50 feet is about the max for a 14-gauge cord at 10 amps.

Yes, 50 feet. Go longer and voltage drop starts ruining your day — tools run slower, motors overheat, and you’re basically wasting electricity as heat in the wire.

For a 10-amp load (think circular saw, shop vac, space heater), 14-gauge copper is good for about 50 feet before you lose more than 3% voltage. At 100 feet you’re down 6% — that’s a noticeable sag. If you need longer, step up to 12-gauge. The thicker wire handles the distance without the drop.

Best rule of thumb: if the cord feels hot after running your tool, you’re overloading the length or the gauge. Don’t guess — that’s how fires start.