Understanding Extension Cord CODE Ratings


Extension cord Safety 

The National Electrical Code® (NEC) is the preeminent electrical installation code in the United States. However, the NEC takes on real significance when adopted into law by states and local jurisdictions. The NEMA Field Representative Program advocates for the adoption of the most current edition of the NEC, with no state or local amendments, through participation in the code adoption process and collaboration with NEMA Member companies and other industry partners. As a founding Member of the Electrical Code Coalition, NEMA has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer the following resources related to NEC adoption in the United States.

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC)

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA-7)

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (NEMA)

Adopted in all 50 states, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.

The Electrical Code Coalition, NEMA, has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer the following resources related to NEC adoption in the United States. There are indeed 3 trusted testing companies that can provide certification for electrical cords and related products. These companies are globally recognized and are accredited by the U.S.'s OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Organization) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. These companies ensure that products meet specific safety standards and comply with relevant codes and regulations. Here are three prominent testing organizations


UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
ETL (ETL/Intertek)
CSA (Canadian Standards Association)

Understanding NEC Code 

S

SERVICE GRADE 

Cord is flexible and designed for general use.

J

HARD SERVICE

Cord has a standard 300-volt insulation. If there is no J in the

designation, the cord has thicker, 600-volt insulation, designed for heavier use.

W

OUTDOOR

Cord is rated for outdoor use includes sunlight resistant jacket and

wet location rated conductors (formerly "W-A")

P

PARALLEL CORD 

Cord has a parallel wire construction, used in air conditioner

cords and household extension cords (also known as zip cord)—Always light duty

E

THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER 

Cord jacket is made from thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE) (UL/NEC designation ONLY)

T

THERMOPLASTIC

Cord jacket is made from vinyl thermoplastic

O

OIL RESISTANT

Cord is oil-resistant.

V

VACUUM CLEANER 

Vacuum cleaner cord (also light duty cable)

H

HEATER CABLE

Heater cable

VW-1

FLAME RETARDANT

Flame retardant

FT2

FLAME RETARDANT

cord is flame retardant.

CL2S


wire is designed for in-wall construction.

SRDT


wire is heavy duty and good for high amperage products.

HPN


Cord’s performance won’t be affected by the high temperatures associated with appliances.  

SPT-1

STRANDED, PARALLEL, THERMOPLASTIC

0.030" Insulation  2 or 3 conductors for grounding. (PVC) Indoor Use Only

SPT-2

STRANDED, PARALLEL, THERMOPLASTIC

0.045" Insulation  2 or 3 conductors for grounding. (PVC) Indoor Use

Only (SAME AS SPT-1 JUST heavier PVC)

SPT-3

STRANDED, PARALLEL, THERMOPLASTIC

0.060" Insulation  2 or 3 conductors for grounding. (PVC)

Indoor Use Only (SAME AS SPT-2 JUST heavier PVC)


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