People will always go the least expensive route.

As long as manufacturers insist on charging double for what essentially was a 20% increase in cost of material (because they can, and you will pay it), there will always be a market for 18 AWG zip extension cords.

If one really wanted to curtail mis-use of the extension cord, one would mandate the inclusion of a fusible link in the cord's plug. Size the link so that it will melt out around 2X the rated capacity of the cord (we know the jacket will take that kind of punishment).

Sure folks will get ticked in the beginning; until they learn to read and start buying cords based on the application listed on the cord packaging.

That's another thing. Stop with all the techno-babble and marketing gobbledy-gook on the packaging.

Why not have a information panel like that nutritional information panel they have on cereal boxes. Everyone seems to be used to them. A similar format would be instantly recognized by even the most inept bungler.

There one could list, in a standard format, typical uses, the voltage rating, the current rating, the VA rating and the wattage rating. Those are all things that can be readily determined from the device to be plugged in (thanks to previous legislation requiring it so).

That would make it easier for folks and you can be sure if you make something difficult to do, most couch potatoes will just go around the difficulty!

How to find the amp rating on extension cords and also a general description for the use of each size.

The most striking thing about hte Fire Marshall's opinion is th euse of yet-too-small cordage for the refrigerator and the air conditioner. If one assumes (there's that word again) that the refrigerator draws somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-8 amps, and the air conditioner is a 1-Ton unit drawing probably 14 amps or so, and one thusly applies the always-forgotten 125% factor for a "continuous" load to the 22 amps demand, one comes to a continuous demand factor of 27+ amps. According to the NEC for a cord of 2 current-carrying conductors and a 27+ amp load, a #10 AWG SO-type cord would be required, not a #14. Bottom line, always check with an electrician or an electrical engineer before opening the ole pie hole and inserting the shoe that just stepped in it. The Fire Marshall should be given a little instruction in the finer points of safe and sane design before giving technical instruction to the unsuspecting, but ever-believing.

This has been a problem for our industry since it first started. 16 gauge and 18 gauge cords should not be manufactured. It is a common practice to install a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit. Plug a 18 gauge cord into this 15 amp device and draw up to 19 plus amps through the 18 gauge cord. This cord is rated at 7.5 amps. After the fire has been put out, the fire department states that it was an electrical fire. How can we win this battle.

Unfortunately, stupid is not illegal. People will always find a way to do stupid things. There are legitimate uses for light duty extension cords. Why should I plug my lamp with 18-gauge lamp cord (2-wire) into a 12-gauge 3-wire extension cord? It is not the government or manufacturer's job to protect the consumer from mis-using a product. Unfortunately most people have lost their fear of electricity because it is so common. People need to be educated about the danger of using and misusing electrical appliances. I had a renter run an extension cord (good heavy duty cord) from the house to a motor home. He ran the cord through the window and plugged in an electric space heater and then left town. The space heater malfunctioned and set the motor home on fire. There was some damage to the house since the unit was parked right beside the house. Should space heaters be outlawed because this person misused one?

I agree with Matt, Extension cords, power strips, etc., should only be manufactured 14 guage or bigger, period! It's almost like selling electrical tape to the general public, then they think they don't need to use a wirenut!!!!

Everyone should be extra carefull when Using cords for any reason one of the biggest problems I see with cords is what we do with the "extra" Unlike the 12 or 14 in the wall the cords are exposed to kids, pets and other eliments. Try to use a cord rated for the job . lets all be carefull

I don't know what Canada's code says, but the Fire Marshall telling people to use 14 ga instead of 16, in my opinion, is giving false hope. A portable A/C unit and a fridge on one cord probably need 12 minimum.

I do agree with a couple other comments 16 is too light for many things I see them being used for.

Another thing we don't know from the story is, were they using a two wire light weight "lamp" cord? I also don't see a cord length mentioned. Are we talking 100', 50'???

Also a "heavy duty" cord may only mean it has thicker insulation.

Power strips are also a problem. We have a stituation in my in the town where I live with a fire caused by a overload power strip(microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and coffee maker). they were in a sleeping room shared by five people. The overload on the power strip failed and the strip set the room on fire. Thankfully there was no loss of life.

I have a number of 16AWG extension cords and dislike them for anything more power consuming than a light bulb, fan, or 400W enginer block heater.

I wish they wouldn't sell the little 18AWG zip cord ones at all.

I could say the same of terminal strips and these UPS devices for computers.

If the wall has to have 12 or 14AWG, so should the extension cords.