Heavy Duty Extension Cords

At the ground level, however, the type of extension cord used on a home improvement project can also make the difference between getting a job done, and getting a job finely done. For example, using an excessively long, and low current rating extension cord, versus a shorter length, higher current rating extension cord, can make the difference in producing ragged cuts, or clean and consistent cuts when using a table saw. Simply put, not all extension cords are created equal.

When working on any home improvement project heavy duty extension cords should always be used. A heavy duty extension cord should include three conductor wires that are isolated from each other, and encased in a heavy-duty, water tight sheathing. One conductor wire is used as the “hot” wire, another as the “return” wire, and the other as the ground wire. The conductor wires themselves should be 16, 14, 12, or 10 gauge. For most home construction projects, heavy duty extension cords with 12 or 10 gauge conductor wire are used. In addition, polarized receptacles and plugs, as well as ground terminals should also be part of any heavy duty extension cord.

When selecting a heavy duty extension cord there are a few key factors that you must consider before buying one. First, it is important to know the current rating of the outlet you plan on plugging the extension cord into. The National Electrical code specifies that the minimum gauge extension cord that can be plugged into a 20Amp rated outlet is 16 gauge. Using a smaller gauge extension cord could result in the extension cord overheating and potentially causing an electrical fire.

Second, it is important to know the max current rating of the power tools that will be plugged into it. Using a power tool that draws more current through the extension cord than what it is rated for could again cause the extension cord to overheat and cause an electrical fire. The third factor you need to consider is the distance between the electrical outlet you plan on plugging the extension cord into and the work area where the power tool is required. Voltage drops as a function of extension cord length due to resistance in the wire. The resulting voltage drop at the end of the extension cord could become significant enough to result in poor tool performance or even power tool damage. Most electrical power tools used in the United States are designed to operate off of 120VAC.

If the voltage level presented to the tool is significantly lower than this, due to excessive extension cord length or insufficient wire gauge, the tool may not operate properly or become damaged. In general, the longer the heavy duty extension cord length, the large the wire gauge that should be used in the construction of the extension cord.

So before you plug in any old extension cord, understand what you are plugging it into, what tools you plan on connecting to it, and what length of an extension cord you really need.