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There should not be any amp numbers on an extension cord. The only numbers you should see is the insulation rating which might be 75 or 90 degrees C and the conductor count and wire size. It should look like 14/2, 14/3 or 12/2, 12/3. What ever the combination is, the first number is the wire size and the second number is number of conductors in the cord.

A # 14 conductor is rated at 15 amps, #12 at 20 amps, #10 at 30 amps. There are light weight extension cords that use #16 size conductors. My advice is to stay away from any cord smaller than #14. Best home owner cord is a #12 at 50 to 100 feet.


Larger that #12 is used on construction sites and are usually made to order, for different types of portable equipment, by an electrician using twist lock ends so that they don't accidentally get pulled out.

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Q: What is the amp numbers on a extension cord mean?
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Related questions

How do you make a 30 amp to 15 amp extension cord?

If your extension cord is truly a 30 amp cord then it is composed of #10 wire. #10 wire is rated at 30 amps. All you have to do is remove the 30 amp plug and receptacle ends from the cord and install 15 amp cord ends.


Can a 15 amp extension cord be plugged into a 20 amp breaker?

A 15 Amp extension cord can be plugged into a 20 Amp circuit. It is important that what you're extending does not require more then 10-12 Amps.


What is correct extension cord amp load for a 5500 volt generator?

Extension cords are not used at 5500 volts.


Can I use a 14AWG extension cord with a 8 amp car battery charger?

yes.


I have a pop up camper and I am wanting to use an extension cord when the campers cord isn't long enough. The campers electrical system is 30amp and 110volt. Can I use a 13amp 125volt extension cord?

no, you should use same amp and volt.


Can you use 6 gauge wire on A extension cord and put 30 amp plugs on it?

If your question is can you use a #6 flexible SOOW cord and put a 30 amp plug on it, then yes. The breaker that feeds the receptacle that the cord will plug into can be no larger than a 30 amp breaker. What limits the cord capacity to 30 amps is the ratings of the plug on the end of the cord.


A gauge 14 extension cord can safely carry 15 A What will happen if several appliances drawing a total current of 18 A will be connected to it?

A 14 gauge extension cord can safely carry 15 amps, but not very far. Number 14 gauge extension cords are only rated for about 13 amps according to the labels on the cord. This is because the insulation is not intended to withstand the heat of currents above this level. Running this cord over 50 feet or loading it to 18 amps would be unacceptable.The likelihood of the cord maintaining the 18 amps for any amount of time for the high current to do any damage to the insulation of the cord is not very great. Extension cords are only an extension of the 15 amp wall circuit that they are plugged into. On overloading the extension cord by that amount the overload will trip the 15 amp supply breaker. An example of this is jamming a circular handsaw when it is plugged into the end of a 50 foot extension cord. The next action that is taken is to reset the tripped breaker.


Can you put an extension cord on a treadmill 20 amp?

Make sure the wire size of extension cord is AWG 12 or AWG 10. Also circuit must support the 20A at main panel. Standard household extension cords are usually AWG 14 which are not sufficient to carry 20A.


Can you replace a 10 amp 125 volt extension cord with a 10 amp 250 volt extension cord?

Yes the rated voltage is a maximum. A 250 v cord might be slightly thicker than one for 125 v. <<>> The voltage rating of an electrical extension cord is the insulation factor of the cord. These cords come in two insulation ratings, 300 volts and 600 volts. If the voltage rating is within the parameters of the cord maximums then it is safe to use it on that voltage. The amperage of the cord is based on the wire size of the cord's conductor. The rating of 10 amps will fall within the #14 cord size. Remember the longer the cord the larger the wire size should be to prevent voltage drop at the connected load end.


Is there an extension cord wire size and amp rating table?

When purchasing an extension cord it is important to make sure you get one that is large enough to handle the voltage needed. There are some guide lines available through home improvement websites that can help in the buying process.


What happens when you use a 10 amp extension cord with a 12 amp lawn mower?

The Fire Marshal (or whatever your local equivalent is) yells at you. There's a certain margin of safety in the rated values of extension cords, so there may not be a problem at 20% overcurrent. However, if there is a problem and the cord melts, catches your lawn on fire, and burns down your house, won't you feel stupid? It's much better to use a properly rated cord.


What is the amp rating of 14-3 extension cord?

A #12 copper wire is rated at 20 amps. On an extension cord, unless it has user installed ends, the rating of the three blade cap is only 15 amps. Either way the extension cord should only be loaded up to 80% of the wire rating. 20 x .8 = 16, 15 x .8 = 12.