Best 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 Gau

However, if you simply want to know what gauge extension cord you need to support a particular amount of amps, or how long an extension cord you can run without losing power, here you go

Getting a firm grasp on understanding wire gauge and amps and how they interrelate can protect your tools and keep you safe

We broke our charts down by extension cord length since that’s where most people start when looking for the right gauge cord:

If you want to run a 100-foot long extension cord, you have to take into account the fact that you’re essentially creating a huge resistor

With that in mind, you typically don’t see 100-foot cords exceeding 15-amp (15A) capacity

Consider using the next size up for anything that is at or near 5% or—even better—opting for a shorter cord whenever possible

25-foot Extension Cords

Current DrawMinimum Wire GaugeVoltage Drop20A14-gauge258%15A14-gauge194%12A14-gauge155%10A14-gauge129%

See below for some recommendations on extension cords which should match the above requirements

Assumptions for Sizing Extension Cord Length

For our extension cord size chart calculations, we assumed 120V single phase with a power factor of 1

We also utilized the 2014 NEC Chapter 9, Table 9 numbers for impedance and voltage drop calculations

We also allowed for up to a 5% voltage drop—which some people might consider too high

With that being the case, only one of our recommendations hit that level, the 100-foot 12-gauge extension cord with a full 15A draw

It helps you understand what happens when using a 100-foot extension cord on a tool with a high current draw

Why Understanding Wire Gauge and Amps Matters

Everyone on a job site or remodel has some experience with running extension cords

For larger tools that require them, it’s not enough to simply tap into the temp power pole or a nearby outlet

You have to ensure that if your tool requires 15 amps, it gets 15 amps

Use an extension cord that doesn’t carry the correct thickness (gauge) wire and you “starve” your tool

First, you can tax the tool motor—causing it to work harder to draw the energy it needs to run

That’s your tool on an improperly-sized extension cord

An undersized extension cable will heat up over time

Use it in that state for too long, and the wire insulation could melt

This particularly holds true if you keep the wire in a coil, which creates resistance and a magnetic field that heats up

Some Helpful Do’s and Don’ts

Understand how much current you need to draw for your tool or applianceProperly size the wire gauge to the length and current draw requiredKeep your cables as short as possible for higher current toolsUnroll extension cords fully so they aren’t coiled during use

Use cables not properly rated for your tool and the length of cordKeep your extension cords coiled during useUse a cord that lacks a ground plug (either missing or broken)Run multiple high-current tools off a single cord or circuitUse a long extension cable if you have a short one handy

Hopefully, you found our extension cord size chart helpful and direct to the point

Understanding wire gauge and amps and how to properly size your cords for the tool and distance can make your tools last longer and run more optimally

You may also want to see our article on what kind of extension cord do I need for even more info

Join our newsletter and get the latest tool reviews every week!Andwe’ll even send you our “Best Tools for Your Hard-earned Dollars” white paper!

Extension cords are one of the most common household items, but there are many different kinds of extension cords built for different purposes

Here’s what you should know about extension cords and when they can and can’t be used

The Different Gauges (aka AWG)

The wires inside an extension cord come in all different thicknesses, which is denoted as “gauge”

It’s also sometimes referred to as “AWG”, which stands for American Wire Gauge

However, don’t get this confused with the actual thickness of the cord itself (though the thicker the gauge, the thicker the cable, to an extent)

Instead, gauge refers to the thickness of the wires inside the extension cord

Extension cords range anywhere from 18 gauge to 10 gauge, with 10 gauge being the thickest

Lower gauge (aka thicker) wires allow more electrical current to flow through the extension cord, making lower-gauge cords better for larger appliances and tools that need a lot of juice

RELATED: The Different Kinds of Electrical Outlets You Can Install In Your House

Most higher-gauge extension cords are pretty thin and compact (like this one), and made to be used with electronics that don’t need a lot of power, like lamps, alarm clocks, fans, and more

These are also known as “light duty” extension cords

Thicker-gauge extension cords in the range of 10-14 gauge are known as “medium duty” or “heavy duty” extension cords (like this one) and usually look like a really-thick ethernet cable of sorts

However, you can sometimes find light-duty extension cords that look like heavy-duty ones (like this one), so be sure to double check the gauge, which can sometimes be found printed on the cord itself

Thicker-gauge extension cords are suited for more demanding appliances and tools, like space heaters, refrigerators, and more

There’s a lot of controversy about using extension cords with demanding appliances, so we’ll talk more about that in a moment

The moment you set eyes on different extension cords, you’ll notice one glaring difference: the plug will either have two or three prongs

The third prong is a ground connection, which provides a return path for excess electrical current to prevent damage to the appliance, or even worse, electrical shock to the user if there’s a short

You’ll mostly see light-duty extension cords sport only two prongs, which is also known as an ungrounded extension cord

These can be used safely with items that don’t draw a lot of power (lamps, fans, clocks, etc )

However, if an appliance has a three-pronged plug, you’ll need to plug it into a three-pronged (aka grounded) extension cord

You can plug an appliance with a two-pronged plug into a grounded extension cord without a problem, but do not plug in a three-pronged plug into an ungrounded extension cord (by using one these adapters), mostly because anything with a ground prong is usually high-powered and should not be plugged into a light-duty extension cord in the first place

Just by looking at an extension cord, you may not be able to tell if it can be used outdoors or only indoors, but the insulation that the extension cord uses makes all the difference

Most indoor light-duty extension cords (like the one pictured above) have little insulation, and would eventually deteriorate when exposed to the outdoor elements for any significant amount of time

Outdoor extension cords, however, have much better insulation and more of it

However, many outdoor extension cords don’t provide a water-tight seal where the plug is, since there’s really no way to achieve that in the first place

So it’s still recommended that you be careful around wet areas and elevate the plugs if there’s any standing water in the area

It’s also a good idea to wrap the connection in plastic to prevent rain water from making its way inside

When and Where You Shouldn’t Use Extension Cords

Contrary to what you may think about extension cords, there are some instances where they shouldn’t be used, depending on the appliance and how far away it is

First off, extension cords can only be so long

In general, the thicker the cord is (gauge-wise), the longer it can be (up to around 150 feet with the thickest cords)

This is why you hardly ever see light-duty extension cords longer than 25 feet or so, because the voltage would die down before it reached the appliance, resulting in devices not getting enough power and possibly creating safety hazards

This is also why you shouldn’t daisy chain extension cords

RELATED: Can You Plug Space Heaters Into Smart Outlets?

Furthermore, extension cords should not be installed inside of walls and used permanently, because they’re unshielded and not heat-resistant, whereas true romex electrical wire is

As for using extension cords to power high-wattage appliances like a space heater or a hair dryer, it’s generally frowned upon

Most appliance manufacturers will tell you not to do this, because it’s really easy to use an extension cord that isn’t rated for the power needed from the appliance

However, it’s generally not a problem if you use the correct type of extension cord

For instance, if your space heater pulls 15 amps, you’ll want an extension cord that can handle at least 15 amps

This means you’ll probably end up with at least a 14-gauge extension cord, but even 10- or 12-gauge cords will work as well

What you don’t want to do is use a light-duty extension cord that isn’t rated for the power draw a space heater pulls—that’s asking for trouble

› How to Use Both Outlet Receptacles with a Bulky Smart Plug› Can You Plug Surge Protectors and Extension Cords Into Each Other?› This New Tiny Asus PC Has No Cooling Fans› Microsoft Designer Doesn’t Have a Waitlist Anymore› The Kubuntu Focus Ir14 Is a Premium Linux Laptop With KDE› Extend Your Outdoor Adventures With the New BLUETTI AC60 Power Station› You Can Browse Facebook Marketplace Without an Account› Steam’s Desktop Client Just Got a Big Update (In Beta)

What extension cord gauge do I need?

Extension cords play a vital role in almost everyone’s life

In this case, you will need one from a nearby outlet to your location

It enables people to recharge a device or supply power to an appliance

Just like AWG wires, they come in different forms & types

We tested a number of products and found that Southwire was the best extension cord manufacturer across a number of gauges

Here are our recommendations for various gauges:

Best 6 gauge extension cord: PrimeWeld

Best 8 gauge extension cord: Southwire

Best 10 gauge extension cord: Champion

Best 12 gauge extension cord: Otimo

Best 16 gauge extension cord: Addlon

Here’s a quick look at our recommendations:

Great 8 gauge extension cord for heavy duty work

Champion Power Equipment

Awesome 10 gauge extension cord for generators & more

Impressive 12 gauge extension cord for everyday use

Rating (Amps)

Good, budget 16 gauge extension cord option

We’ve tried and tested all the extension cords we have posted on this page

We have also written extensively on electrical topics and feel we know what we’re talking about

We picked extension cords with different capabilities to reflect the different needs people have

If you have ever been to an electrical supply store, you will notice they come in different lengths and sizes

The most common length are 25 ft, 50 ft, 100 ft, and 200 ft

In a recent study by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, extension cords are among the most dangerous electrical products for home use

The main reason it is dangerous is the incorrect size and use

With that said, people need to know how to prevent them from failing

A 6-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 50 amps at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 60 at an ambient temperature of 194°F

A 6-gauge copper extension wire has a rating of 55 amps at an ambient temperature of 140°F

Some thick extension cords are waterproof

It is best practice to check the specifications

Here’s a great option from PrimeWeld

It can handle 50 amp welding jobs

It will be able to handle most electrical needs you have

It’s only 50′ long

An 8-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of about 40 amps at an ambient temperature rating of 167°F or 45 at an ambient temperature rating of 194°F

An 8-gauge copper extension cord is rated at 40 amps at an ambient temperature of 140°F

Aside from knowing the above information, the safe length for an 8 AWG wire is also important

An 8-gauge extension cord wire is thicker than a 10, making it more heavy-duty than the latter

It comes in several lengths

extension wire with a welding machine

Some long cables are retractable, making it easy to pack them up

They don’t sell options longer than 40 feet

For your heavy electrical needs

How many Amps & Watts Can it Handle?

A 10-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 30 amps or 3600 watts at an ambient temperature of 167°F or 35 at 194°F

You can use a 10/3 with a ground wire for an apartment

They’re great for a large air conditioner or an electric dryer

Only appliances mentioned with a rating of up to 30 amps are compatible

Note that some of these appliances use a NEMA 10-30 three-prong plug, so you may want to pick a multi-outlet option

Name10/3-3 Triple Outlet Ultra Heavy DutyGauge10Length100′NameGearITVoltage125 Volts

It’s 100 feet long

They have many cords available to choose from

We love the 3-outlet plug

It might be a bit pricey

It’s a bit thinner

A 12-gauge aluminum extension cord has a rating of 20 amps at 167°F and 25 at 194°F

A copper wire of the same AWG has a rating of 25 at 140°F

It’s rated 25 at 167°F and 30 at 194°F

You can use a 12/3 cord in various appliances and tools, such as but not limited to:

However, never use this as it is dangerous and prone to fire

Name12/3 Outdoor Extension CordConnector GenderMale-to-FemaleGauge12Input Current20 AmpsLength25′ – 100′StoreAddlonVoltage125 Volts

They offer 25 to 100 feet cords

It’s reasonably priced

We love that the ends light up

In the case of a 14-gauge extension cord, it usually only uses copper for the conductive part

It has a rating of 20 amps at an ambient temperature rating of 140°F and 167°F and 25 at 194°F

A 16-gauge extension cord has a rating of 13 amps, which you can use for a light-duty job

This type can only support devices that are not power-hungry

It is dangerous to use it with a space heater or any heat-generating appliance, such as toasters

Electrical Extension Cord Gauge Chart

As for wires, we also have an extension cord gauge chart

It determines how many amps a particular AWG wire can handle

It will help you realize which option is right for you, whether it’s 10 or 14

It depends on the wattage and size you require

The appropriate amp rating is crucial to ensure it can handle the electrical amount according to your requirements!

extension-cordstransparent600#12bece

‌Extension cords

50 amp

The chart above indicates that a 12 aluminum wire is a safe choice for your 220V 20 amps at 167°F ambient temperatures

Similarly, you can use a 14-gauge copper wire for 220V 20 amps at 167°F

If you seek one out for your washing machine, you can use the chart above as a guide

The AWG wire for a certain ampacity depends on a few factors, such as the conductive material and the ambient temperature rating

It is important to know the conductive material you plan to use

If you are using a copper wire, you must refer to the copper column

There are a few of these for the ambient temperature rating, so keep that in mind

Copper can carry more ampacity than aluminum at the same AWG

In other words, an 8-gauge copper wire can support more ampacity than the equivalent aluminum one

Having a higher ampacity means it can allow more current to flow at any given time

Ones with a high ambient temperature rating can carry high loads of power

It explains why a 12-gauge copper extension cord with an ambient temperature of 140°F is compatible with 20 amps

The same at a higher ambient temperature of 194°F can carry up to 25 amps

The outlined factors above make it tricky to choose the correct rating

Always remember that it is fine to pick a thicker one than the recommended one

However, never choose one size smaller than the recommended option

Make sure to also check out our resources on the best plasma cutters and the best TIG welders

What rating should I use?

Getting the correct one is very important

Choosing a smaller one can ruin your tool or even start a fire

In most cases, a common small hand-held electrical tool can operate without any danger with a 16-gauge extension cord about 100 feet long

Reading through this section will guide you in determining the correct one to use

Obtaining the rating

An outdoor circular saw shows 15A, which means it has a rating of 15 amps

Knowing Ohm’s law is important because it helps in keeping you safe when dealing with electricity

To put it in simple terms, you multiply amps with volts to get watts

This formula helps understand the different sizes because it may require you to convert the rating in the tool or appliance to watts

In the US, we use 120 volts in most homes

Some regions across the globe use 240V

When electricity travels down a long wire, it loses voltage

It happens because electricity encounters resistance as it travels

With this knowledge in mind, only use the cord length that you need

It is one of the many reasons why using the correct wire size and length is important

Electrical resistance creates friction, which also creates heat

You may feel the heat building up, and it becomes rougher to rub your hands

The same happens with electricity traveling down an extension cord

To summarize, do not use a 50 feet long extension cord if you only really need about 20 feet

Purchase an assortment of options with varying lengths

You can use a short one if the outlet is only a few yards away from your project

If you have a project that needs welding, it will surprise you that several types of welding may need different types of cables

You can look into gasless MIG welding and aluminum welding

The first thing you need to do is determine the tool or appliance you will be using

Once you have the information on hand, look into the Electrical Wire Size Chart table

This chart determines the compatible AWG number

Below is a list of common electrical tools with their respective amp ratings to make things easier

Electric Chainsaw: 7 to 12

Electric Lawn Mower: 6 to 12

Power Drill: 3 to 7

Table Saw: 14 to 20

There are several engine-driven welders available in the market

Can you connect different ratings?

Attaching two or more cords can sometimes be the only solution if you want to extend the length of coverage

If you practice this at home, immediately unplug them and buy a longer one to serve your needs

It has to be for a short term, temporary use only

The problem is that it creates a risk when using it as a long-term solution

The common causes include misused or damaged cords or overloaded circuits

Connecting two different ones is one example of misusing it

Avoiding the use of extension cords is the ideal solution

However, consider using a short one with adequate protection and heavy insulation if this is not possible

There are times it is unavoidable not to use one

In this case, use the shortest length and the correct size

Looking for an extension cord is an overwhelming task, especially if you do not know a lot about it

It’s at least the case if you aren’t simply buying one of the most common ones

If you need to provide electricity for more powerful tools, find the right one

Here are the factors to consider when shopping for extension cord in different gauges online or in-store

Purchase a slightly longer option

Although we do not recommend getting a length that is way longer than you need, it is good to get the next longest cord

If the next available size is way longer, you might want to reassess your measurements

It is important to know that you should not daisy-chain them

Plugging them into each other without having thicker wires to compensate for the distance could add electrical resistance between the outlets

High electrical resistance results in voltage drop, which leads to a lower power supply to your equipment

Daisy-chaining them causes unnecessary heat from building up, increasing the fire risk

Thicker ones can carry more electric power

The thickness determines how much electricity can safely flow through it

A thicker one can safely carry more electricity over a longer distance

A shorter wire can safely carry electricity over a shorter distance

Thin cables are ideal for low-power equipment such as battery chargers and lights

If you plan to use it in power tools such as vacuum cleaners and saws, you will have to choose a thicker one

The 14-gauge is the thinnest we recommend at 25 feet or shorter lengths

A cord that can handle at least 15 amps

We recommend you get a cord from the store that can handle an amount of at least 15 amps

Skip a cord that does not have a specification regarding its maximum capacity

Most flexible cords are for cold weather

Some cords are more flexible in cold weather conditions

It is hard to determine if a cord is flexible without actually opening the package when you’re at an electrical store

The best way to ensure flexibility is by looking for one compatible with lower temperatures

Skip multi-outlet ends for heavy-duty tools

Getting a multi-outlet extension cord is tempting because you can plug several tools into it

Getting one is fine if you plan to use it on light-duty equipment

We do not recommend a multi-outlet cord for heavy-duty equipment because it is easier to overload

For example, an extension can easily handle a circular saw

If you plug in a few other tools into it, you might overload the plug

How much do extension cords with different gauges cost?

As we tested various extension cords of different gauges, we found that they typically cost between $10 and $100

The wide range between the two numbers reflects different electrical carrying limits and lengths of the cord

How to tell the gauge of an extension cord

There are several gauges you can use

Most will have a print of their rating somewhere on the wire

For brand new products still in their original packaging, read through the product specifications

Doing a quick bend test is another way to know what type you have

Although this is not a reliable way of determining the size, you get at least an idea

If it is hard to bend or curl, it is probably 16 or 14-gauge or less

Otherwise, it could be 18-gauge or more

If you want to purchase a mini metal lathe, you should check this curated list

It consists of a list of the best options you can find in the market

What extension cord size do I need for 15 amps?

If you have a 15 amps appliance or tool, we recommend using a 14-gauge copper wire

Choose a 12 or 10-gauge

You can get a bigger wire when choosing the AWG size without worrying about compatibility issues

Electrical safety: Do’s and Don’ts!

An extension cord is an electric wire with multiple outlets on one end and a plug

It is an important and necessary piece of equipment that allows users to reach inaccessible electrical outlets located too far away for their devices

Now that you know how to purchase this important home equipment, it’s essential to know how to maintain safety around it

Even if they are a handy piece of electric equipment, they can be a fire hazard or a tangled mess that can lead to accidents

Each year around 3300 home fires are caused by careless use

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that around 2000 injuries caused due to negligent use are reported in hospital emergency rooms each year

These mostly include fractures, lacerations, sprains, and sometimes electric shock

The Electrical Safety Foundation International has recommended tips for you to keep the electric wiring running cautiously

The first thing to do after purchasing a cord is to read its user manual

You will need to follow instructions on how to install and maintain the appliances that they will be attached to

Always unplug when not in use: If you’ve got a toddler roaming around

Throw away any damaged or exposed wires and equipment

Any neglect in doing this could result in an electrical outage or a fire hazard

Check the panel when in use

If it feels hot to the touch, consider buying a new one

Make sure the power strip is rated for the plug you use it in

Strips marked outdoor and indoor must be used as such

Outdoor power cords are typically bright orange in color, perfect for lawn mowers

Your cords must be approved by an independent testing laboratory, like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Intertek (ETL)

Always pull the plug to disconnect and not the wire

Always match the wattage rating on the appliance with the rating on the cord and never use one with a lower one than the appliance in use

Buy the correct length and never longer than you need

Not only can it create a fall hazard, but shorter lengths of the same gauge can carry more currents, so they are more economical

All cords should be stored in a dry place indoors when not in use, whether marked for outdoor or indoor use

Use a gauge 10 for a 30 amp circuit breaker connection

Make sure the power cord length doesn’t have a significant voltage drop

Never substitute temporary power strips for permanent wiring

This may or may not be an obvious one: don’t ever plug one extension cord into another

It may be a tempting idea if you want to increase the length of your wire

But it’s a fire safety hazard for innumerable reasons, and we’d strongly advise you to buy a new, longer wire instead

If you’re going to be using them in a damp place, only plug them into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

A GFCI monitors the flow of current in a circuit

This is how a GFCI protects homes from electric fire hazards, even in damp areas like bathrooms where water and electric flow are likely to cause disasters

They should be kept uncovered with no cloth or flammable material around in case they catch fire from the heat generated

No more than one appliance should be attached to one panel of a temporary power strip

An overload on the appliance can cause circuits to burn out

They should be kept away from areas with heavy footfall in case of a trip and fall

Don’t bend or coil the wires when they’re plugged in

Do not nail any cord to the walls or floors

Do not remove any part of the plug, like the grounding pin, to fit it into a two-pronged outlet

Apart from these tips, it’s essential to check up on appliances around the house and make sure they are fit for use too

It can be caused by excessive usage or faulty wiring issue

When you buy any electrical equipment, it’s important to know its proper usage and terminology before installing it

Here are some terms that designate cords into several categories

Read up on these and only buy the correct strip for your project

S – These are made for general use

These cannot be used outdoors under any circumstances and are only fit for indoors

W – Now, these are rated for outdoor use

You can use them in your backyard or front lawn without any worry of an electric shock from moisture

J –These are rated for a standard 300 voltage insulation

E – This indicates the wire is made from TPE

P – This stands for parallel wire construction

What is the heaviest gauge extension cord?

The heaviest gauge extension cord is the 6 AWG cord

The lower the number of the gauge, the higher the thickness and voltage of the cord

This means that 6AWG is perfect for heavy-duty appliances and carries larger current loads

How many amps can a 10 gauge extension cord handle?

A 10 AWG can ideally carry 15Amps

It’s safe to assume this extension cord can carry in the range of 16-20 amps

Which is the best gauge for extension cords?

This depends on your use in mind for the extension cord

If you’re looking for something heavy-duty, 10AWG is best

14AWG is more suited to lighter appliances

It’s also recommended that you check that the cord can handle at least 15amps and is suitable for outdoor and indoor work

Is a 10-gauge extension cord better than a 12 gauge?

If your voltage demand is 30 amps, then a 10AWG gauge cord is great

If you’re aiming for current as low as 20 amps, then a 12 AWG gauge is an optimum size

What is a 12 gauge extension cord used for?

Most professionals will be familiar with the 12AWG gauge extension cord used

This cord is used mostly for high-power tools and large appliances

You may already have some extension cords lying around the house, but it is risky to use if you’re not sure what the gauge capacity is

Let’s look at how to find out the Amp of the cord

Time needed: 5 minutes

How do I know what AMP my extension cord is?

If your cord packaging is still present in the house, look at the box

You may find the gauge or thickness and the amps written on the manual

You can also take a look at the tag on the extension cord

The label will have some sort of amp and voltage properties written on it

If you only find the gauge, you can check online and determine the amps

Cut open the wire If you still can’t find the properties on the cord, you can cut open the cord and measure the diameter

Once you have done this, you can match the thickness with the gauge and amps online and determine all the properties of the cord

We hope you will experiment and try out our purchasing tips on your next run for this addition to your home

Our electrical safety tips certified by the ESFI are especially important to read over before you begin any new DIY project or installation in your home

Remember to consult a professional when in doubt regarding any electrical work