How to Make a 20 Amp Extension Cord

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Things You'll Need

  • Insulated electrical wire (copper conductor, minimum 12 AWG thickness; preferably three different insulator colors)

  • Three-prong male electrical plug

  • Three-prong female electrical plug

  • Soldering iron

  • Electronic (rosin core) solder

  • Heat-shrink tubing

  • Heat gun

  • Vinyl electrical tape

Thicker electrical wire can conduct more current.

When working with electrical devices, sometimes a power cord does not reach the desired outlet. In this case, an extension cord is needed to bridge the gap between the plug and the outlet.

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However, not all electrical devices can be served by just any electrical extension cord. Some electrical devices (such as power tools) have high-current requirements. To create an extension cord suitable for such devices, wire of a minimum thickness must be used.

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Step 1

"Hot" connections are the right side blade connectors; neutral connections are the left blade connectors. Ground is the bottom round connector.

Cut three equal lengths of wire. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end. Attach one end of the first wire to the "hot" plug connector on the male plug, and solder the connection. Attach the other end of the first wire to the "hot" plug connector on the female plug, then solder that connection.

Step 2

Attach one end of the second wire to the "neutral" plug connector on the male plug, and solder the connection. Attach the other end of the second wire to the "neutral" plug connector on the female plug. Solder the connection.

Step 3

Attach one end of the third wire to the "ground" plug connector on the male plug, then solder the connection. Attach the other end of the third wire to the "ground" plug connector on the female plug, and solder that connection. Wrap the three wires together with electrical tape. Slip the heat-shrink tubing over the soldered connections, then apply heat with the heat gun until the heat-shrink tubing molds itself over the connections.

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