10/3 extension cord

[smitty10101]

Can somebody explain this to me?

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-100-ft-10-3-Gauge-58-Extreme-Weather-Extension-Cord-758-103100RCL46/301210975

 

This cord, supposedly, is a 10 gauge. But is only rated for 15 Amps!!!

Yet, other 10 gauge extension cords are rated for 20 Amps.

 

In my limited knowledge/experience a 10 gauge should easily hold 20 Amps.

Did I miss something?

 

Somebody please enlighten me.

 

 

[Gene Howe]

I gotta feeling that the rating of 15 amps is a CYA blurb. 

[Artie]

Ten gauge wire is rated for 30 amps in the NEC, under most conditions.

[Danl]

Perhaps, because it is 100 ft long is the reason it was rated 15 amps.

Danl

[Gene Howe]

1 hour ago, Danl said:

Perhaps, because it is 100 ft long is the reason it was rated 15 amps.

Danl

I thought the same, Danl. But their 50 footer is also rated at 15 amps. 

[Artie]

I would not think  that the voltage drop over 100 feet is enough to derate the amperage (at all, never mind by 50%).

 

[Gunny]

What do you plan to use it for? 

 

If nothing heavier than a 30 gallon compressor not a problem.  Like @Artie mentioned though at that gauge it cannot have that bad of a voltage drop.  

 

[p_toad]

well, for one thing it only has 15 amp connectors at each end...   vs another cord they had out there with these:

 

[Gunny]

3 minutes ago, p_toad said:

well, for one thing it only has 15 amp connectors at each end...   vs another cord they had out there with these:

 

 

 

Good catch.  You gotta wonder though why so cheap on the connectors??  For the shop stuff I make cords for I use good connectors well rated and they are not cheap.  Last forever if not abused, like dragged across rough concrete.  Now the tools I fix for the one pawn shop she buys these cheap connectors and they are okay, but I would not use for my own stuff.  

[Larry Buskirk]

Both of my 10 gauge cords (10/3, & 10/4) are rated for 30 Amp, but they have RV connectors on them.

 

[Gunny]

Only cord I use and not even a true extension cord is for my 19,000 BTU shop heater.  Requires a 30 amp cord and plug in.  Used a drier outlet and a drier cord to accomodate this requirement.  More than adequate for my needs.

 

Now other cords I have plenty of.  Rare for me to toss something still functional.

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

I bought one of those cords ( aclose copy) that Smitty linked, mine came with 120V/20 amp ends. Din't matter, I cut the ends off and used the cable to make extensions for the larger 240V power tools.....it was cheaper than buying the equivalent wire from the bulk spools.

[Ron Altier]

Sometimes I wonder if they label them at a lower rating to avoid liabilities. 

[Larry Buskirk]

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense that they would sell a 10 Gauge cord with 15 Amp plugs. 

Most people would be plugging it into a 15 Amp plug that is wired with 14 Gauge wire. 

[RustyFN]

The wire is good for 30 amps but the cord is limited to whatever connectors they put on the ends.

[HARO50]

They wouldn't be using aluminum wire, would they? And would it actually make a difference?

John

[RustyFN]

6 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

They wouldn't be using aluminum wire, would they? And would it actually make a difference?

John

I have never seen aluminum wire in an extension cord. Aluminum wire is not good for the same amount of current as copper wire.

[HARO50]

Current price paid for #1 copper is $3.50 a pound. Price for aluminum (cans) is 40 to 55 Cents. Just saying!

John

[Gene Howe]

11 hours ago, HARO50 said:

Current price paid for #1 copper is $3.50 a pound. Price for aluminum (cans) is 40 to 55 Cents. Just saying!

John

So, that's why some electric wire seen in HD has a Budweiser logo. 

[Larry Buskirk]

13 hours ago, HARO50 said:

Current price paid for #1 copper is $3.50 a pound. Price for aluminum (cans) is 40 to 55 Cents. Just saying!

John

John,

Is the border open yet?

They're only paying about half those prices here.