PCARES - Extension Cord

Key Safety Rules

Match the Rating: Use cords marked explicitly for outdoor use when working outside, and ensure the wire gauge matches or exceeds the power needs of your appliance.
No Overloading: Do not plug multiple high-draw appliances into a single cord, and never daisy-chain (connect) multiple extension cords together.
Clear Pathways: Never run extension cords under rugs, carpets, doors, or furniture, as trapped heat can start a fire. Do not staple or nail cords to walls.
Protect Connections: Keep plug joints out of puddles and wet areas; you can use weather-resistant safety covers like the CordSafe Extension Cord Safety Cover or Twist and Seal Maxx.
Inspect Regularly: Check for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or bent/missing ground prongs before every use. Discard damaged cords immediately.
Never Modify Plugs: Do not cut off the third (grounding) prong to fit a two-hole outlet.

Cord Length and Amperage Limits

25 – 50 Feet Extension Cords
- 16 Gauge(1-13 Amps)
- 14 Gauge (14-15 Amps)
- 12-10 Gauge (16-20 Amps)
100 Feet Extension Cords
- 16 Gauge (1-10 Amps)
- 14 Gauge (11-13 Amps)
- 12 Gauge (14-15 Amps)
- 10 Gauge (16-20 Amps)
150 Feet Extension Cords
- 14 Gauge (1-7 Amps)
- 12 Gauge (8-10 Amps)
- 10 Gauge (11-15 Amps)

S: Designed for general Use
W: Rated for Outdoor Use
J: Standard 300 Voltage Insulation
T: made from Vinyl Thermoplastic
P: Parallel Wire Construction (Air Conditioner Cords and Household Extension Cords)
O: Oil-Resistant
E: Made from TPE

Temporary wiring should be designed and installed according to OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E requirements
Temporary power must be installed by a qualified electrician
Temporary power equipment should be located on a worksite protected from vehicle traffic, accessible only to authorized persons, and suitable for the environmental conditions that may be present
Calculate the electrical load demand to ensure the temporary power has the capacity to supply all connected loads
Ensure all unused openings are covered and closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment
Unused panelboard disconnect and breaker openings must be effectively closed to prevent any foreign objects from getting inside
Establish a timeframe of when temporary power will be removed or switched over to permanent power

Inspect cords and wiring to ensure there is no damage or alterations
Temporary wiring must be maintained in a safe code-compliant manner
Ensure all equipment, receptacles, and flexible cords and cables are properly grounded
Use equipment rated for the environment (indoor or outdoor) where supplied by temporary power
GFCI protection is required for all 125-volt, 15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets. Listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed GFCI protection for portable use are permitted. Other receptacle outlets shall be GFCI protected or be included in an assured equipment grounding conductor program
Test GFCIs monthly
Keep a test and maintenance log of the equipment and cord sets being used
Always disconnect power and lockout/tagout when maintaining, repairing, extending, or re-routing temporary power
Maintain circuit directories to ensure worker safety

Temporary power must be removed when the project is completed. Temporary wiring is only allowed for:

Construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, or equipment, or similar activities
Emergencies, tests, experiments, and developmental work
Temporary wiring must be removed immediately upon completion of construction or the purpose for which it was installed