To ensure you're safely using an extension cords, avoid these common situations when you should never use an extension cord.

"No extension cords whatsoever," Martinez says for devices such AC units that run constantly or appliances with a heating ...

Here are some of the basics when it comes to extension cord gauges:. 16 gauge is good for: . Work lights. Lawn tools, like leaf blowers and hedge trimmers. Fans. Holiday lights. 14 gauge is good ...

The best extension cords: Reviews & Recommendations. Extension cords come in varying lengths, colors, and gauges. Light-duty extension cords are ideal for extending power to a lamp or computer, ...

Do not mistake an extension cord for a substitute for permanent wiring. "Over time, extension cords can wear down, overheat, and become a fire hazard," says Joel Worthington, president of Mr ...

Fourteen-gauge and 12-gauge extension cords are some of the most common extension cords. A 14-gauge cord can handle up to 1,800 watts, or 15 amps, the same as a standard wall outlet in the US.