Extension cords must be sized properly to be able to safely carry the power needed by any electrical device. When it comes to stationary woodworking equipment, this is an especially important consideration.
The charts below show the minimum cord gauge for specific amp/voltage/length combinations common in woodworking.

Amp Rating

Volts

Cord Length in Feet

Minimum Cord Gauge

6-10

120

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

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

to 25

14 AWG

12-16

120

25-50

12 AWG

Extention cords over 50-feet in length are not commonly recommended for amp loads in the 12-16 or higher range.

6-10

240

to 50

18 AWG

6-10

240

50-100

16 AWG

6-10

240

100-200

14 AWG

6-10

240

200-300

12 AWG

10-12

240

to 50

16 AWG

10-12

240

50-100

16 AWG

10-12

240

100-200

14 AWG

10-12

240

200-300

12 AWG

12-16

240

to 50

14 AWG

12-16

240

50-100

12 AWG

240-Volt extention cables longer than 100-feet are not generally recommended.

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