Whether you’ve just moved into a new apartment or are considering replacing your old electrical fixtures, the chances are that you’ll go looking for high-quality power cords. But before you hit the stores, it would help to understand the top factors to consider when looking for extension cords.
Extension cords are among the most crucial electrical components in both residential and commercial premises. As such, due diligence is paramount while shopping for these attachments.
Now, gauge is one of the key aspects to look into before buying an extension cord. In this article, we narrow down our focus to 10-gauge extension cords by delving into their specifications, applications, and everything in between.
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What Is An Extension Cord?
A 10 gauge extension cord is one of the most common electrical components in high-end homes and workplaces. But before we highlight these cords and their notable uses, it’s best to go back and understand what an extension cord is.
An extension cord is a term for a length of electrical power cable containing a plug on one end and one or several sockets on the other end.
Extension cords go by many names depending on the industry or country of usage. Alternative monikers include extension cable, lead, drop cord, and power extender.
Another noteworthy feature of extension cords is that their plugs match the intended outlets. For instance, a power extender with a two-pronged plug would fit a two-pronged socket equally.
However, there are rare instances where the plugs and power outlets are of different types. In such cases, an adapter cord may bridge the difference.
What is a 10-gauge Extension Cord?
Electrical cables are assigned different ratings depending on their diameters.
Note that the diameter refers to the thickness or gauge of the wire conductors instead of the insulation material. Common extension cord thicknesses include 10 gauge, 12 gauge, and 14 gauge.
A 10-gauge extension cord has metal conductors measuring 0.135 inches or 3.429 millimeters. For comparison, the thickness of an 8-gauge power extender is 0.162 inches, while that of a 12-gauge extension lead is 0.1040 inches.
As you may have noticed, the diameter of extension cords reduces as the gauge rating increases. A 10-gauge drop cord is thicker than a 12-gauge cord but thinner than an 8-gauge cord. That’s a key point to note before shopping for these components.
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Benefits of a 10-Gauge Extension Cord
As their name suggests, the primary benefit of extension cords is extending the reach of electricity from the wall outlets or other sockets. These components allow you to power an appliance located considerably further from the power outlet, especially bulky equipment that cannot be moved closer to the nearest sockets.
However, 10-gauge extension cords provide additional benefits besides simply bridging the gap between power outlets and electrical appliances.
Most notably, a 10-gauge drop cord allows you to connect large or heavy-duty equipment like refrigerators, air compressors, and lawnmowers. These cables carry current high enough to power various household appliances and industrial machinery.
The fact that 10-gauge electrical cords are considerably thick makes them more durable than their 12- and 14-gauge counterparts. Their extra diameter, sturdy construction, and premium-quality insulation translate to additional resistance against wear and tear.
But durability isn’t only measured in terms of a 10-gauge drop cord itself. It also relates to the powered equipment. You can connect your power-hungry electrical appliances to a 10-gauge cord without worrying about current- or voltage-related accidents.
Last but not least, 10-gauge extension cords are highly versatile. The cables are incredibly useful in powering internal and external electrical appliances in both residential areas and industrial installations.
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How Does A 10-Gauge Extension Cord Look Like?
Most 10-gauge extension cords are typically white, as with other power extenders. However, the cord may come in other color options, such as black, orange, or yellow.
The color of an extension cord is purely cosmetic and has nothing to do with the cord’s performance. However, it’s best to insist on fluorescent colors if buying a 10-gauge extension lead for outdoor use.
We must also emphasize that “color,” in this case, refers to the external appearance of the cable’s insulation material and socket. Note that the individual wires will likely be color-coded depending on whether they’re positive, negative, or neutral.
How Long Should A 10-Gauge Extension Cord Be?
10-gauge extension cords typically measure two to thirty feet. However, these cords can be as long as 300 feet.
Longer extension cords help power appliances located further from a power outlet without moving the equipment. They also reduce the need for daisy chaining.
Daisy chaining is a practice of connecting power extenders in a series. It’s a high risk for circuit overloads and electrical fires.
On the flip side, longer cords may result in voltage loss through resistance in the conductor. So, while a 10-gauge extension cord is better suited for heavy-duty equipment, it’s best to keep the cable short enough. The saving grace is that 10-gauge power extenders have a considerably large cross-sectional area. This reduces electrical resistance and, by extension, power loss, even in relatively longer cables.
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Summary
A 10-gauge electrical cord is the right cable for powering heavy-duty appliances due to its better current-handling abilities. These cords are also designed to be resilient in different environments.
Ensure you purchase the cable from a licensed electrical dealer to enjoy better quality and a longer warranty.
