How to Pick an Extension Cord - Extension Cord Safety

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There are thousands of fires and injuries caused by extension cords every year. When picking an extension cord for a project, the most important thing to know is how much current is being used and the rating of the extension cord.

Circular saws can draw 12 to 15 amps, drills 3 to 7 amps, hedge trimmers and weed trimmers 2 to 4 amps, leaf blower 5 to 12 amps, an electric lawnmower is 6 to 12 amps.

In general, in short lengths, a 16 gauge cord will carry 13 amps. A 14 gauge cord will carry 15 amps. A 12 gauge cord will carry 20 amps and a 10 gauge cord will carry 30 amps.

A 16 gauge cord that will deliver 13 amps in a shorter length may deliver 10 amps in longer lengths. So you need to check the rating of the cord.

For an indoor extension cord with multiple plugs, you need to add up the total amount of amps or watts that will be used. A table lamp with a 100 watt bulb will use .8 amps. A clock radio will use about 10 watts. Most light duty extension cords will handle 7 amps to 13 amps. A PC with monitor is 200 to 400 watts. A laptop is 40 to 60 watts. A TV is 100 to 400 watts. A game system is about 100 watts.

To calculate Watts, you multiply Amps times 120 (volts)
To calculate Amps, you divide Watts by 120 (volts)

In our example of a 100 watt bulb, you would divide 100 by 120 to get .8 amps.

For safety with indoor extension cords, don't connect multiple cords. Don't run cords under carpet, behind walls or ceilings. The cords need to release heat. Never use an extension cord on an appliance that generates heat, like a heat gun, hair dryer, space heater, toaster or coffee maker.

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