Which gauge SO cord should be used for a 40 amp load?

For a 40 amp load, using an 8 gauge SO cord is appropriate due to its capacity to handle the necessary current while ensuring safety and compliance with electrical codes. The 8 gauge wire can typically handle up to 40 amps in a thermal environment where the cord is not excessively long—generally up to about 100 feet. This gauge provides a balance between sufficient current carrying capability and manageable flexibility, which is important when working with food service equipment.

Using a smaller gauge, such as 10, 12, or even 6, would not be optimal in this situation. A 10 gauge would be marginally insufficient under certain conditions, while a 12 gauge is definitely inadequate for a 40 amp load due to its lower current rating. A 6 gauge cord, while capable of handling more than 40 amps, may be unnecessarily heavy and less flexible for applications where 40 amps is the maximum expected load. Therefore, the 8 gauge SO cord is the best choice for this application.