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DaweiArch OP t1_ixo4wuc wrote

Reply to comment by DickweedMcGee in Can I use a block heater cord/power strip for my Christmas lights? by DaweiArch

Thanks for the clarification. I’m probably just overthinking this. I think the thing that worried me a bit was how much cheaper block heater cords are as opposed to a regular extension cord. My 3 pronged block heater cord is 32 feet and was 15 dollars. At the same store, a regular 32 foot extension cord with 3 prongs was 60 dollars or more.

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DickweedMcGee t1_ixpbwtc wrote

Hrmm. Well my first guess, on the price difference, would probably be the gauge of the extension cord.

Thicker Gauge = More Copper.

More Copper = More Expensive.

16 gauge is the minimum gauge for running a high wattage heater, like a block heater, but that is only considered 'medium duty'. For running generators or high amperage motors you would need heavy duty or ultra heavy duty power cords and those need a lot of copper.

$15 for 16 gauge/32 ft is about right. $60 for a 32 foot cord should be at least a 12 gauge but, idk, sometime getting ripped off is your only B&M option. If that is the case, explore online options for a more fair price...

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