Not enough cord for your lamp or radio to reach the nearest outlet? Just plowing through the junk drawer for an extension cord? This may not be a good idea. Extension cords can be very helpful in delivering power right where we need it. However, regardless of the gauge or rating of the cord, an extension cord is a temporary solution and is not meant to be used as a long-term extension of your household’s electrical system.

Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continu­ous use over time, an extension cord can rapidly deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers the following tips for staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires:

  • Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
  • Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
  • Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
  • Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
  • Heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where you need them.
  • Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
  • Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
  • The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
  • Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
  • Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
  • Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
  • Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Extension Cord Designations

  • S: Designed for general Use
  • W: Rated for Outdoor Use
  • J: Standard 300 Voltage Insulation
  • T: made from Vinyl Thermoplastic
  • P: Parallel Wire Construction (Air Conditioner Cords and Household Extension Cords)
  • O: Oil-Resistant
  • E: Made from TPE

Cord Length and Amperage Limits

  • 25 – 50 Feet Extension Cords
    • 16 Gauge(1-13 Amps)
    • 14 Gauge (14-15 Amps)
    • 12-10 Gauge (16-20 Amps)
  • 100 Feet Extension Cords
    • 16 Gauge (1-10 Amps)
    • 14 Gauge (11-13 Amps)
    • 12 Gauge (14-15 Amps)
    • 10 Gauge (16-20 Amps)
  • 150 Feet Extension Cords
    • 14 Gauge (1-7 Amps)
    • 12 Gauge (8-10 Amps)
    • 10 Gauge (11-15 Amps)