What You'll Learn
Decoding The Cord
That inscrutable string of letters on the packaging (SJTW, SJOW, etc.) offers critical information about the extension cord inside. Here's a quick explanation of the meanings:
AWG: American Wire Gauge. Designates wire diameter. The lower the number, the thicker the wire.
W: Withstands wet and cold conditions outdoors.
T: Thermoplastic/vinyl jacket. Inexpensive, but stiffens in cold and is more vulnerable than rubber.
E: Elastomeric rubber jacket. Resists abrasion and stays flexible in cold.
O: Oil-resistant. Safe for garage floors.
SJ: Junior Service. The cord you'll find on store shelves. Indicates a heavy-duty, rubber-insulated copper wire with a 300-volt capacity.
Limits on Length
The current-carrying capacity of an extension cord diminishes as it gets longer. For tools that draw 10 amps or less, a 16-gauge cord up to 100 feet long will suffice. But tools that use between 11 and 15 amps need at least a 14-gauge cord no more than 50 feet long. Here are sample minimum cord sizes for some common tools:
Circular saw (15 amps): 14 gauge
Reciprocating saw (13 amps): 14 gauge
Leaf blower (12 amps): 14 gauge
Chain saw (10 amps): 16 gauge
Lawn mower (8 amps): 16 gauge
That inscrutable string of letters on the packaging (SJTW, SJOW, etc.) offers critical information about the extension cord inside. Here's a quick explanation of the meanings:
AWG: American Wire Gauge. Designates wire diameter. The lower the number, the thicker the wire.
W: Withstands wet and cold conditions outdoors.
T: Thermoplastic/vinyl jacket. Inexpensive, but stiffens in cold and is more vulnerable than rubber.
E: Elastomeric rubber jacket. Resists abrasion and stays flexible in cold.
O: Oil-resistant. Safe for garage floors.
SJ: Junior Service. The cord you'll find on store shelves. Indicates a heavy-duty, rubber-insulated copper wire with a 300-volt capacity.
Limits on Length
The current-carrying capacity of an extension cord diminishes as it gets longer. For tools that draw 10 amps or less, a 16-gauge cord up to 100 feet long will suffice. But tools that use between 11 and 15 amps need at least a 14-gauge cord no more than 50 feet long. Here are sample minimum cord sizes for some common tools:
Circular saw (15 amps): 14 gauge
Reciprocating saw (13 amps): 14 gauge
Leaf blower (12 amps): 14 gauge
Chain saw (10 amps): 16 gauge
Lawn mower (8 amps): 16 gauge
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