PROJECTS ONLINE: CHOOSING THE CORRECT EXTENSION CORD AND OUTLET FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Always play it safe with electric-powered outdoor equipment. Here are a few safety tips.
1.
Extension Cords
When using electric-powered outdoor equipment, be sure to use the correct extension cord. The proper cord will help protect you and your equipment from electrical hazards.
* Choose a cord that’s approved for outdoor use.
* Choose a cord with a gauge size suited to the amperage of the tool. Use a #14 gauge for motors using up to 15 amps, or a #12 gauge for motors using up to 20 amps. (Remember, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire.) For example: A 24,000 watt (3.2 horsepower) tool will draw 20 amps. To operate properly, it requires #12-gauge wire. If the extension cord is a thinner gauge (a higher number), the motor will not receive sufficient current to operate properly, or the cord may overheat and burn out.
2.
Use a GFCI Outlet
Plug outdoor power equipment into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This device is designed to prevent electrical shocks and is required by most electrical codes for bathrooms, kitchens, and all outdoor situations. It is easily installed. (Fig. 1)
