What does 12/3 on an extension cord mean?
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.
Is 12/3 a heavy duty extension cord?

12/3 – Heavy Duty – General Purpose Cords – Extension Cords – The Home Depot.
How many amps is a 12/3 extension cord?
15 amps
Featuring durable 12-gauge wire construction and the ability to handle up to 15 amps, this extension cord is ideal for power tools, lawn-care equipment, and more. Available in 25-foot, 50-foot, and 100-foot lengths, the Extension Cord with Lighted End is sure to meet your needs.
How many amps can a 100 extension cord handle?
To properly size an extension cord so your equipment is getting enough power, consider the distance you will run the cord and the amps that your equipment needs to run (found on cord). When using 100 feet extension cords, you’ll need a: 16 Gauge for 1-10 Amps. 14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps.

What’s the difference between 12/3 and 14 3 extension cord?
For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps.
Can you connect 2 100 foot extension cords?
If you plug two identical cords into each other, that reduces their current capacity in half and can possibly result in voltage drop and overheating. In general, extension cords should not exceed 100 feet in length. However, by plugging one extension cord into another, the maximum cord length can be easily exceeded.
What gauge of extension cord do I need?
Recommended wire gauge for extension cords Larger numbers mean smaller wires, which in turn means it can carry less power. A cord measuring 14 AWG is the thinnest we recommend—and at lengths of only 25 feet or shorter—and the much thicker 10 AWG is likely the thickest gauge you’ll find in an extension cord.
How many watts can a 100 foot 12 gauge extension cord handle?
Watts Wire’s Grounded 12-Gauge (12/3) 100-foot Lighted w/ Ground Extension Cords are the perfect cord all around. Our cords are designed around the contractor and perfect for the hobbyist….
Color | Yellow |
---|---|
Connector Gender | Male, Female |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 15 Amps |
Can 12 gauge extension cord handle 30 amps?
Settle for the 14 Gauge Or 12 Gauge – What you Must Know However, they carry different power amounts depending on the length of the cord in question. For instance, for a length of 25 – 50 feet, a 14 gauge cord will be great for 14-15 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will work for 16-20 Amps.
How many watts can a 12 gauge 100 ft extension cord handle?
Can a 12 gauge extension cord handle 30 amps?
What can 12 3 wire be used for?
ROMEX® 12/3 wire is used in buildings for circuits that use higher amperage than the standard 20 amps. Most people are not familiar with this type of wire because it is used to hook up heavy-draw appliances such as water heaters and central air conditioning.
How far can you run a 12 gauge extension cord?
For instance, for a length of 25 – 50 feet, a 14 gauge cord will be great for 14-15 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will work for 16-20 Amps. For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps.
Does 12/3 wire have a ground?
12-3 NM (aka “Romex”) cable will have a bare grounding wire, white neutral (grounded) wire, black hot (ungrounded) wire, and red hot (ungrounded) wire. If you only see white, black and bare wire then it is actually 12-2 (the second number is the number of conductors, the ground wire is not included in this).
When should I use 12/3 wire?
Do you need a 100-foot extension cord?
There’s nothing more frustrating than cutting a project short due to an extension cord that won’t reach where you need it to reach. A 100-foot extension cord can easily remedy this problem for the vast majority of individuals. Want to run some new Christmas lights this year without a visible cord?
How many left in stock of the extension cord?
Only 10 left in stock – order soon. If you’re in the market for a new extension cable, but don’t know where to start, then you need to consider the length of the cord you want to purchase while keeping in mind that the cable you purchase should be strong enough to withstand a lot of use.
What size extension cord do I need for Christmas lights?
A 100-foot extension cord can easily remedy this problem for the vast majority of individuals. Want to run some new Christmas lights this year without a visible cord? A 100-footer should provide enough leeway (and more) to allow for some creative cord concealment.