Minimum Gauge Extension Cord

1.All grounded, cord-connected machines:

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This machine is equipped with an electric cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

Do not modify the plug provided - if it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in risk of electric shock. The conductor with insulation having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a live terminal.

Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if in doubt as to whether the machine is properly grounded.

Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding type plugs and matching 3-conductor receptacles that accept the machine’s plug, as shown in Fig. A.

Repair or replace damaged or worn cord immediately.

2.Grounded, cord-connected machines intended for use on a supply circuit having a nominal rating less than

150 volts:

If the machine is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet that looks like the one illustrated in Fig. A, the machine will have a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated in Fig. A. A temporary adapter, which looks like the adapter illustrated in Fig. B may be used to connect this plug to a matching 2-conductor receptacle as shown in Fig. B, if a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician. The green-colored rigid ear, lug, and the like, extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box. Whenever the adapter is used, it must be held in place with a metal screw.

NOTE: In Canada, the use of a temporary adapter is not permitted by the Canadian Electric Code.

In all cases, make certain that the receptacle in question is properly grounded. If you are not sure, have a qualified electrician check the receptacle.

GROUNDED OUTLET BOX

CURRENT

CARRYING

PRONGS

GROUNDING BLADE

IS LONGEST OF THE 3 BLADES

Fig. A

EXTENSION CORDS

Use proper extension cords. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition and is a 3-wire extension cord which has a 3-prong grounding type plug and matching receptacle which will accept the machine’s plug. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current of the machine. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. Fig. C shows the correct gauge to use depending on the cord length. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

GROUNDING MEANS

ADAPTER

Fig. B

RECOMMENDED SIZES FOR USE WITH STATIONARY ELECTRIC MACHINES

		Total
		length of
Ampere		cord in	Gauge of
rating	Volts	feet	extension cord
0-6	120	up to 25	18 AWG
0-6	120	25-50	16 AWG
0-6	120	50-100	16 AWG
0-6	120	100-150	14 AWG
6-10	120	up to 25	18 AWG
6-10	120	25-50	16 AWG
6-10	120	50-100	14 AWG
6-10	120	100-150	12 AWG
10-12	120	up to 25	16 AWG
10-12	120	25-50	16 AWG
10-12	120	50-100	14 AWG
10-12	120	100-150	12 AWG
12-16	120	up to 25	14 AWG
12-16	120	25-50	12 AWG
12-16	120	GREATER THAN 50 FEET NOT RECOMMENDED