12 or 14 gauge extension cord?
#1
09-27-19, 01:10 PM
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12 or 14 gauge extension cord?
I am in the process of purchasing a Firman 4550/3650 remote start gas generator, and have read online that 12 gauge extension cords are for 20 amp circuits while 14 gauge are for 15 amp circuits. The specs for my machine says the 120 V. AC outlets are 20 amp. I plan to run a 600 watt manual/rotary microwave oven, and also a 1500/750 Watt space heater this winter. Should I buy a 12 gauge extension cord?
For electronic devices such as laptop, phone, tablet, headphones and such, should I buy just a regular 16 gauge extension cord?
For electronic devices such as laptop, phone, tablet, headphones and such, should I buy just a regular 16 gauge extension cord?
#2
09-27-19, 03:17 PM
Your numbers are basically correct although the 12 gauge would be a twistlock. However, depending on the length of your cord, voltage drop could require a thicker gauge.
#3
09-27-19, 04:54 PM
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The 4550/3650 is peak and running wattage. Not the model number.
They have several models listed with these rating. Which model are you looking at ?
They have several models listed with these rating. Which model are you looking at ?
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09-28-19, 05:44 AM
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#6
09-29-19, 03:00 AM
While I'm familiar with using a generator for painting and construction tools, I don't really know anything about your proposed use BUT I would go with a 12 gauge cord for that distance to combat any voltage drop.
#7
09-29-19, 11:34 AM
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Since you didn't post the model number..... we'll assume you have one duplex receptacle. That means that each half of that receptacle is one circuit. You need to run an extension cord from both halves of the receptacle. You should be using a #12 extension cord for the heater regardless of the length and it should be the only device on that cord. You could use #12 or #14 for the second cord to run everything else.
#8
09-29-19, 02:56 PM
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Thanks for the input.
When you say the second cord could be #12 or #14, does that mean for low impact electronic devices like phones, tablets, laptops, headphones and such, in which case I would plug in a usb hub with about 4 ports to charge as many small devices as possible at the same time. 16 gauge at 75 or 100 feet would not work?
When you say the second cord could be #12 or #14, does that mean for low impact electronic devices like phones, tablets, laptops, headphones and such, in which case I would plug in a usb hub with about 4 ports to charge as many small devices as possible at the same time. 16 gauge at 75 or 100 feet would not work?
#9
09-29-19, 06:12 PM
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#10
09-29-19, 07:47 PM
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Yes, that's what I'm saying; these devices I mentioned are well under a 1000 watts. I just thought there might be a problem with the amount of length needed for the extension cord. So, I will get a 16 gauge for my small electronic devices, and 12 gauge for the space heater and microwave which I will not run at the same time.
Hope that will do it.
Thanks a lot for the help.
Hope that will do it.
Thanks a lot for the help.
