Originally Posted By: bob haller This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The NEC is so careul about everything BUT!
You have a 15 amp breaker with 14 gauge wire, so far all is well 
But then you plug in a 16 gauge extyension cord that can get abused....
Seems like this would be a obvious fire hazard I have often woindered why the minimum gauge of extension cords isnt at least 14 to prevent troubles where they are most likely to occur to begin with?
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The assumption is a 16 ga cord will operate a 20a breaker with a bolted fault The problem arises when it is simply an overload (for 16ga wire) that draws less than 20a. More dangerous is the older 18 ga extension cords.
Originally Posted By: bob haller This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Yep I was thinking of a overladed or partial short. I repair office machines for a living, laminators and see wires that have melted and even burned thru that never tripped a breaker.
In a home ith flmmables around it looks like a obvious failuree mode 
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Also extentions cords are not (should not ) be restricted from disipating heat. If you ran a #16 in an insulated wall cavity and put 15 amps though it, it would heat up nicely
Originally Posted By: bbadger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This is covered by the NEC.
Quote:
250.5(B)(3)(3) Extension Cord Sets. Flexible cord used in listed extension cord sets, or in extension cords made with separately listed and installed components, shall be permitted to be supplied by a branch circuit of Article 210 in accordance with the following:
) be restricted from disipating heat. If you ran a