Welcome to the NEW princessauto.com. Share your feedback with us here! | SAVE UP TO $30 ON SHIPPING FEES WHEN YOU SPEND $129 OR MORE!

Store selector: No store selected
Buying Guide Main Image - Electrical

Electrical Buying Guide

Electrical Essentials: Extension Cords, Generator Cords & More

Find the extension cord, generator cable, RV adapter, or electrical equipment you need. CSA-approved products for your safety and energy needs.

Extension Cords

Having a good extension cord is extremely useful to anyone with a garage or workshop. Chances are you have one, two or even more on hand. But have you ever plugged into an extension cord only to discover your power tool or equipment isn’t working right? You plug your tool in a nearby outlet and it works fine, so what gives? A bad cord? Although that’s a possibility (and worth investigating), perhaps you’re simply using the wrong cord for what you need.

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

Extension cords are measured by their length and wire gauge (the thickness of the actual copper wire used in its construction). Both the length and gauge work together to determine how much amperage can be safely provided to the tool or equipment plugged into the extension cord. As a wire gets thicker it can carry more electricity (measured in amps, also referred to as “A”). The larger the gauge number, the smaller the wire (we don’t know who came up with that system, but we’re stuck with it). The smaller the wire, the less amperage can flow through it. If you use an extension cord that is not rated to provide the amperage needed to properly run the tool or equipment attached to it, what you are trying to power won’t function properly, may get damaged, cause breakers to trip and/or cause a fire hazard by overheating. Length also plays a part in the amps necessary for your power cord. The longer the cord, the less power will actually be transmitted to your device. Whenever possible, buy the shortest power cord to suit your needs.

WHICH CORD IS BEST FOR ME?

Cord Length (m / ft)Device Amp Rating (Amps)Minimum Extension Wire Gauge

7.5 / 25

1 to 13

16 (Light Duty)

7.5 / 25

14 to 15

14 (Medium Duty)

7.5 / 25

16 to 20

12 (Heavy Duty) / 10 Gauge (Extra Heavy Duty)

15 / 50

1 to 13

16 (Light Duty)

15 / 50

14 to 15

14 (Medium Duty)

15 / 50

16 to 20

12 (Heavy Duty) / 10 (Extra Heavy Duty)

30 / 100

1 to 10

16 (Light Duty)

30 / 100

11 to 13

14 (Medium Duty)

30 / 100

14 to 15

12 (Heavy Duty)

30 / 100

16 to 20

10 (Extra Heavy Duty)

SAFETY FIRST

Make sure the extension cord you buy has a safety listing. This is a guarantee that an independent testing agency, such as Canadian Underwriters Laboratories (CUL), Intertek (CETL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has certified, validated, and tested the cord to ensure that it has met strict standards and that it is safe for its rated use.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ALL THESE LETTERS?

All cords have designation letters with their own meanings:

DesignationMeaning

S

Service Grade - Extra hard service flexible cord for general use. 600-volt insulation.

SJ

Junior Service - Hard service flexible cord for general use. 300-volt insulation.

W

Weather-Resistant - Outdoor-rated. Resistance to wet conditions as well as UV protection.

"T"

PVC Vinyl rated for -35°C to +60°C (-31°F to +140°F)

"E"

TPE-rubber material rated for -50°C to +105°C (-58°F to +221°F)

P

Parallel - Indicates parallel wire construction, used in air conditioner cords and household extension cords.

T

Thermoplastic - Wire is coated in PVC.

E

Elastomer - Wire is coated in an elastomer rubber.

O

Oil-Resistant - Jacket is resistant to oil.

OO

Oil-Resistant - Jacket as well as the insulation inside the cord are oil resistant.

Our line of professional-grade PRO.POINT cords are made to meet the demands of daily use around workshops and jobsites. These cords maintain their flexibility in the coldest of winter days (all the way down to -45°C), and feature lighted ends so a quick glance is all it takes to see if there’s juice or not. Our PRO.POINT retractable cord reel is a solid build, with its smooth rolling bearings, multi-position locking ratchet to securely hold the cord at length, guide arm to eliminate tangles, and a spring-driven auto rewind that wraps and stores your cord on the wall or overhead.

GENERATOR EXTENSION CORDS

When the time comes to drag your generator out, it’s important to also have the proper cords at hand. Gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that’s colourless, odourless, tasteless, and difficult to detect. A running generator needs to be at least 20 feet away from your home, and never operated in an enclosed space such as your garage (even with the overhead door open). Because of this safety concern, you need an extension cord long enough to go from the generator to whatever household appliance, electric tool or equipment you want to operate. Our generator cords feature twist-lock plugs to securely fix themselves on your generator (no more accidental disconnects), and are designed to perform in temperature ranges from -40° to +60°C (-40° to +140°F).

ALWAYS KEEP SAFETY IN MIND

Never plug your generator into a wall outlet. This is known as backfeeding. If someone forgets to throw the main circuit breaker to electrically isolate the house from the grid, the generator could send electrical power beyond the house and out onto the grid. If that happens, the electricity you’re generating could injure or kill a utility worker who has come to repair the downed grid. Transfer switches remain the safest way to plug your generator cord into your home. It’s a combination switch and electrical subpanel that’s directly wired into your home’s service panel, and the place where your generator is plugged into it. When you throw its switch, it does two things: first, it disconnects the house from the grid outside. This prevents power from the generator from flowing outside the house, where it could cause serious harm. Second, it sends power only to house circuits that you select. This prevents the generator from overloading. As with anything electrical, it’s always best to have a licensed electrician do the installation; consider it a small investment when it comes to protecting your family and property.

RV ADAPTERS

Be ready for any RV connection issue with our line of power adapters. Compact and convenient, these adapters gives you the ability to connect your travel home and equipment to all types of extension cords and power outlets you find in RV and trailer parks, campgrounds, and portable generators.

PLUGS & CONNECTORS

Busted cord end? See us for plugs and connectors, and fix it at a fraction of the cost it would take to replace the entire cord. Our Pro Lock connectors are designed to prevent standard straight blade 15A-125V plugs and connectors from pulling apart.