According to Belanger, surge protectors and extension cords are two different things. And, while some extension cords feature surge protection, you can also find surge protectors with a little more length in the cord. Case in point: The Belkin 12-Outlet Home Office Surge Protector is a surge protector first and foremost, but it features an 8-foot cord that could offer the extra reach you need for your tech accessories, lamps, and other home devices. While we wish it had at least one longer option, this length could still come in handy in an office setting or small room at home. W indicates that the extension cord is weather-resistant, making it acceptable for outdoor use. The insulation of such extension cords protects the cables from moisture. • J: 300 Voltage Insulation Yes, the longer the cord is the greater the voltage drop will be. If you must go a distance greater than 100 feet, then upsize the extension cord. You size an extension cord by first determining the appliance or tool that will be plugged into the cord. We also did our best to include a good variety of options, from light-duty models to use in your bedroom or living room, to ultra-heavy-duty options for your garage or workshop. In the interest of safety, We also made sure to only include cords that have been listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory, whether that be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratory). You should always look for the UL or ETL mark.

When plugging your mini fridge into an extension cord, always look for a grounded one with three prongs. This will protect you from electrocution.Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified. gauge extension cord- Among commonly used extension cords, an 18-gauge cord is the thinnest and has the lowest amp rating. Low-power gadgets like lamps, chargers, and small electronics are appropriate for this cord. Its amp rating ranges from 5 to 7 amps. Yes, a 12 gauge extension cord is considered heavy-duty. Heavy-duty cords are typically made with 10 to 14 gauge wires, and the 12 gauge falls within this range. These cords are designed for durability and can be up to 150 feet in length, with solid connectors to protect the wires. 5. Is it OK to use 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit?

In this article we discuss a few additional methods for finding out how to tell what gauge an extension cord is to make sure you use the right one. Understanding the amperage capacity of extension cords, especially 12-gauge extension cords, is crucial to distribute power safely and effectively. The gauge of the extension cord determines its amp rating. Therefore, selecting the proper gauge based on the length and power requirements is essential. Yields a 5% voltage drop—the maximum allowed in our calculations. Consider using the next size up for anything that is at or near 5% or—even better—opting for a shorter cord whenever possible. 50-foot Extension Cords Current Draw Light-duty extension cords bear a resemblance to lamp wire cords used in lighting. The light-duty extension cords are not allowed for anything else other than the light-duty service. In particular, they are banned from using the heating equipment. Some of the appliances that are banned from use with the extension cord are irons, space heaters, boilers, and furnaces. Using the correct gauge is especially important when dealing with larger, heavy-duty items, since a higher gauge cord may not be able to deliver the amps required, and could result in the cord overheating or damage to the device it’s plugged into. This gauge number—denoted as “AWG (American Wire Gauge)”—is typically printed on the cord itself. LengthThese 16-gauge cords have either two or three prongs, and are best suited for items that don’t require a ton of power. Two-pronged versions tend to be shorter, making them convenient to use with appliances that are located close to power outlets, like blenders or lamps.