By Deirdre Mundorf | Published Apr 14, 2022 11:22 AM

Extension cords are very handy when powering small appliances, yard tools, and electronics that otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach the nearest electrical outlet. However, extension cord safety is essential for avoiding potential fire hazards. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, improper extension cord use leads to more than 3,000 house fires each year.

Continue reading to learn more about electrical safety and how to choose the right extension cord for any given task.

If you’ve shopped for an extension cord before, you are likely aware that there are many different options available, such as extension cords with a switch and those without. Extension cords can also have different lengths, wire gauges, amperage limits, and designations that will impact whether they are appropriate for the task at hand.

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An extension cord’s length, gauge, and amperage limits all play a role in determining whether it is suited for a project.

Gauge refers to the thickness of the extension cord wire. Cords with a lower gauge have a thicker wire, and thus, a higher capacity. For example, a 10 gauge extension cord will be thicker than a 14 gauge extension cord and able to supply more power.

Amperage indicates the amount of power the extension cord can handle. You will need to confirm that the amp rating on the extension cord is higher, or at least the same, as the device you plan to use with it. A 20 amp extension cord can be used to power a device requiring 16 amps of power, but should not be used for a 30 amp device.

Length also comes into play. The longer an extension cord is, the greater its electrical resistance will be. As electrical resistance increases, the amount of power the cord can deliver to a device decreases. For instance, if you’re trying to power an appliance with a 25-foot extension cord, a higher wire gauge would be acceptable. A 25- to 50-foot 16 gauge extension cord can power up to 13 amps. However, a 100-foot extension cord can only power up to 10 amps, and a 150-foot cord can only power up to 7 amps.

The letters imprinted on an extension cord provide information about the cord’s designation and the types of tasks and work areas that may be best suited for the cord. Common extension cord designation letters include:

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Keep these important dos and don’ts in mind the next time you are choosing an extension cord for a task.

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