If this is 12 gauge wire, then it should be rated for 20 amps. Is the plug what is rated for 15 amp?
1866842
Typically, for a given wire size, you lose half the amperage at 100 feet; thus, only 10 amps, give or take a little with variable such as 110 to 120 volt, etc., would be available with a 20 amp breaker and encased 12 gauge wire. Theoretically at 25 feet, you would lose about 2.5 amps on top of what was lost from breaker box to outlet plugged into. If that was 25 feet, then another 2.5 amps or so and now down to 15 amps safely available with nothing else running on that same circuit. Can you run a 20 amp tool and not starve the tool? Maybe, as most electric tools are capacitor start and settle down to less amps required after running, while the circuit is protected by the breaker. Typically, for a given wire size, you lose half the amperage at 100 feet; thus, only 10 amps, give or take a little with variable such as 110 to 120 volt, etc., would be available with a 20 amp breaker and encased 12 gauge wire. Theoretically at 25 feet, you would lose about 2.5 amps on top of what was lost from breaker box to outlet plugged into. If that was 25 feet, then another 2.5 amps or so and now down to 15 amps safely available with nothing else running on that same circuit. Can you run a 20 amp tool and not starve the tool? Maybe, as most electric tools are capacitor start and... » Read More Typically, for a given wire size, you lose half the amperage at 100 feet; thus, only 10 amps, give or take a little with variable such as 110 to 120 volt, etc., would be available with a 20 amp breaker and encased 12 gauge wire. Theoretically at 25 feet, you would lose about 2.5 amps on top of what was lost from breaker box to outlet plugged into. If that was 25 feet, then another 2.5 amps or so and now down to 15 amps safely available with nothing else running on that same circuit. Can you run a 20 amp tool and not starve the tool? Maybe, as most electric tools are capacitor start and settle down to less amps required after running, while the circuit is protected by the breaker. « Show Less
1866843
Richard, what you ask is a logical question... since 12/2 (or as 'they' call it 12/3) wire is `supposed' to be able to carry a 20 amp load. Perhaps it's because the wire used in the cord is "stranded" instead of solid core (as is 12/2 romex), or it could be because of the plugs used (since 12 gauge stranded/solid is 'supposed' to carry the same ampacity). Anyways, I believe it's a question best suited to be answered by the manufacturer instead of me. All I can vouch for is that I have put a higher load on it than the 15 amp listed, and the wire or plugs never got hot (or even warm), and the breaker never popped off. Richard, what you ask is a logical question... since 12/2 (or as 'they' call it 12/3) wire is `supposed' to be able to carry a 20 amp load. Perhaps it's because the wire used in the cord is "stranded" instead of solid core (as is 12/2 romex), or it could be because of the plugs used (since 12 gauge stranded/solid is 'supposed' to carry the same ampacity). Anyways, I believe it's a question best suited to be answered by the manufacturer instead of me. All I can vouch for is that I have put a higher load on it than the 15 amp listed, and the wire or plugs never got hot (or... » Read More Richard, what you ask is a logical question... since 12/2 (or as 'they' call it 12/3) wire is `supposed' to be able to carry a 20 amp load. Perhaps it's because the wire used in the cord is "stranded" instead of solid core (as is 12/2 romex), or it could be because of the plugs used (since 12 gauge stranded/solid is 'supposed' to carry the same ampacity). Anyways, I believe it's a question best suited to be answered by the manufacturer instead of me. All I can vouch for is that I have put a higher load on it than the 15 amp listed, and the wire or plugs never got hot (or even warm), and the breaker never popped off. « Show Less
1866844
The reason for the 15 amp rating is probably because the conductor is aluminum not copper. If it was copper it should say that in the conductor description. 12/3 cu.
1866845
From what I understand, the amp rating is based on the length of the cord. My assumption from that is that the connectors at both ends are rated accordingly. If I were the manufacturer, I wouldn't put 20 amp connectors on a 15 amp rated cord.
1866846
The 12 gauge wire is rated for 20 amps. Not sure about the plug. I have been using for tools up to 20 amps with no heat problems!
1526471
As a 50 foot cord it is pretty manageable. It is the medium duty, heavy gauge wire so it can certainly can get in a tussle if you let it. The heavy duty cords are the real bear. If you are running 15 amps or less this is the cord you want. Anything more than 15 amps you need the next size up. Less than 10 amps, you may want to step down and get the more flexible cord at a higher gauge.
992903
The wire gage should be heavier for 15 amps! You can probably get by with the 10 amps and it's not going to hurt anything. If the fuse isn't enough it will simply blow which will not hurt anything............
1121666
should be less than 15A. the wire gauge is thin and plugs into a cigg socket which also are often 15A mine is now in storage for 3 years so i cant check the fuse.
442516
No one 20 amp plug ....Just understand plug is not a standard 110v plug ....
1609452
I beilieve its a 15amp...not indicated...however, I've done three heavy duty fillups with it and have had now problems...my 2001 Sierra's outlet is the cigarette lighter which is notoriously lame and has not blown a fuse
2259641
The wire is labeled 18 gauge. I was expecting a thicker gauge as well. If there is any good news here, it is the better rated 600 V and 105 degree wire.
385578
Actually #12 wire should be used with a 20Amp breaker. NEC only requires #14 to be used with a 15 amp circuit breaker. So #14 wire should be sufficient
1098888
The only thing I can tell you that it's a 15 amp it is a very heavy cord.For the price you don't have too much to lose.
2013152
They recommend you minimize the length when using extension cords. I was using a 12 awg extension but it is no longer than 15 ft. With no problems. 12awg can pull 20 amps through it but I think they want to minimize the resistance which will maximize the current going to the tool. It will work but you may run I to a penetration Issue with the studs which may pop off after a few pulls.
1169195
I would not run over 15 amps continuous but tend to be a little cautious. You can safely get away with short periods at 20 amps Ampacity charts show 20 amps for #12 solid copper and I have degraded this. Do not run a load while the cord is coiled on a reel.
514958
Before you consider putting anything in excess of 20 amps through this cord, you should measure the resistance of its wires. Are they really 10 gauge? I measured my cord and got 170 milliohms for the hot/neutral and 270 milliohms for the ground connector along the full 100' length using the three outlet version of this 10/3 cable (http://www.amazon.com/Contractor-Grade-Foot-Extension-Cord/dp/B000BMFWC8), indicating that its fictional 10/3 really means 12/2 for the hot/neutral (with either 19/25 (more likely) or 16/30 (less likely) stranding) and 14 AWG for the ground! The reason I bothered to measure is because it was way too thin and light to be a true 10/3 cable, so I decided to verify, something all of the five star reviewers of this cable haven't bothered to do. Think about it, can a true 10/3 well insulated copper extension cord that is 100 feet long weigh only 18 lbs? Answer: No! There is a reason why this cord has NEMA 5-15 connectors on it and is officially rated 1875 W/15 A - 12 gauge wiring is used for hot/neutral and an appalling 14 gauge for ground.
701872
12 or 14 gauge will be fine. But if the cord is over 20ft, I would use 12 gauge.
1970763
There will be no issue. 20amp means the wiring in the walls to the outlet is capable of carrying 20amps. The rating of the panamax is for delivering 15 amps max to the equipment connected to it - I would doubt that your equipment will ever draw that amount.
514956
The 100' cord is rated at 20 amps. However, the connectors are only rated at 15 amps. For maximum safety, the cord should only be used for 15 amp service.
1379849
The package says 18 gauge and 15 amps max. I'm not sure I'd try a 15 amp load on that size wire (I know household wiring requires 14 gauge for 15 amps), but that's up to you.
1114176
It is due to the length of the cable and the gauge of the wire in it. Lots of 110 cords with 15A connectors are not rated for 15A.