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What is the difference between 16 3 and 12 3 extension cord?
The most common size outdoor extension cords are 16-3, 14-3 and 12-3. For light uses on small power tools the 16-3 is fine but for higher ampere tools such as a table saw, 12-3 is recommended.
What is the difference between 14 3 and 12 3 wire?
Starts here2:3914/2 vs 14/3 Electrical wire – What’s the Difference? – YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip61 second suggested clipYou can also use 14 3 wire if you are installing multi-branch circuits meaning you are using theMoreYou can also use 14 3 wire if you are installing multi-branch circuits meaning you are using the black wire for phase a and the red wire for phase b.
What does 14 3 mean on an extension cord?
Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity. Every extra foot of cord increases the electrical resistance.
What is a 16 3 cable?
16 Gauge 3 Conductor SO Cord This 16 AWG cord features three stranded bare copper conductors, EPDM insulation, and a TPE jacket. It is very flexible and adaptable. This portable power cable is ideal for wiring in appliances, tools, and temporary power or lighting.
What does 12/3 mean in an extension cord?
On the packaging of the extension cord, there should be some numbers. These are the gauge of the wire and number of conductors (wires) in the cord. So, a number like ’12 3′ means the cord has 12 gauge diameter wire and 3 wires.
How many amps can a 16 gauge extension cord handle?
16 Gauge for 1-10 Amps. 14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.
How many wires does 12/3 have?
12/3 is used for things like 3 way light switches, but that would not normally connect to the circuit breaker. 12/2 and 12/3 both usually have a bare ground wire as well. As such, 12/2 actually has 3 wires, and 12/3 actually has 4 wires.
How many amps can 16 AWG carry?
Amperes
| Insulation Materials: | Polyethylene Neoprene Polyurethane Polyvinylchloride (Semi-Rigid) | Kapton PTFE FEP PFA Silicone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 AWG | 19 | 32 |
| 14 AWG | 27 | 45 |
| 12 AWG | 36 | 55 |
| 10 AWG | 47 | 75 |
Which is better 14 or 16-gauge extension cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
What does 12 3 wire mean on an extension cord?
Typically, outdoor extension cords will have a number on the packaging or in the listing that looks like this: 12/3. The “12” represents the gauge wire rating (or wire diameter), and the “3” means it has three wires (or conductors) inside.
What is the difference between 12/3 and 16/3 cords?
16/3 is a common size used for household appliances such as vacuum cleaners. 14/3 is often used for heavy duty extension cords. 12/3 would only be used for industrial purposes. Most kitchen appliances and many other home equipments are double insulated and don’t need a ground wire, so they have a 16/2 cord.
How many Watts Does a 16 gauge extension cord power?
As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge extension cord less than 50 feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W) appliance.
What determines the power capacity of an extension cord?
The lower the number, the higher the cord’s capacity to deliver power. Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity.