Is it okay to use an outdoor 25 foot 12 gauge extension cord for an outlet to appliance (temporarily) to make sure there will be no overheating of any wires, which will be running on a 15 Amp Circuit (which probably has 14 gauge wire inside the outlet within the walls)?
In other words, would this be dangerous, being the circuit breaker might not detect overheating (if any) during an extended period of continual usage?
As I mentioned, that the wall outlet leads to a 15 amp circuit, all my 20 and 30 amp circuits are used to the max).
I have used several 6ft 14/3 gauge extensions listed for 15A with a max of 1875 watts, of course this is bad, at each end they heat up and is very dangerous, because of the resistance. I was think a heavier wire – directly from wall outlet to appliance might be better (for now). Thanks in advance
Best Answer
The heavier wire (12 AWG as opposed to 14 AWG) wire in the extension cord will reduce the resistance of the cord. For a given load there will be less heating in the cord. However you should consider using as short of cord as possible. Don't use a 25 foot cord if a 10 foot one would work instead. Half the cord length half the resistance.
Be aware that if such extension cord heats up too much it is likely that you are putting too much load on the circuit and the wires in the wall are going to be subject to heating as well. Over heating electrical circuits are dangerous and can lead to fires.