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In North America the code book only recognizes #14 wire and larger for home wiring installations.

Many extension cords are 16 gauge. I don't know why. This would seem to be a fire hazard on a 15 or 20 amp circuit. I recommend you spend a little more and buy a 14 or 12 gauge extension cord. With a 12 gauge cord you never have to question whether or not the size is sufficiently safe.

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11y ago
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11y ago

In North America the code book only recognizes #14 wire and larger for home wiring installations. So to answer the question, no it is not safe to use #16 wire because the smallest breaker that will fit into a distribution panel is rated at 15 amps. That is higher than the rated capacity of a #16 wire.

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Q: Is it safe to use a 16 gauge wire for home electricity?
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Is it safe to use 10 gauge wire on a 20 amp breaker for a microwave?

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No, it moves at the same speed regardless of the wire gauge.


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The size of the wire is stated by its gauge under American Wire Gauge. Six gauge wire is size 6 AWG.


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Is a 6 gauge wire larger than a 12 gauge wire?

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