Extension Cords - Load Rating vs. Wire Gauge and Length

Size of extension cords - full load ratings with 115 V. Determines the required wire gauge for extension cords based on length and amperage requirements.

Extension Cords - Load Rating vs. Wire Gauge and Length

Size of extension cords - full load ratings with 115 V.

Conversion: 1 ft (foot) = 0.3048 m

How to Use

Enter the extension cord length and the required amperage (full load rating) to determine the minimum recommended wire gauge (AWG).

Example

A 500 feet extension cord with full load rating of 5 amps should be at least AWG 8.

Calculator

Inputs

Results

Extension Cord Length-- meters
Minimum Recommended Wire Gauge-- AWG
Amperage (amps)Length ≤ 50 ft (AWG)Length 51-100 ft (AWG)Length 101-150 ft (AWG)Length 151-200 ft (AWG)
≤ 718161412
8-1216141210
13-161412108
17-20121086