In every household, there is a high probability that you have a couple of extension cords. These extension cords help you power devices that have short power cords or devices far from electrical outlets.
When listing some essential electrical gadgets in your home, an extension cord would rarely fall on your list because we don’t give them much thought; we plug into any available cord we see.
However, choosing the right extension cords to power your devices is a very crucial safety precaution as it would ensure home safety by preventing electrical fires. Many things could go sideways by simply plugging in an incompatible extension cord to a device.
Extension cords work with basic principles, the more heavy-duty the device, the more powerful the cord you’ll need to connect. So, if you want to plug a heavy-duty machine, you’d need a heavy-duty extension cord like the 10-gauge extension cord.
This article provides a brief but comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about 10-gauge cords to prevent you from plugging in incompatible extension cords.
What are 10 Gauge Extension Cords?
A 10-gauge extension cord is among the thickest cords available. They’re built to help transmit current to the most powerful devices. 10-gauge extension cords can handle up to 30 amps allowing you to power two 15 amps appliances or tools comfortably. This design of extension cords comes in various lengths, with some variations favoring shorter distances while others still perform well even at up to 100ft distance.
Can you Use 10-Gauge Extension Cords for Indoors or Outdoors?
As we’ve earlier said, these cords come in various lengths. If you’re planning to power an appliance over a long distance, about 100ft, you’d need a 10-gauge extension cord that favors extended length.
However, for short-distance connections, like if you’re using a Samsung TV power cord, an extension cord with a short length would do the trick.
Back to our question, yes! You can use 10-gauge extension cords for indoor and outdoor connections. Just be sure to consider the distance to account for voltage drop.
What can you Use 10 Gauge Extension Cords For?
Due to the extensive thickness and capacity of 10-gauge extension cords can be used for a wide variety of heavy-duty tasks. You can use them for;
- Compressors
- Lawnmowers
- Generators.
- Tile saw
- Heavy machinery
What is the Best Weather to Use 10 Gauge Extension Cords
One of the best things about these extension cords is that you can use them in any weather condition; rainy, snowy, or dry. 10-gauge extension cords are designed with the most efficient and powerful insulators to protect them against moisture during cold weather. Its resistance also makes this cord suitable for rainy seasons as it poses lower possibilities of electric shock.
Safety Tips to Note When Using 10 Gauge Extension Cords
When used correctly, 10-gauge extension cords are very safe to operate. However, if you fail to use the right extension cords with the corresponding protocols, you stand a chance of experiencing some electrical abnormalities. The following are some of the essential safety tips to note when using 10-gauge extension cords;
- Avoid plugging one extension cord into another
- Always unplug extension cords when they’re overheating
- Extension cords are suitable for temporary connections; avoid using them for permanent electrical connections
- Avoid exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Avoid using DIY solutions for your extension cords, e.g., extending or shortening the cord, removing the grounded plug, etc.
- Dispose of damaged extension cords properly.
- Don’t overload your extension cords.
- Use a 3-prong plug extension cord; it helps to improve safety.
How Important is the Length of Extension Cord to the Performance
As stated earlier, 10-gauge extension cords can power your most power-consuming appliances. But you should note that even with an extension cord like the 10-gauge, the length of the cable can significantly impact the amount of current it can conveniently handle.
A mid-powerful extension cord with a short length of about 25ft would experience less power drop than a high amperage extension cord with about 150 feet. This doesn’t mean the short cable is more powerful than the high amperage extension cord; instead, the shorter cable would operate to its maximum capacity compared to the longer cable.
For instance, a 25-foot 10-gauge extension cord can easily handle 20 amps, but a 150-foot 10-gauge extension cord can hold a maximum of 15 amps. As the length increases, the amperage significantly reduces due to prolonged voltage drop.
Most people would argue that they prefer longer extension cords because of their flexibility; it would be best to go for the shortest possible 10-gauge extension cord.
Conclusion
10-gauge extension cords are the key to powering heavy-duty appliances. These cords allow you to operate equipment from a very far distance. But before you plug in that prong, you should fully understand all the safety precautions involved with these cords to ensure your safety and the safety of your appliances.
