What’s the difference between a heavy duty (12 gauge) extension cord and the 12ga wiring inside the walls of a typical north American home? Why can’t you just chop the ends off and use it to wire up an outlet?

Question

What’s the difference between a heavy duty (12 gauge) extension cord and the 12ga wiring inside the walls of a typical north American home? Why can’t you just chop the ends off and use it to wire up an outlet?

In: 250

Answer 1

Extension cord wires are usually made out of many small strands. Wires in walls are usually made out of single solid wire.

A solid wire can carry more current and performs better than stranded wire of same thickness.

But a solid wire will break if you bend it too many times. Wire made out of small strands is more flexible and can take bending without breaking so easily.