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Model: Amazon Basics Power Extension Cord, 3 Feet, 13 Amps, 125V, Black
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Space heaters pull high current (possibly over 13a) for long periods of time. You want to avoid running stuff like that on an extension cord at all if possible, and if you absolutely must you want a 14 or 12ga heavier duty cord and make sure all your plug connections are good and tight. Otherwise it's a fire hazard, high current + thin wire or bad connections = heat
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The Amazon Basics extension cord 20 ft is available on Amazon for $8.27 (originally $11.99).
Product Description
Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 20 Ft, 3 Prong Outlet Extender, Indoor Extension Cord, 13 Amps, 125V, Black includes a 20-foot black extension cord with 16 AWG wire, supports 13 amps at 125 volts, plugs into any standard 3-prong power outlet, and accepts both 2- and 3-prong device plugs for indoor use with consumer electronics, tools, and media equipment.
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Why not?Pardon my ignorance.
Space heaters pull high current (possibly over 13a) for long periods of time. You want to avoid running stuff like that on an extension cord at all if possible, and if you absolutely must you want a 14 or 12ga heavier duty cord and make sure all your plug connections are good and tight. Otherwise it's a fire hazard, high current + thin wire or bad connections = heat
Space heaters pull high current (possibly over 13a) for long periods of time. You want to avoid running stuff like that on an extension cord at all if possible, and if you absolutely must you want a 14 or 12ga heavier duty cord and make sure all your plug connections are good and tight. Otherwise it's a fire hazard, high current + thin wire or bad connections = heat
Is there an easy chart to look at? Could have sworn higher ga is ok as long as it's short or something
Is there an easy chart to look at? Could have sworn higher ga is ok as long as it's short or something
Just do a google search for "extension cord amperage chart" and a bunch will come up. Space heaters, being something that is often constantly on and inside, should probably get an extra safety factor - go up a rating just in case. Also, know your heater. An oil filled radiator type on low is only going to be pulling ~600W depending on the model. (Often low is a 600W element, medium is a 900W, and high is both of them together at 1500W)
Space heaters pull high current (possibly over 13a) for long periods of time. You want to avoid running stuff like that on an extension cord at all if possible, and if you absolutely must you want a 14 or 12ga heavier duty cord and make sure all your plug connections are good and tight. Otherwise it's a fire hazard, high current + thin wire or bad connections = heat
Thank you for the explanation. Really appreciate that!
Had a 16 gauge cord (not this brand) short and melt from the electric draw of an air compressor. Do not f around with thin cords on machines that draw large amounts of electricity. (space heaters, hair dryers, and toaster ovens being the first that come to mind)
Had a 16 gauge cord (not this brand) short and melt from the electric draw of an air compressor. Do not f around with thin cords on machines that draw large amounts of electricity. (space heaters, hair dryers, and toaster ovens being the first that come to mind)
Don't all of these devices have warning labels on the power cords telling you not to use extension cords?
Although 16 AWG wire can theoretically handle up to 13 amps (about 1560 watts at 120 volts), most space heaters draw up to 1500 watts, and hair dryers often reach 1800 watts or more. That's pushing the limits of a 16 AWG cord—especially over longer distances where voltage drop and heat buildup become real concerns. For continuous loads (anything running for more than 3 hours), the NEC recommends only using up to 80% of a wire's ampacity, so:
16 AWG × 13A × 0.8 = 10.4A safe continuous load (≈1248 watts).
You should definitely use a minimum of 14 AWG for high-wattage appliances, and ideally 12 AWG if you're using an extension cord at all. Make sure it's a heavy-duty cord rated for 15 amps or more, and keep the length as short as possible. Otherwise, you risk overheating the cord, damaging your equipment, or even starting a fire.
When in doubt—plug high-draw devices directly into a wall outlet.
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I have a treadmill would it be okay to use this with one? Since the only available socket and area is a bit too far for the attached cord. Or would a 12 gauge 25ft one be too long ? or use neither and find a way to plug treadmill directly in wall? https://a.co/d/b0VrpRz
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16 AWG
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16 AWG
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Product Description
Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 20 Ft, 3 Prong Outlet Extender, Indoor Extension Cord, 13 Amps, 125V, Black includes a 20-foot black extension cord with 16 AWG wire, supports 13 amps at 125 volts, plugs into any standard 3-prong power outlet, and accepts both 2- and 3-prong device plugs for indoor use with consumer electronics, tools, and media equipment.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KFTT5B
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Pardon my ignorance.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank BlueGorilla7237
Is there an easy chart to look at? Could have sworn higher ga is ok as long as it's short or something
Although 16 AWG wire can theoretically handle up to 13 amps (about 1560 watts at 120 volts), most space heaters draw up to 1500 watts, and hair dryers often reach 1800 watts or more. That's pushing the limits of a 16 AWG cord—especially over longer distances where voltage drop and heat buildup become real concerns. For continuous loads (anything running for more than 3 hours), the NEC recommends only using up to 80% of a wire's ampacity, so:
16 AWG × 13A × 0.8 = 10.4A safe continuous load (≈1248 watts).
You should definitely use a minimum of 14 AWG for high-wattage appliances, and ideally 12 AWG if you're using an extension cord at all. Make sure it's a heavy-duty cord rated for 15 amps or more, and keep the length as short as possible. Otherwise, you risk overheating the cord, damaging your equipment, or even starting a fire.
When in doubt—plug high-draw devices directly into a wall outlet.
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