Dont know the extension cord value

[Novel8]

I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. Ilooked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.. Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using it on my electric [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], as an example.

[diy savant]

On 7/28/2012 9:27 AM, Novel8 wrote:


Voltage drop with a known load will tell you the wire gauge.
Do you have a volt meter?

[Ed Pawlowski]

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:27:41 -0700 (PDT), Novel8 <korevette@gmail.com>
wrote:


Most positive way is to take an end off and measure the wire with a
gauge.

[Novel8]

On Saturday, July 28, 2012 10:34:55 AM UTC-4, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks

[Stormin Mormon]

In a moment like this, I'd try to find a small town hardware store. Carry
the cord in, and ask the people there. The old guy with the grey hair should
be able to heft the cord, look at it, and guess pretty close.

Old cords often have corroded plug and socket, and might not be worth the
effort.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
..

"Novel8" <korevette@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f06cee73-6520-4a9b-a55d-58ebda1b0e96@googlegroups.com...
I came across an extension cord that the previous owner left in the shed. I
looked for any writing of the size of this cord...there is absolutely none.
Is there a way to check the gauge of it? It is usable, but nervous in using
it on my electric [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], as an example.

[Stormin Mormon]

By the time you go to all that work, might have been easier to go buy
another cord. I've put ends on cords, over the years. Hardly worth the
effort.

I'm guessing you are a home user. I was told (and found it on the net) that
business users are not allowed, by OSHA, to repair extension cords. Nor, to
tape the cords when they wear or fray.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
..

"Novel8" <korevette@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:38300517-cd91-4589-b61e-7d4aaee2cb16@googlegroups.com...

No, I have neither volt meter nor know what is a gauge measurer. Thanks

[micky]

On Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:06:24 -0400, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:


Maybe there's a way to brush dark dust over the cord to read the
embossed print, like they do in detective stories.

[Duesenberg]

On 7/28/2012 9:27 AM, Novel8 wrote:

Personally I'd be more concerned if it's outdoor rated than guage rated.

As for the gauge: 12 amp lawnmowers, which most are, only need a light
duty 16 guage for the first 50 feet. But keep in mind that you
shouldn't put more than 80% of the rated load on a cord.

I only keep 12 gauge extension cords in my garage, that way I never have
to worry for 15 amp [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or heaters in case I have to run the cord 100
feet or longer. I can run my electric lawnmower or an air compressor or
table saw and not have to worry about the cord overheating.

Yeah they are bulky and thick and heavy and more expensive but they are
better insulated and much longer lasting.

[Tony Hwang]

Novel8 wrote:
Hi,
If the cord is warm to touch when you use it, you know then.

[DerbyDad03]

"Stormin Mormon" <cayoung61***spamblock@hotmail.com> wrote:

A decade or so ago my son was helping a rich lawyer guy clean out his
garage. When I went to pick my son up, I saw a 25' 12 gauge extension cord
with a reel on top of the trash heap. It looked brand new.

I looked at it and found that the cord had been cut about 6' from the end.
Both pieces were still there.

I took it home, put a plug on one piece and a socket on the other.

All these years later I'm still using both extension cords on a regular
basis. It was well worth the minor effort and cost.