. This is the highest amount of power, or current, that the cord can safely handle.
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This means the jacket is made from thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE), which is resistant to sunlight, UV, and extreme weather conditions.įound on the extension cord's packaging is the maximum amperage. A better choice for extended outdoor use is a cord with an "E" label. While thermoplastic is water resistant, it is not good for long-term outdoor use since it can become brittle in cold weather or soft in extreme heat.
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A cord with a "T" label is made with thermoplastic. Make sure to double-check what the jacket is made of. J Hard service has standard 300 Volt insulationĮ Jacket made from thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE) W Rated for outdoor use and wet locations Made up of letters, these codes are used to describe the type of jacket and where the cord can be used. Rugged cords are for high-amperage tools or construction sitesĪll extension cords have a rating printed on the jacket. Occasional use cords are best for smaller toolsįrequent use cords are heavier duty, making them a better choice for larger tools and equipment Outdoor cords are broken into 3 categories: Outdoor extension cords are designed with stronger outer jackets that help them withstand rougher and wetter conditions. They are best to use with lamps, floor fans, indoor Christmas lights, and general electronic devices. Indoor extensions have thin insulation, or jacket, around the wires making them unsuitable for outside use.
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Let's begin with how indoor extension cords are different from outdoor extension cords. The Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Extension Cords Let's go over some information to ensure you are choosing the right extension cord for outdoor use. There are a few, yet significant details many of us overlook that can be hazardous to your home. It's important to know that not all extension cords are the same.