As for wires, we also have an extension cord gauge chart. It determines how many amps a particular AWG wire can handle. It will help you realize which option is right for you, whether it’s 10 or 14.
It depends on the wattage and size you require. The appropriate amp rating is crucial to ensure it can handle the electrical amount according to your requirements!
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The chart above indicates that a 12 aluminum wire is a safe choice for your 220V 20 amps at 167°F ambient temperatures. Similarly, you can use a 14-gauge copper wire for 220V 20 amps at 167°F. If you seek one out for your washing machine, you can use the chart above as a guide.
The AWG wire for a certain ampacity depends on a few factors, such as the conductive material and the ambient temperature rating. It is important to know the conductive material you plan to use.
When using aluminum as the material, you will refer to the aluminum column. If you are using a copper wire, you must refer to the copper column. There are a few of these for the ambient temperature rating, so keep that in mind.
Copper can carry more ampacity than aluminum at the same AWG. In other words, an 8-gauge copper wire can support more ampacity than the equivalent aluminum one. Having a higher ampacity means it can allow more current to flow at any given time.
Ones with a high ambient temperature rating can carry high loads of power. It explains why a 12-gauge copper extension cord with an ambient temperature of 140°F is compatible with 20 amps. The same at a higher ambient temperature of 194°F can carry up to 25 amps.
The outlined factors above make it tricky to choose the correct rating. Always remember that it is fine to pick a thicker one than the recommended one. However, never choose one size smaller than the recommended option.
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What rating should I use?
Getting the correct one is very important. Choosing a smaller one can ruin your tool or even start a fire. In most cases, a common small hand-held electrical tool can operate without any danger with a 16-gauge extension cord about 100 feet long. Reading through this section will guide you in determining the correct one to use.
Obtaining the rating
The first thing to do is obtain the motor amperage from the tool’s plate. This information is usually in the small metal plate, where you can find the model number and serial number. An outdoor circular saw shows 15A, which means it has a rating of 15 amps.
Ohm’s Law
Knowing Ohm’s law is important because it helps in keeping you safe when dealing with electricity. To put it in simple terms, you multiply amps with volts to get watts.
Volts (V) x Amps (amps) = Watts (W)
This formula helps understand the different sizes because it may require you to convert the rating in the tool or appliance to watts. In the US, we use 120 volts in most homes. Some regions across the globe use 240V. It may vary depending on which region you are in, so check before proceeding.
Voltage Drop
When electricity travels down a long wire, it loses voltage. It happens because electricity encounters resistance as it travels. With this knowledge in mind, only use the cord length that you need. It is one of the many reasons why using the correct wire size and length is important. Electrical resistance creates friction, which also creates heat.
To test this out in a simple real-world experiment, rub your hands together. When you do it slowly at first, you may not feel much. As you gradually increase the speed, press down harder.
You may feel the heat building up, and it becomes rougher to rub your hands. It is because resistance is building up. The same happens with electricity traveling down an extension cord.
To summarize, do not use a 50 feet long extension cord if you only really need about 20 feet. Purchase an assortment of options with varying lengths. You can use a short one if the outlet is only a few yards away from your project.
If you have a project that needs welding, it will surprise you that several types of welding may need different types of cables. You can look into gasless MIG welding and aluminum welding.
Sizing
The first thing you need to do is determine the tool or appliance you will be using. Once you have the information on hand, look into the Electrical Wire Size Chart table. This chart determines the compatible AWG number.
Below is a list of common electrical tools with their respective amp ratings to make things easier.
- Circular saw: 12 – 15
- Electric Chainsaw: 7 to 12
- Electric Lawn Mower: 6 to 12
- Hedge Trigger: 2 to 3
- Leaf Blower: 6 to 12
- Power Drill: 3 to 7
- Reciprocating Saw: 6 to 8
- Router: 4 to 6
- Table Saw: 14 to 20
- Weed trimmer: 2 to 4
- Lamps: 18
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