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How Many Watts Can a 10 Gauge Extension Cord Handle?

Written by Edwin Jones / Fact checked by Andrew Wright

how many watts can a 10 gauge extension cord handle

Extension cords are not one-size-fits-all tools. If you unintentionally use a smaller wire size for your application, you risk starving your device, which can disrupt your work or damage your electronics.

So, how many watts can a 10 gauge extension cord handle?

A 10 gauge 20 amp extension cord can typically support a device load of 2,200 watts. However, some factors could affect the said current draw, which we will discuss below.

How Many Watts can a 10 GA Extension Cord Draw?

extension-cord-gauge-chart

Before jumping into the topic, it is good to understand first that the size of the wire determines the wattage and amperage it can hold. Generally, the thicker the wire, the higher the watts and amp rating it can hold. Therefore, size is the primary factor you need to consider when buying an extension cord.

For example, a 10 gauge electrical cord is commonly used for high loads. Such loads may come from a generator, compressor, tools such as a table saw, and other high-power machinery.

However, the current rating of an extension cord might depend on its length. Typically, as the wire length increases, its resistance also increases, which may result in a higher percentage of voltage drop, which may also cause the wire to overheat.

First, let me give you some examples using the watts rating chart below, where the capacity of an extension cord is reduced depending on its length. Then, we can talk about how many watts, amps, and volts a 10 gauge extension cord can handle without getting damaged.

Lengths of Cord and Maximum Wattage Limits at 110V

Size of the Extension Cord 25 – 50 Feet 100 Feet 150 Feet
16 Gauge 1,430 Watts 1,100 Watts
14 Gauge 1,650 Watts 1,430 Watts 770 Watts
12 Gauge 1,980 Watts 1,650 Watts 1,110 Watts
10 Gauge 2,200 Watts 1,875 Watts 1,567 Watts

How Many Amps, Watts, and Volts can a 10 AWG Extension Cord Handle?

10-gauge-100-ft-extension-cord

  • Amps

Generally, the amp of the cord will determine how much electrical current it can hold. By looking at an extension cord amperage chart online, you may see various wire gauges with different amperage ratings depending on the length of the application.

In the same extension cord gauge chart, you may also see that a heavy-duty extension cable can hold up to 30 amps. It is primarily used with high-powered equipment and by those living in RVs.

  • Watts

The wattage rating refers to the power of a device or equipment that an extension cord can safely hold. This simply means that a shorter length of wire will allow you to run a much higher device wattage, and the longer the cord, the lower the device rating you can use.

An example is the 10 gauge 100 ft extension cord, which may only supply up to 1,875 watts rather than 2,200W.

  • Volts

Typically, a 10/3 extension cord is sufficient to energize 220v/240v rated equipment. It can run your garage’s power tools such as table saw, compressor, or even electric lawnmowers. However, it can also be used in 110v/120v outlets to operate some low-rating devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

how-many-amps

What is the Maximum Extension Cord Length?

Generally, the maximum length of all extension cords is only 100 ft for every worksite, based on OSHA standards. Anything more than this length warrants a permanent circuit or distribution box.

Can I Run an Air Conditioner with a 13 Amp Extension Cord?

Air conditioners are known to be power-hungry appliances, especially during startup. If you use an extension cord with a rating lower than your unit’s, the AC may overload or damage the cord and maybe even itself.

In this case, it would be best to exceed the current of the AC a bit when sizing your cable. A 13-amp option won’t work in most cases. Rather, 15 amps are a safer choice.

Which is Better, a 12 Gauge or a 14 Gauge Extension Cord?

When choosing an extension cord, the larger the wire, the more power it can handle. In this instance, a 14 gauge cord delivers up to 13 amps for a 100ft application length.

On the other hand, a 12 gauge wire can safely handle 15 amps with the same length. Moreover, it may also reach up to 20 amps if the wire length is 50 ft or lower.

Conclusion

Knowing how many watts can a 10 gauge extension cord handle will give you an idea of what equipment you can safely use. This way, you can avoid fire hazards due to overloading the cable.

Remember, plugging a 220v heavy duty extension cord into a 220V outlet will not cause any harm to you and your devices. However, using a light-duty 110V extension cable with a 220v outlet may result in electrical hazards.

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