I have a new shop machine (dust collector) with that I need to use an extension cord. The machine cord  has a 6-15 plug and my wall receptacle is 6-20. The 6-15 plug will fit into the 6-20 receptacle and seems to work fine in my test startup. Unfortunately, the machine is pretty much pressed up to the wall as the cord is short and is just not where I wanted the dust collector to be. If I had a 10 foot extension cord, I should be fine with locating the dust collector where I want.

Should I go with a 6-20 extension cord, or a 6-15? Since I only need 10 feet, thinking 12 AWG should be fine as the manual lists minimum of 14 AWG.

 

As long as you use the 12 AWG, either will be fine.

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

As long as you use the 12 AWG, either will be fine.

Ok thank you.

 

Is there any advantage of one over the other? (I'm OK woodworking but totally out of my element with electrical issues!)

To be honest the 14 might be enough, but there's no reason to take a chance. The machine almost certainly has 14 awg, and that's fine for the short length. But as you lengthen the cord you increase voltage drop....but you are talking about a very short distance at 10'. But with electric overkill is uusally better, so if it were me (and it has been, a few times) I would use the #12.

Agree with Fred. Heavier wire is always safer. Usually less expensive to make your own. Borgs will sell you all the stuff and cut custom length wire. 

 

Thank you for the added info.

I'm definitely looking at the 12 AWG. Any thoughts on 6-15 vs 6-20 extension cord (machine is 6-15 and receptacle is 6-20).

Agree with upping the extension cord to 12 gage. I'm assuming the DC is 220v with the 6-15 plug?

 

@DuckSoup, @Artie, @Roly...what say you "sparkies?" Thanks in advance.

1 hour ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Agree with upping the extension cord to 12 gage. I'm assuming the DC is 220v with the 6-15 plug?

Yes, the DC is 220 with a 6-15 plug. This fits in the 6-20 receptacle I have in that room. Unfortunately, the cord on the DC is very short. Thus, trying to figure out the best extension cord option given my situation - do I go with 6-15 to match the DC or 6-20 to match the receptacle?

 

 

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-WORKS-20-Amp-250-Volt-NEMA-6-20P-3-Prong-Industrial-Grade-Have-Duty-Male-Plug-AS620P/309534126?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-WORKS-15-20-Amp-250-Volt-NEMA-6-15-20R-3-Prong-Industrial-Grade-Heavy-Duty-Female-Connector-AS620R/309534130?MERCH=REC-_-fbt_test-_-320125439-_-1-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-By-the-Foot-12-3-600-Volt-CU-Black-Flexible-Portable-Power-SOOW-Cord-55809499/204632920

41 minutes ago, BB1 said:

Yes, the DC is 220 with a 6-15 plug. This fits in the 6-20 receptacle I have in that room. Unfortunately, the cord on the DC is very short. Thus, trying to figure out the best extension cord option given my situation - do I go with 6-15 to match the DC or 6-20 to match the receptacle?

 

Either should work fine. The only real difference is the maximum amperage rating (15a vs 20a). If you choose to make your own extension cord, I suppose you could use a 6-15 female plug for the DC connection and a 6-20 male plug for the receptacle connection.

 

If it was me and purchasing (or making) an extension cord, I'd likely go with the 6-20 on both ends but definitely want 12 AWG wire.

 

Not exactly the same scenario but answers the general question HERE

Lew, I looking to purchase rather than make my own. Appreciate the links but...all the connections are way beyond my comfort level!😬 Realize many people do that, but I wouldn't feel capable or confident (two important traits when working with electricity - especially the capable part!).

 

Grandpadave - that link is helpful in expanding my meager knowledge base. Have learned a lot in the last few days, as well as realizing how little I know (and likely don't know what I still don't know!!).  I think I'll look for a 6-20 extension cord, 12 AWG, in a 15-25 foot length (guessing there will be limited options at BORG).

2 minutes ago, BB1 said:

Lew, I looking to purchase rather than make my own

No problem!!

14 minutes ago, BB1 said:

  I think I'll look for a 6-20 extension cord, 12 AWG, in a 15-25 foot length (guessing there will be limited options at BORG).

 I'd try on line first and see what pops up, then you could search Borg and others to see what they have. I found this one on Amazon, they have a broad variety of lengths, that price is for 16' long.:

 

Edited December 5, 2025Dec 5 by Fred W. Hargis Jr

Home Depot shows they have several options available. Our local store doesn't seem to carry them (shocker) but order online with free ship to store or home. Your local store may carry them in stock Barbara.

 

THIS link for a 10 foot but other lengths available. I didn't check Lowes or Menards. Certainly possible for a Farm Store like Rural King, Tractor Supply, Runnings or Farm & Fleet to carry them as well.

Edited December 5, 2025Dec 5 by Grandpadave52

Well, headed to our local Menards for some 2x4s so will check what cords they have in stock. 

Menards is more likely to have one than the blue or orange stores. But when I checked on-line i didn't see one there.

Agree with all said. In electrical bigger is always a safe bet. Where is @Artie when you need him?

Nope - no luck at Menards for the cord. Also still need to get 2x4 as the stock was less than I hoped for (and yes, I neatly restacked any I moved).

 

Edit: I've had good "luck" with finding good 2x4 prior at Menards - maybe I was just too picky today. 🤔

Edited December 5, 2025Dec 5 by BB1

The closest Menards is 30 miles away. There is a small, family run lumberyard 15 miles away. I bought 160’ of 1x4 finger jointed primed pine for a window trim project for .10 a foot more than Menards. It’s even straight! With prices like that, I may never return to Menards for wood! 
 

With that said, I wish I lived close to you, I’d have you get the cord and plug and we could just lengthen the dust collector cord and skip the extension all together.  

Looked online and found 2. One by Parkworld (and see thats the same one Fred noted!) and another by Plugtul (that is only 10 or 25 ft so likely would go with the 25 ft option). The 90 degree plug does look like a nice feature on the Plugtul. If anyone has pros/cons of either, I'd be interested.