Extension cords

[imported_edschwab1]

I was looking at extension cords yesterday and I am unsure what guage I should buy. I currenlty have an orange extension cord, but want a longer cord. The guages available our 12, 14 and 16. The 16 guage looks like the I have. I plan on using the cord to run power to a PC, a shop vac, hoover carpet cleaner and other power tools, at seperate times of course. In the future I plan on purchasing a commercial carpet extractor and commercial drying fan.



Any help would be appreciated. I probably will just end up with a new 16 guage cord, but was looking with future in mund.



Eric

 

[imported_chr9s]

Things to look out for:



1. If you're going to use it outdoors, buy an extension cord rated for outdoor use.

2. If budget permits, buy the largest gauge your money can buy. Otherwise, the standard practice is to match the ampere rating of the extension cord with the highest ampere rating of your power tools. The larget the gauge, the more amps it will be able to handle.

3. Don't skimp on the length of the cord. I recently purchased a 25ft. cord, thinking it was more than enough, only to find myself going back to the store to get a 50-footer. Depending on your application, you may want to double the length just to be doubly sure, else you'd have to connect several cords together, which is a pain if you're moving around (plugs can come off on any of them).

4. It would be nice if the cord packaging or labels have any SQA logos on them (i.e. UL, OHSA)



In most of the applications you mentioned, 14GA should be enough. HTH.

 

[Nagchampa]

you may want to double the length just to be doubly sure, else you'd have to connect several cords together, which is a pain if you're moving around (plugs can come off on any of them

The trick is to tie the ends together before plugging them in.

 

[Anthony O.]

A contractor once told me that if I have a tool that requires say a 16amp cord then getting one gauged at that is OK for a 25ft cord BUT if yougo to a 50ft cord then you should go to a 14 gauge and anything beyond a 50ft cord go with a 12 gauge.



I have a 100ft 12 gauge cord with 3 outlets at the end and from that run one to three 14 gauge cords. One for the vac, one for the buffer and of course CD player:up The draw back to using such large cords is that they are bulky and clumsy and in the cold weather are a pain in the rear to roll up. The upside is that your tools will last longer.



What needs to be invented is a cordless system based on infrared technology. That would be cool.



Anthony

 

[imported_Luster1]

A contractor once told me that if I have a tool that requires say a 16amp cord then getting one gauged at that is OK for a 25ft cord BUT if yougo to a 50ft cord then you should go to a 14 gauge and anything beyond a 50ft cord go with a 12 gauge.

Yes, this is true.



I have a 100' 12 ga. cord and my pressure washer wouldn't work with it.



I had to purchase a 25' 12 ga. cord, then it kicked right on.



It all depends on the amps/watts of the appliance or tool.



For extension cords......bigger is better. (size matters).



(Don't worry, guys.......I only use the pressure washer in the wheel wells and under-carriage!)