Extension Cord Rating
#1
10-31-13, 02:30 PM
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Extension Cord Rating
I just received a 100' extension cord which I purchased from a seller on eBay. The cord was advertised as 12/3 ... but I believe it is actually only 16/3. Because the original packaging was not included, I am not sure who the manufacturer was ... but it weighs about 8 pounds, and has a tag (shown below) on it that reads "10A 1250W".
I would grateful if someone could confirm that the cord I received is NOT 12/3 cable, but rather 16/3, based on the rating on the tag and the cord's weight?
I would grateful if someone could confirm that the cord I received is NOT 12/3 cable, but rather 16/3, based on the rating on the tag and the cord's weight?
#2
10-31-13, 02:38 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
Based on the pics and specs at Ebay.... that cord is 16-3 wire.
A 12-3SJTW cord should say 15A (1875w) on it.
Based on the pics and specs at Ebay.... that cord is 16-3 wire.
A 12-3SJTW cord should say 15A (1875w) on it.
#3
10-31-13, 02:44 PM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Well since 16 gauge is rated for only 10 amp that would be my guess to.
A 100' 16 gauge ext. cord would be pretty useless in my book.
A 100' 16 gauge ext. cord would be pretty useless in my book.
#4
10-31-13, 03:07 PM
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I agree with "pretty useless" ... I bought the cord to use with the electric chainsaw I just purchased, which draws 14.5 amps!
#5
10-31-13, 03:55 PM
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I don't think I own a 16 gauge extension cord in any length.... 14 is as small as I go since I'm plugging into 15 amp breakers.
#6
10-31-13, 05:12 PM
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#8
10-31-13, 10:18 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Like others I will not even own an extension cord with less than #14 conductors EXCEPT for one I have exclusively for my Weedeater which uses less than 7 amperes. Most of my cords are #12 conductors and I even have a couple with #10 conductors.
I also tend to shun type SJ cords and especially SJT cords in favor of SOOW. The SJT are just too stiff and SJ cords are of lighter construction, both the inner conductor insulation and the overall jacket. Sure, the SOOW cords are significantly more expensive but they also last longer and coil up nicely.
I also tend to shun type SJ cords and especially SJT cords in favor of SOOW. The SJT are just too stiff and SJ cords are of lighter construction, both the inner conductor insulation and the overall jacket. Sure, the SOOW cords are significantly more expensive but they also last longer and coil up nicely.
#9
10-31-13, 10:32 PM
Member
I don't use anything smaller than #12 for anything other than Christmas/Halloween. Most of my cords are 12/x and up type SJOOW, SOOW, or W.
Although I will admit to having about 50 blue 16/2 HPN extension cords, but I get them for free.
Although I will admit to having about 50 blue 16/2 HPN extension cords, but I get them for free.
