How To Choose The Correct Extension Cord: 14 Gauge Or 12 Gauge?

Many homeowners do not think about extension cords until they need them. Unfortunately, with the rushed need, many may choose the wrong cords for their needs and jeopardize their safety, not to mention the risk of their appliances getting spoiled in the process. So how does one ensure that they are settling for the right extension cord, and how do they determine the efficacy and safety of these cords? Below are tips that will guide homeowners who want to save themselves the stress of choosing an excellent extension cord.

Keep reading to learn how to select the right cord for when next you need one.

1. Always Buy a Longer Cord than You Require

Whether you are going for a 12 gauge extension cord or any other type of extension cable, you want to bear in mind that length matters. It is always a great idea to choose longer cords than you will need. This gives you the allowance to play around with any adjustments that you may have to make without sacrificing the actual length you need. It is better to have an extra cord than you have a shorter one that does not reach the place you intended it to in the first place.

Besides the convenience of a long extension cord, it is also safer because there is less resistance. Usually, when you connect several cables to get to the right place, there tends to be a higher electric resistance. Such a process minimizes efficiency and could end up becoming a bigger problem. If cost is your motivation for picking a shorter extension cord, note that it will not be cheap in the long run if you have to grab several of the shorter pieces to make up for the length you require.

2. Do You Want to Use More Power?

Well, whenever you decide on a cord to settle for, a few things play out. Besides the length, there is also the issue of power from the appliances you will be using. If you are dealing with high-power devices, you are best advised to pick thicker cords. These carry more power safely and will not strain your system. As such, users should always consider the power usage when selecting the extension cord.

Small home appliances such as stereos, phone battery chargers, and other home items may work with a standard cord. However, when using high-power gadgets such as drills, dry and wet vacs, and electric saws, ensure a suitable extension cord supporting power. Finally, find out from experts the recommended wire gauge for the appliance or use you intend to apply. A primary consideration would be to check the numbers. The larger the number, the thinner the wire's thickness/gauge will carry less power. If the length and thickness relationship confuses you, always inquire from experts and choose what works for you.

3. Weather Matters

You may also want to know that some extension cables are created to work best in certain weather conditions. For instance, those made to work in cold weather are generally more flexible to perform well at lower temperatures. This makes them easy to stretch across your work surface and coil them for safe and proper storage.

With this in mind, you should permanently remove the extension cord from the packaging before purchasing. Alternatively, check if the material is made for lower temperature use, especially those with a temperature listing below freezing point.

4. Where Do You Want to Use It?

You need to realize that your intended use will guide your decision to choose an extension cord. Cords required for indoor use are certainly going to be different from those intended for outdoor use. You will not be looking out for thick, long cords, but something that can easily suit your low-powered appliances such as phone chargers, lamps, and maybe your wireless speakers.

There is a high likelihood that this indoor extension cord will not be overpowered even with a primary indoor extension cord. However, before choosing an indoor cable, you may want to consider the building codes first. In case there are specifications laid down, then you must be within the set regulations.

Settle for the 14 Gauge Or 12 Gauge - What you Must Know

Now that you have a general idea of what to expect or look out for when choosing extension cords, you need to decide which of the most popular gauges would work in different situations. The 14 and 12 gauge extension cords are among the most popular used types of cords. While there are different gauges, including the 16 and 10 gages, 12 and 14 are the most common. However, they carry different power amounts depending on the length of the cord in question. For instance, for a length of 25 - 50 feet, a 14 gauge cord will be great for 14-15 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will work for 16-20 Amps.

For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord's length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.

Whenever you purchase an extension cord, make sure to understand the load it carries depending on the length of the cord. This will help you avoid overloading the extension cord and causing any harm to your appliances or yourself. The last thing anyone needs is to generate an electrical fault that can be more dangerous than good.

So What Should You Choose?

Based on the information offered above, it is easy to see that the choice of extension cord one makes depends on what one needs. You will be guided by the length and power load that the cor can support. The most important thing is to consider the thickness and length. 12-gauge cords are thicker than 14-gauge.

Note that 12-gauge steel sheets come with a thickness of 0.1084 inches, while the 14 gauge metal sheets are 0.0785 inches thick. This is because the 14-gauge frame has 2 ½" x 2 ½" steel tubing, while the other is 2 ¼" x 2 ¼". However, they are both safe for buildings, including commercial buildings, workshops, and even garages. It is best to work with an excellent technician to know what would be best for you.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an extension cord is not a challenging job. One must understand the relationship between the thickness and length of the cord to make the right choice.