In cleaning out my garage, I discovered a long lost 50′ extension cord. I can’t remember whether it’s 14 or 16 gauge. Is there anyway I can determine the gauge?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Steve M.
In cleaning out my garage, I discovered a long lost 50′ extension cord. I can’t remember whether it’s 14 or 16 gauge. Is there anyway I can determine the gauge?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Steve M.
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Replies
simple way, use your wire strippers. If it takes off the insul w/o clipping the wire, look at what it says on the stripper opening.
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I agree with the first reply. I only use 12 gauge unless I know the device I'm using the cord for uses little power. Operating power tools with an undersized cord will shorten the life of the motor, and could cause dangerous overheating of the cord.
I use 10 gauge for particularly heavy-duty tools like my air compressor and Bosch demolition hammer.
Lowe's has some great 12 gauge cords that come in lengths as short as 15'. You don't want to use an extension cord that is any longer than you need.
Many ext cords have wire ga printed or embossed on the outer sheathing.
Voltage drop on even 14ga is pretty high. At 50 feet, I wouldn't use anything less than 12ga for power tools. They don't cost all that much and the good ones come with a little light in the end to tell you that it has power.
Yeah, if you look real closely the wire size is probably embossed in the jacket.