14- and 12-gauge extension cords are some of the most common extension cords. A 14-gauge cord can handle roughly up to 1800 watts (15 amps, the same as a standard wall outlet in the US).

Using the wrong extension cord can be dangerous. They can melt or overheat and cause a fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. To prevent this, it’s important to buy the ...