Trip Breaker if Too Small or Long Extension Cord – Loses Power. A too-small extension cord can trip a circuit breaker.
1. Too Much Current Draw Overloads Thin wires = high resistance will cause wires to heat up under large load due to the power washer drawing more current than the extension cord is rated for it.
2. Voltage Drops when using undersized extension cords, 16-gauge or 18-gauge, especially with longer extension cords.
3. Breaker Protection is working as the breaker is to protect the wall wiring, not the extension cord.
4 . Use a 12- or 14-gauge extension cord for high-draw appliances.
5. Keep the extension cord short and uncoiled since a coiled cord traps heat. Do not daisy-chain extension cords.