frontpage Posted by Red_Liz | Staff • Apr 29, 2025
Apr 29, 2025 2:33 PM
Item 1 of 1
frontpage Posted by Red_Liz | Staff • Apr 29, 2025
Apr 29, 2025 2:33 PM
Prime Members: 2-Pack 3' Cable Matters 16 AWG 13A Power Extensions Cords
& More + Free Shipping$6.00
$8.99
33% offAmazon
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A 16awg extension cord is a hard pass and not recommended. 16awg is even smaller than the 14awg conductors used in 15amp circuits in the home and would technically downgrade that circuit at the end of the 16awg extension cord to 10amps. That's before even factoring in the 100 feet rule.
I'm a commercial electrician with 35+ years experience.
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Would like a couple different 3 pin various Short lengths with factory ends on them.
Could have use one of these last week, but just substituted a power strip as it was the closest part on hand that matched the need.
Something like this could fit your needs and it's made with 12awg copper conductors. I have one of these, Yellow Jacket makes nice cords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQU576
They make these in different lengths if you need a longer one.
That's a good idea to label these cords. Maybe label them "10amp - 16awg" or "10amp Max".
With this extension cord having a thicker outer jacket and being larger in diameter I can see someone assuming that the cord is rated higher and using it for a purpose that's higher than this cord's actual amperage rating.
To be fair, most appliances are perfectly fine using 16 gauge wire. But space heaters, hand tools, electric lawn equipment, high end stereos, high end gaming PCs, etc. - no. Best case, you burn out the equipment from brown outs. Worst case, as you mentioned - fire hazard.
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Electrical stuff is not something most of us are taught, ever. No need to call people not that bright. Most everyone doesn't know much about electricity.