Extension cords are an essential part of any home or office, but it’s important to use the right kind of cord for the job.
Heavy-duty extension cords are designed for use with heavy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. They’re also perfect for use in high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs.
Here are some reasons why it’s important to use a heavy-duty extension cord.
Can you use an Extension Cord for Heavy Use?
Extension cords are an important part of many people’s lives, particularly those who live in homes with limited outlets.
They provide a way to connect electrical devices to a power source when there are no outlets nearby. Extension cords come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and thicknesses, but it is important to choose a heavy-duty extension cord for certain applications.
Heavy duty extension cords are made with thicker gauge wire than standard extension cords.
This thicker wire is able to carry more current, which means it can handle higher wattage electrical devices. Heavy-duty extension cords are also typically made with thicker insulation, which makes them more resistant to wear and tear.
Read This: Best Extension Cord for Indoors (13 Heavenly Facts)
Is it safe: Using extension cord for heavy use?
There are many factors to consider when determining if it is safe to use a heavy-duty extension cord.
The age of the cord, the condition of the cord, the environment in which it will be used, and the type of load that will be placed on the cord are all important factors.
If you have an older cord that is in poor condition, it is probably not safe to use.
If the cord will be used in a wet or damp environment, it is also not recommended. And if you are planning to use the cord to power heavy appliances or tools, it is best to consult an electrician to be sure that the cord is up to the task.
In general, it is always best to err on the side of caution when using electrical equipment. If you are unsure if a cord is safe to use, it is best to find a qualified technician or another skilled individual.
Is it worth it: Using extension cord for heavy use?
Using a heavy duty extension cord is important for several reasons.
First, it ensures that you have a reliable and safe connection between your electrical devices and the power source.
Second, it helps to prevent damage to your electrical devices by providing a stronger connection.
Third, it helps to protect your home from electrical fires by providing a stronger connection.
Fourth, it helps to improve the efficiency of your electrical devices by providing a stronger connection.
Lastly, it helps to save you money by providing a stronger connection.
When should you use a heavy-duty extension cord?
There are many situations where it is important to use a heavy-duty extension cord.
If you are operating electrical devices that have a high wattage, such as a power saw or space heater, it is important to use a heavy-duty extension cord. Extension cords that are not rated for heavy-duty use can overheat and become a fire hazard.
Another situation where it is important to use a heavy-duty extension cord is when the cord will be exposed to weather conditions such as sunlight or rain.
Standard extension cords can deteriorate quickly when exposed to the elements, but heavy-duty extension cords are made to withstand these conditions.
When choosing a heavy-duty extension cord, it is important to select a cord that is long enough to reach the desired location. It is also important to choose a cord that has the proper gauge wire for the electrical devices that will be powered by the cord.
What gauge extension cord is considered heavy duty?
There are a few different factors to consider when determining whether an extension cord is considered heavy duty.
The gauge of the cord is one of the most important factors, as this will determine how much current the cord can handle.
For example, a 16 gauge cord can handle up to 13 amps, while a 12 gauge cord can handle up to 20 amps.
Other factors to consider include the length of the cord and the type of work you’ll be doing with it. For example, if you’re using the cord for heavy-duty equipment like a power saw, you’ll need a heavier-duty cord than if you’re just using it for light tasks like charging a phone.
In general, though, extension cords with a lower gauge number are considered to be heavy duty.
So if you’re looking for a heavy-duty extension cord, look for one with a lower gauge number like 12 or 14. And if you’re not sure, it’s always best to consult an electrician or other qualified individual to be safe.
Best Extension Cord for Heavy Use
1. Southwire Commercial Cord
Southwire Commercial Cord has prongs that are reinforced, which have more durability and resist bending and/or breaking.
When you need it, this cable has a lighted end to let you know you’ve got power at the other end. The vinyl jacket is moisture and abrasion-resistant, as well as UV-resistant, ensuring that it will withstand extended exposure to sunlight. This cord is rated for outdoor use and is UL listed.
The cable is protected by a flexible vinyl jacket that resists moisture, abrasion, and UV light.
The outer jacket won’t scratch floors or walls. Reinforced blades help avoid unintentional bending or breaking. Vinyl covering protects against dampness, abrasion, and prolonged sun exposure.
What Makes It Different: For Commercial Use
2. DuroMax Extension Cord
DuroMax Extension Cord has a bright yellow Jacket that provides high visibility to help prevent accidental incisions and damage.
There is a safety warning that included making sure the cord is not damaged or destroyed in any manner. The user can verify that electricity has been supplied to it by looking for a lighted end.
Polythene, or PVC, is a thermoplastic that offers excellent abrasion resistance and high-temperature ratings. It can also resist moisture, wear, and corrosion.
The blades are also reinforced to minimize the bending of prongs and the resulting breakage.
The DuroMax power cord set is UL-certified for safe operation and true-rated power, making it capable of handling everything from household appliances to outdoor power equipment. The DuroMax lighted end cord features a lighted end to make connecting the cable to the source easier and to tell when it’s connected.
What Makes It Different: Durable, 2-Year Warranty Included.
3. Grounded Heavy Duty Cord
Grounded Heavy Duty Cord is a brand that offers high-quality materials and equipment for construction, agriculture, and automotive uses. The cable itself may not be very sturdy, but it’s ideal for heavy-duty usage.
One customer mentioned that they used the cable to power tools in their barn.
With less voltage reduction, higher current / wattage can be handled without any worries.
This cable is designed to endure temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The lighted plug on this cord indicates that the connection is operational. This extension cord has a UL SJTW rating, which means it’s suited for heavy-duty / hard-service in outdoor wet conditions and comes with a thermoplastic jacketed cabling (TJ).
What Makes It Different: Grounded Wire
Bottom Line:
If you’d ask us who we would personally buy from, it would have to be Southwire Commercial Cord (the 1st option)
There are many benefits to using a heavy-duty extension cord. They are durable, can handle high wattage loads, and are available in a variety of lengths. Extension cords are a great way to extend the reach of your power tools, and they can help you avoid dangerous electrical accidents.
To learn more about the benefits of using a heavy-duty extension cord, read our full article.
Can an extension cord be a too heavy duty?
Extension cords are available in a variety of sizes and ratings, and it can be confusing to try to figure out which one you need for your particular application.
The most important factor to consider when choosing an extension cord is the gauge, or thickness, of the wire. Generally speaking, the thicker the wire, the more power it can handle.
However, there is such a thing as an extension cord that is too heavy duty for its intended use.
If an extension cord is too thick, it can be difficult to maneuver and can become caught on things. Additionally, extension cords that are too heavy duty can be a fire hazard if not used properly.
So, when choosing an extension cord, be sure to select one that is the appropriate gauge for the job. And if you’re ever not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
How do I know if my extension cord is heavy-duty?
If you are using an extension cord for heavy-duty appliances such as a refrigerator or freezer, you need to make sure that the cord is heavy-duty.
To do this, look for a cord that is at least 14 gauge or thicker. You should also make sure that the cord is rated for the amperage that your appliance needs.
Can a bad extension cord cause a breaker to trip?
Yes, a bad extension cord can cause a breaker to trip. If the extension cord is damaged or has too much resistance, it can cause the breaker to trip.
This is because the breaker is designed to protect the circuit from too much current. When the current is too high, the breaker will trip to prevent the circuit from being overloaded.
Extension cords are often used when the distance between the outlet and the appliance is too great. However, it is important to use the proper size extension cord for the appliance. If the extension cord is too small, it can cause the breaker to trip.
It is also important to make sure that the extension cord is not damaged. If the cord is damaged, it can cause the breaker to trip. Damaged extension cords should be replaced.
Can an extension cord handle 1500 watts?
No, an extension cord cannot handle 1500 watts. The typical household extension cord is only rated for about 10-15 amps, which is not enough to support a 1500-watt load.
Additionally, extension cords are not meant to be used as a permanent solution – they are only meant for temporary use.
So if you need to power a 1500-watt device, you will need to use a different solution, such as a dedicated circuit or a heavy-duty extension cord.
Is a thicker extension cord better?
There is much debate surrounding the best way to use them. Some people believe that a thicker extension cord is better because it can handle more power and is less likely to overheat.
Others believe that a thinner extension cord is just as good, if not better because it is less likely to be a tripping hazard.
So, what is the truth? Is a thicker extension cord really better? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Thicker extension cords can handle more power and are less likely to overheat. This is because they have thicker gauge wires that can carry more electricity without overheating.
However, thicker extension cords are also more expensive and can be more difficult to store.
Thinner extension cords are less likely to be a tripping hazard. This is because they are easier to store and take up less space. However, thinner extension cords can only handle so much power before they overheat.
So, which is better? Ultimately, it depends on your needs.
If you need an extension cord that can handle a lot of power, go with a thicker gauge cord. If you are worried about tripping over cords, go with a thinner cord.
What is the difference between light-duty and heavy-duty extension cords?
There are two primary types of extension cords: light duty and heavy duty.
- Light duty extension cords are typically used for household appliances such as lamps and vacuums.
- Heavy-duty extension cords are designed for use with power tools and other high-powered devices.
So, what’s the difference between these two types of extension cords
Light duty extension cords are usually shorter and have less electrical current than heavy-duty extension cords. Heavy duty extension cords are typically longer and have more electrical current.
When choosing an extension cord, it’s important to consider the purpose for which it will be used.
For example, a light-duty extension cord would not be suitable for use with a power saw. Likewise, a heavy-duty extension cord would be overkill for use with a household lamp. Selecting the right extension cord for the job will help ensure safe and efficient.
How much does it cost to install a whole house surge protector?
Whole house surge protectors are a great way to protect your home from electrical surges.
They can be installed by a qualified electrician and typically cost between $200 and $500, depending on the size of your home and the type of surge protector you choose.
If you want to install one on your own, we include a YouTube video showing how
Is two prong to three prong extension cords safe?
There has been much debate on whether or not two-prong to three-prong extension cords are safe.
While there is no definitive answer, there are a few things to consider when deciding.
The first thing to consider is the quality of the cord.
A cheap, poorly made cord is more likely to pose a danger than a well-made cord. If you are going to use a two-prong to three-prong extension cord, make sure it is from a reputable brand and that it is in good condition.
Another thing to consider is the environment in which you will be using the cord.
If you are using it outdoors, make sure the cord is weatherproof. And if you will be using it in a wet or humid environment, make sure the cord is rated for that environment.
Finally, make sure you follow all safety precautions when using any type of extension cord.
Never overload the cord, and never use it if it is damaged in any way.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your two-prong to three prong extension cord is safe to use.
Can you use a heavy-duty extension cord with a microwave?
Using a heavy-duty extension cord with a microwave is not recommended.
Heavy-duty extension cords are not designed for use with high-wattage appliances like microwaves. They can overheat and cause a fire.
If you must use an extension cord with a microwave, make sure it is rated for high wattage and never exceed the cord’s maximum amperage rating.
What happens if I use the wrong gauge extension cord?
If you use a gauge extension cord that is too small, it can cause the following problems:
- Your appliances may not work properly
- You may trip circuit breakers
- Your extension cord may overheat
If you use a gauge extension cord that is too large, it will not cause any problems. However, you will be wasting money because you are using more electricity than you need to.
What happens if you use too small of an extension cord?
If you use an extension cord that is too small for the appliance you are trying to power, a number of things can happen.
The most likely scenario is that the cord will overheat and potentially catch fire.
This is because the cord is not able to handle the amount of current flowing through it.
Additionally, the smaller extension cord may not be able to carry enough power to actually operate the appliance, meaning it will either not work at all or will not work properly.
In short, it is very important to use the proper size extension cord for the appliance you are trying to use. If you are not sure what size you need, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use a larger cord.
Why should you not use an indoor extension cord outside?
While extension cords are a great way to bring power to a specific area, they were not designed for outdoor use.
This is because extension cords are not weather-proof and can be easily damaged by moisture and humidity. Additionally, extension cords can be a tripping hazard, so it’s important to keep them out of high-traffic areas.
If you need to bring power to an outdoor area, it’s best to use a dedicated outdoor outlet or a heavy-duty extension cord that is specifically designed for outdoor use. This will help ensure your safety and prevent damage to your extension cord.
Does using an extension cord reduce voltage?
There is a common misconception that using an extension cord will reduce the voltage of the electricity running through it.
However, this is not the case. Extension cords are designed to carry electricity safely and effectively, and they do not reduce the voltage of the electricity running through them
So why do people think that extension cords reduce voltage?
It’s probably because extension cords are often used to power devices that are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, like computers or microwaves. If the electricity running through an extension cord is not stable, it can cause problems for these devices.
However, if you are using an extension cord to power a device that is not sensitive to voltage fluctuations, you don’t need to worry about the cord reducing the voltage. Extension cords are a safe and effective way to extend the reach of your electrical system.
How do you tell if an extension cord can be used outdoors?
There are a few factors to consider when determining if an extension cord can be used outdoors.
The first is the jacketing of the cord. If the cord has a PVC or rubber jacket, it is likely rated for outdoor use. The second factor is the gauge of the cord. A thicker, higher gauge cord will be able to carry more amps and be less likely to overheat.
Finally, you’ll want to check the rating of the outlet that the cord will be plugged into. If the outlet is rated for outdoor use, then the cord can likely be used outdoors as well.
While it may be tempting to use an indoor extension cord for an outdoor project, it is important to consider these factors to ensure that you are using the cord safely.
