Shopping for a new extension cord? Maybe you're just trying to make sure you are plugging , whatever you are plugging, in the right extension cord. We have you covered either way.
Where do you find the size of a cord?
It should be labeled right there on the chord!
Here is a breakdown from light to heavy duty chords:
Light-duty extension cords are those that resemble lamp wire cord. These cords should never be used with anything other than very light-duty devices. They are especially dangerous to use with space heaters and other heat-generating appliances, such as toasters or clothes irons, which draw heavy electrical loads. Light-duty cords often are not grounded: They have only two plug prongs and do not include a third wire and prong for grounding, so should never be used with appliances that have a three-prong grounded cord.
• Uses: lamps, clocks, and other light-duty electrical devices drawing up to 7 amps
• Cord length up to 25 feet: use 18 AWG wire
• Cord length up to 50 feet: use 16 AWG wire
• Cord length up to 100 feet: use 14 AWG wire
Medium-duty cords usually are grounded extension cords, which include the third wire and plug prong for grounding. They have plugs that accept three-prong grounded appliance cords.
• Uses: televisions, computers, and other devices that draw up to 10 amps of power
• Cord length up to 25 feet: use 16 AWG wire
• Cord length up to 50 feet: use 14 AWG wire
• Cord length up to 100 feet: use 12 AWG wire
Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power. These are always grounded extension cords that include a third wire and plug prong for grounding and have plugs with three slots for accepting grounded appliance cords.
• Uses: tools and heating appliances drawing up to 15 amps of power
• Cord length up to 25 feet: use 14 AWG wire
• Cord length up to 50 feet: use 12 AWG wire
• Cord length up to 100 feet: use 10 AWG wire
Note: Follow appliance manufacturer instructions regarding the use of extension cords. Some appliances never should be used with extension cords. The best extension cord is the one you don’t have to use – Get an electrician to install more outlets where you need them.
Have any more specific questions, give us a ring!
Yorumlar