Electrical cord gauge chart. If youve shopped for electrical wire. The size of your extension cord is very important. Please point out errors. Most extension cord failures can be prevented simply by using the right type of cord for the job.
Why extension cords are dangerous. Extension cord selection guide an extension cord is an essential piece of equipment for those jobs where the power cord is too short to reach an outlet. If you undersize one you can start a fire or ruin an expensive tool. Extension cord size chart understanding wire gauge and amps after searching the internet recently we realized people needed a definitive extension cord size chart.
American wire gauge size calculator and chart. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the electrical extension cord or power strip that best suits your needs while helping ensure safety device performance and energy efficiency. We hope that this information is. Amps the amount of current a wire can safely carry.
Many a household fire has occurred when a light extension cord with 16 gauge wire is used to power a heater or heating appliance of some sort. Be sure to choose extension cords wisely by choosing a heavy gauge wire by following the chart that we have provided. Increase the gauge size to ensure that enough electricity can pass through it. Because of wire size the resistance of the wire and the voltage drop due to the distance these variables can damage both extension cords and the power tools that are connected to them.
Fortunately many common small hand held electrical tools can operate without danger of motor damage when powered by a 16 gauge cord that is 100 feet long. Wattage the rate of electrical energy. An extension cord essentially is a bundle of insulated electrical wires with a plug on each end. D n in 0005 in 92 36 n39.
The n gauge wire diameter d n in millimeters mm is equal to 0127mm times 92 raised to the power of 36 minus gauge. Are probable since the typist is not a professional our ceo. This chart breaks down how both the wire gauge and length of the extension cord affects its. Most manufacturers will discourage the use of any extension cords with portable heaters but if one must be used it has to be a heavy duty cord with a high amperage rating that matches the amperage of the.
Please contact manufacturers for the latest data. The data listed are incomplete and should be used as a guideline only. Wire gauge calculations wire diameter calculations. After searching the internet recently we realized people needed a definitive extension cord size chart.
This chart shows both the recommended 80 percent wattage load and the absolute maximum 100 percent wattage load for the most common wire and cable gauge sizes. The n gauge wire diameter d n in inches in is equal to 0005in times 92 raised to the power of 36 minus gauge number n divided by 39. Youll need to know where and how the extension. This chart of american wire gauge awg wire sizes and rated ampacities is data intended for the pleasure of our readers only.