Is this old extension cord safe to use?

[RockLife]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredAndLovingIt I'm cleaning out my garage, it's long overdue. I have an old orange extension cord, probably 50 feet long with a non grounded plug on it. Cord is marked 16/2 and I use it for my chainsaw. Common sense says it should be tossed in the trash ASAP and I should buy a new grounded better gauge one but my natural cheapness says it still works fine. Picture attached, what do you think?

Short story: No. That is all. Long story: I'm an electrical engineer. I didn't look long, but I know that a $20 extension cord is worth its weight in gold compared to that monstrosity.

[rayvt]

After Christmas stores like Hobby Lobby, Menard's, etc. put all their remaining stuff at 50% off. They always have outdoor extension cords, timers, 3-way splitters, sometimes cord with built-in GFCI. I have a bunch of 30' and 50' and even one 100' outdoor cords that I still haven't used. They are usually green (Xmas, remember?), but who cares about the color?

If you are going to spend the money, skip 16 ga and go for 14ga if possible.