Extension cords have made life much easier for homeowners everywhere. Extension cords can be used to bring power to a variety of
devices—both indoors and outdoors—even if there isn't a nearby outlet. Menards® offers a wide variety of extension cords that can be
used for many different tasks. This buying guide will help you find the best extension cord for any application.
Extension Cord Basics
Amps, Volts, and Watts
Amps, volts and watts are related. Simply stated:
Amps x Volts = Watts
Amperes or 'amps' is the measure of the flow, or 'current,' of electrons through an electrical conductor. The greater the number of
electrons moving through the conductor, the higher the current. In an extension cord, the conductors are the copper wires within the
cord.
Voltage or 'volts' is the measure of electrical force causing the electrons to move. The greater the electrical force, the higher the
voltage.
Wattage or 'watts' is the measure of electricity used. Light bulbs, appliances and other electrical devices are normally rated in terms of
the watts they use.
Extension cords are rated in terms of how many amps or watts they can safely carry. Always choose an extension cord that is rated for
at least the same total amps or watts of the lights, appliances and other devices that will be powered. An undersized cord can overheat,
even to the point of catching fire. Wattage is usually printed on the label of the electrical device, the instructions or owners' manual. On
an extension cord, the amperage, voltage and wattage are printed on the UL or ETL tag.
Gauge
The diameter of the conductors within an extension cord are measured in terms of American Wire Gauge (AWG), usually shortened to
just "gauge" and expressed by a number. Common household extension cords are available in 16 gauge (smallest), 14 gauge, 12
gauge and 10 gauge (biggest). The lower the number, the bigger the gauge and the greater the amperage and wattage. In addition, a
cord with a larger gauge will carry power a greater distance without voltage drop than will a cord with a smaller gauge. Voltage drops
over distance. To offset voltage drop, choose a cord with a larger gauge. This is especially important for appliances with motors.
Attempting to run a motor on insufficient voltage can cause permanent damage. The gauge is clearly identified on the product package,
and is printed on the outer insulation (jacket) of the cord. For example, 16-gauge cords will have 16AWG printed on the jacket.
Plug and Connector
The plug (male) end of a nongrounded (two-prong) extension cord has two parallel blades. The connector (female) end has two parallel
slots. Both ends are 'polarized,' meaning that one blade/slot is wider than the other. This is a safety feature to ensure that the 'hot' and
'neutral' conductors of the extension cord always match the circuit conductors of the outlet they are plugged into. A nongrounded cord
may always be plugged into a grounded (three-prong) outlet.
The plug and connector of a grounded (three-prong) extension cord are also polarized, and include a third grounding pin/slot. Always
use a grounded extension cord with an appliance that has a grounded (three-prong) plug. Never remove the ground pin from the plug or
circumvent the grounding feature!
Many of our grounded extension cords feature a lighted connector or a lighted locking connector for visibility and to show that the cord
is powered.
Types of Extension Cords
Indoor
Outdoor
Contractor
Indoor extension cords are available in
both grounded and nongrounded
types, and in lengths from 6' to 15'. 16gauge cords are low wattage and are
intended for use with a small appliance
such as a portable fan, alarm clock,
table lamp or floor lamp (note: an
electronic device such as a TV or
computer should be connected to a
surge protector). 14-gauge and 12gauge indoor cords are suitable for
use with higher-wattage lights and
appliances. Regardless of gauge,
indoor cords are not weather resistant
and are listed for indoor use only.
Outdoor extension cords are weather
resistant and listed for outdoor use.
They are also great for indoor use.
Outdoor cords are available in
General-Purpose, Stay Plugged™
Locking and All-Weather types. Stay
Plugged™ Locking cords have a
lighted locking connector that keeps
cords connected. Stay Plugged™
cords are a great choice for electric
lawn trimmers, edgers and mowers.
All-Weather cords are engineered to
remain flexible at sub-freezing
temperatures and are the best choice
for extreme cold. They also feature a
lighted connector for visibility at night.
Contractor-grade extension cords are
made for demanding jobsite use. They
stand up to extreme heat and cold,
and offer superior abrasion resistance
and excellent flexibility.
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SMART ELECTRICIAN® PRO™ cords
feature a high-visibility yellow
elastomer jacket. They are lighter, yet
more abrasion resistant than standard
vinyl. Plus, they have better resistance
to oil and chemicals. This cord is an
excellent choice for both shop and
garage use.
FLEXZILLA® PRO features a
distinctive high-visibility neon green
jacket with a glow-in-the-dark stripe
and lighted connector. The extreme
flexibility, abrasion resistance and high
visibility of this cord make it a great
choice for the professional's toolbox.