6/27/2023 0 Comments Extension cord dropoverThis “stepping up” will prevent current drop over the 100′ run.Ĥ. As an example, if your electrical device has a wire size of #16AWG, you will want to INCREASE the wire size to #14AWG on the extension cord. For every 100′ of extension cord, you should increase the gauge (thickness) of wire to prevent current drop. When a long extension cord is used, this causes a “drop” in voltage (at the electrical device). Always use an extension cord with a (third) grounding prong if your electrical device has a grounded (3 prong) cord plug. Match a grounded (3 prong) extension cord to a grounded (3 prong) electrical device cord. Using an extension cord with too small a gauge of wire for the current draw will cause the wire and cord to heat up! This can lead to melting of receptacles, damage to your electrical device (and could potentially cause an electrical fire).Ģ. Lengthening the cord on any electrical device (by using an extension cord) requires sizing up the wire gauge on the extension cord. The larger the AWG number, the thinner the wire.Įlectrical devices are manufactured with different gauges of wire in their power cords depending on the “draw” of electricity the device uses. These numbers represent the “gauge” (or thickness) of the electrical wires within the extension cord. Most are labelled with #12 AWG, #14AWG, or #16AWG. Household-use extension cords are labelled according to the size of wire inside the cord.
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