What gauge extension cord should I use?

Question

what gauge extension cord should I use for my christmas lights? I have commercial grade mini christmas lights from GE that say you can connect up to six runs. Each run is 200 lights and 58 feet and I will be using 6 runs together. I have to run 200 feet from the house before getting to the mini lights. The box of xmas lights say they are 67.2w 120v 60hz. I have always heard that 300 mini lights = 1amp. What gauge extension cord should I use since I need 200 feet of it? Thanks

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Okay, the longer the run, the larger the voltage drop. Get heavy duty outdoor cord meant for lawn mowers, and other outdoor tools, and be sure. The minimum gauge should be 14, and a 12 gauge cord will last for years without any danger of overloading. Do not use indoor cords of any gauge, they will be too stiff.

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Thanks

Answer 2

12. get a good one that can handle the juice. it may be expensive, but the bigger the better, you won't be sorry

Answer 3

Get two 100' 12 ga. cords. Tape the connections and be sure you are connected to a working GFCI.