frontpage Posted by Eragorn | Staff • Last Tuesday
Jun 3, 2025 1:57 AM
Item 1 of 5
Item 1 of 5
frontpage Posted by Eragorn | Staff • Last Tuesday
Jun 3, 2025 1:57 AM
3-Prong Amazon Basics Indoor Extension Cord: 15' $8, 10' from $7.65, 3'
& More$3.40
$8.20
58% offAmazon
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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.
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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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