Choosing the Right 16A 110V Extension Lead for Industrial Use

On a busy construction site, factory floor, or outdoor industrial setup, power is everything. When equipment stops, so does the work. Deadlines slip, safety gets compromised, and costs rise. And while everyone notices the big machines, the drills, compressors, lighting towers few realize that a single overlooked extension lead can be the weak link that brings it all to a halt.

Unlike household extension leads, industrial cables have to face a different world: constant movement, harsh weather, dust-filled air, and loads running for hours at full capacity. That’s why these leads are engineered with tougher sheathing, thicker cores, and IP44-rated connectors that can handle dust and splashes. Choosing the wrong one can mean overheating cables, slowed-down machines, or frequent replacements. Choosing the right one, however, ensures steady performance, lower downtime, and safer worksites.

Let’s break down the three options you can get from Connexion and the specific problems they’re designed to solve.

10801 – 14m, 1.5mm² Cable, IP44, 16A

The flexible everyday workhorse.

Think of the 10801 as the reliable partner for general-purpose needs around the site. Its 14m length offers enough reach to move across small to mid-sized work zones without dragging extra reels. The 1.5mm² core is lightweight and easy to handle, while still carrying the 16A load needed for lighting rigs, drills, or grinders.

• Solution it provides: Portability without compromising safety. Workers can move it quickly between jobs without wrestling with bulkier cables, and the IP44 protection means it won’t fail at the first splash of water or cloud of dust. Perfect when efficiency and speed of setup are key.
  

10802 – 14m, 2.5mm² Cable, 16A

The muscle for demanding tools.

When the job requires heavy-duty machinery compressors, saws, mixers, or multiple tools running at once the 10802 steps in. With its 2.5mm² thick cable, it minimizes voltage drop, even when pulling close to the full 16A load.

• Solution it provides: Stability under pressure. While it’s heavier and less portable than the 10801, it ensures that power-hungry machines don’t stall or trip. This is the choice when you can’t afford fluctuations because one tool slowing down can bottleneck an entire project.
  

10827 – 25m, 1.5mm² Cable, 16A

The reach for spread-out sites.

Large-scale or outdoor setups often have a simple problem: the power source is too far away. The 10827 solves this with a 25m extension, giving you freedom to power equipment across wide spaces without relying on multiple junctions.

• Solution it provides: Coverage and convenience. It keeps operations flowing across remote areas of the site. While the 1.5mm² core makes it better for lighter or moderate loads (to reduce voltage drop over the distance), it’s invaluable for keeping site lighting, inspection tools, or temporary equipment running wherever they’re needed.
  

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the right extension lead isn’t guesswork it’s about balancing three key factors that determine whether your site runs smoothly or faces costly delays:

• Distance: How far power needs to travel from the source to your tools or machinery.
  
• Load: The amount of current your equipment will draw, especially under continuous operation.
  
• Durability: The cable’s ability to withstand dust, water, rough handling, and long shifts without failing.
  

When you put these three elements together, you’ll see that each extension lead in Connexion’s 16A 110V range is purpose-built for a different industrial challenge:

• For heavy loads at closer range → Get the 10802 (14m, 2.5mm²)
  If your work involves machinery that draws high current such as compressors, saws, welding machines, or multiple power tools running at once stability takes priority over distance. The 2.5mm² core of the 10802 provides extra thickness, meaning:

• Reduced voltage drop, even when pulling close to the maximum 16A.
  
• Cooler operation, minimizing the risk of overheating under pressure.
  
• Longevity, since the cable is built to handle demanding loads day in and day out.
  

At 14m, it’s long enough for mobility around a site, but compact enough to stay manageable. In short, the 10802 is your workhorse for high-demand tasks, ensuring critical tools don’t lose power when performance matters most.

• For lighter, portable day-to-day needs → Get the 10801 (14m, 1.5mm²)
  Not every job requires maximum load handling. For everyday site tools — think drills, grinders, lighting rigs, or inspection devices — you need something safe, quick, and easy to deploy. That’s where the 10801 excels:

• Lightweight and portable, reducing setup time and worker fatigue.
  
• IP44 protection, so it withstands splashes, dust, and typical site conditions.
  
• Cost-effective choice, since it’s built to handle general-use tasks without the extra weight of a thicker core.
  

The 10801 is the versatile all-rounder, ideal for general industrial operations where efficiency and flexibility matter just as much as durability.

• For distance coverage with moderate demands → Get the 10827 (25m, 1.5mm²)
  Sometimes, the challenge isn’t the load — it’s reaching equipment spread across a wide area. The 10827 provides a 25m reach, which means you can power distant zones without needing extra junctions or relocating your source. Its advantages include:

• Extended coverage, perfect for large construction sites, warehouses, or outdoor events.
  
• Fewer connection points, which improves safety by reducing weak spots where failures often occur.
  
• Flexibility for lighter or medium loads, keeping lighting systems, inspection tools, and portable devices powered across long distances.
  

While the 1.5mm² cable isn’t designed for sustained heavy loads at that distance, it’s the go-to solution when reach is the priority, and moderate equipment needs reliable coverage.

Why the Right Lead Matters

Every industrial site is an ecosystem, where one weak link can cause delays across the board. A tool that loses power mid-job, a lighting rig that flickers out, or a cable that overheats can throw off productivity and compromise safety. By equipping your site with the right extension leads, you’re not just solving small technical issues, you’re building reliability into your entire workflow.

At the end of the day, an extension lead isn’t just a cable it’s the silent backbone of your operations. Connexion’s 16A 110V extension leads are engineered to take on the challenges of industrial environments, whether it’s powering heavy machinery, keeping distant zones connected, or offering flexible setups for shifting tasks. The result? Fewer breakdowns, safer teams, and projects that stay on track.

When your business depends on uninterrupted power, settling for ordinary isn’t an option. With Connexion’s leads, you’re not just getting a cable you’re securing the reliability your site runs on.