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.

 

 

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

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

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

Danl

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. 

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

 

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.  

 

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

 

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.  

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

 

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

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

John

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.

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

John

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. 

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.