Features
- AMERICAN STANDAR - 18AWG American wire gauge with NEMA 5-15P plug, suitable all 3 Prong socket, open end wiring, 6 foot long, 3 Wire Black, White and Green,
- 18/3 Power cords suitable for electric appliance, for repairing, replacement or DIY
- EASY FOR WIRING- Included a connector for wiring, easy and fast for wiring, save labor cost,
- REINFORCED PRONG- the reinforced prong offering you a strong plug, avoid bending or damage.
- DURABLE – Improved design on the cable SR and cable for long last strength, working current up to 10 Amps, 1200watts loading maximum at 120VAC
Specifications
Color | black |
6-foot 18 AWG SJT power cord with a NEMA 5-15P three-prong plug and an open wiring end for repairing or replacing appliance power connections. It has three color-coded conductors (black, white, green), includes a wiring connector and reinforced prongs, and is rated for up to 10 A (about 1200–1250 W depending on supply voltage).
E ENERSYSTEC Power Cord Pigtail 3 Prong 18AWG Open Wiring End Heavy Duty SJT Replacement Power Cord 6 Foot Cable NEMA 5-15P Male Wall Plug, Power Cable 10A, 1250W at 125VAC for Garbage Disposal Review
What it is and why I picked it up
I keep a few pigtail cords in a drawer for quick conversions, repairs, and bench testing. This 6‑foot, 18 AWG, three‑conductor pigtail from Enersystec caught my eye because it includes a standard NEMA 5‑15P plug on one end and open leads on the other, plus a lever-style connector in the bag to make wiring fast. It’s rated for 10 amps at 125 VAC (about 1,200–1,250 watts), which is the right lane for small appliances, fixtures, and test rigs.
I used this pigtail cord to:
- Convert a hardwired wall sconce to a plug-in.
- Bench-test a small AC motor and an LED motion light.
- Add a plug to a compact under-sink appliance that shipped hardwired.
Across those tasks, it served the purpose well—provided I respected the 10A ceiling and followed basic cord-entry and grounding practices.
Build and materials
The plug feels sturdier than a lot of budget pigtails. The prongs are reinforced, so they don’t flex or flare with repeated insertions. The strain relief at the plug is properly molded and extends far enough into the jacket to prevent a sharp bend right at the body.
The cord is SJT-rated, 18/3, with black (hot), white (neutral), and green (ground) conductors. The outer jacket is smooth, abrasion resistant, and flexible enough to work with in tight spaces. In my unheated garage it stayed pliable, which makes routing and dressing the cable a bit easier. The copper strands are fine and consistent; strip lengths are predictable and clean with a standard 18 AWG notch.
One minor nit: mine arrived without printed instructions. That’s not unusual for a simple pigtail, but a quick color-code reminder and a basic warning about strain relief and enclosure requirements would help less-experienced users.
Installation experience
On the sconce conversion, I routed the cord through a metal junction box with a proper 3/8-in clamp connector to provide strain relief. The included lever connector is a small, translucent block with orange levers. It does work with 18 AWG conductors, but you need to flip the levers fully to the open position—past what feels comfortable—before inserting the wire. When fully open, the conductors slide in easily and the clamp holds securely when you snap the levers closed.
For the motor and LED light tests on the bench, I used standard wirenuts with heat-shrink over the splices, inside a plastic junction box. Both methods are mechanically sound; use whichever you’re comfortable with, but always enclose the connections and secure the cord with a clamp or strain relief grommet. Open-air splices with a dangling cord are not acceptable.
The color coding is by the book:
- Black = hot
- White = neutral
- Green = equipment ground
If you’re replacing a hardwired appliance whip, be sure to find the appliance’s internal ground screw or ground lead and bond the green conductor there, not to the cabinet randomly.
Performance and capacity
Within its rating, the cord runs cool and trouble-free. I measured a steady 1.3–1.5A draw on the LED fixture and under 4A on the small motor, with no noticeable warmth at the plug or jacket after extended runtime. The plug fits snugly in standard duplex receptacles with no wobble, and removal doesn’t require a tug-of-war.
That 10A rating is the meaningful limitation. This cord is not intended for space heaters, full-size shop vacs, microwave ovens, or any tool that lists a 12–15A draw. It’s a great match for:
- Light fixtures and LED drivers
- Small pumps and compact motors
- Under-sink disposers designed for corded use up to 10A (verify your model’s rating)
- Fans, air filters, and bench-top electronics
- Temporary test leads for devices without a plug
If your load is anywhere near 10A continuous, consider stepping up to a 16 AWG or 14 AWG option with a 13–15A rating to give yourself some headroom.
Safety notes and best practices
Pigtail cords are simple, but they’re also easy to misuse. Here’s what I followed and recommend:
- Always provide strain relief where the cord enters a box or appliance. Don’t rely on a knot or tape.
- Enclose splices in an appropriate junction box with a cover. No free-floating connectors.
- Maintain polarity: black to hot, white to neutral, green to ground.
- Check that the appliance or fixture is designed to be cord-and-plug connected. Some are intended to be permanently wired by code.
- Keep this cord indoors and dry. SJT is for general-duty service; it’s not a wet-location or burial cable.
- Don’t exceed 10A. If in doubt, look up the appliance’s nameplate current draw.
What stood out
- The plug quality is better than I expected at this price. The prongs are straight and robust, and the molding is clean with no flashing.
- The jacket’s flexibility makes routing easier, especially around a vanity or inside a cabinet.
- The included lever connector speeds up simple connections, provided you fully open the levers. It won’t replace a proper terminal block in an appliance, but it’s handy for light fixtures and test setups.
- The six-foot length is a sweet spot—long enough to reach the nearest outlet in most cases without leaving coils of excess cable to manage.
Where it falls short
- No instructions. For experienced users, that’s fine; for newer DIYers, a one-page guide would eliminate guesswork.
- The included connector can be confusing if you’re not familiar with lever-style terminals. It requires a firm flip to fully open, or it won’t “bite.”
- The 10A ceiling limits it to small and medium loads. That’s not a flaw—in line with 18 AWG—but it’s worth emphasizing.
- It’s not weather-rated. If you need an outdoor cord end for exterior lighting or tools exposed to moisture, look for a cord with a wet-location rating and matching strain-relief fittings.
Comparisons and alternatives
For heavier loads or motor starts that spike above 10A, I reach for a 16 AWG or 14 AWG pigtail rated 13–15A. Those cables are thicker and a bit stiffer, but they offer margin for devices like shop vacs or larger pumps. If you want a right-angle plug to sit flush behind furniture or a dishwasher, there are low-profile 90-degree versions in similar lengths. For permanent conversions, a cordset with ring terminals or spade lugs might suit better than bare conductors.
Who it’s for
- DIYers converting hardwired fixtures to plug-in where code permits.
- Tinkerers and techs who need a safe, quick way to bench-test gear without improvising clip leads.
- Homeowners adding a plug to small appliances designed for cord-and-plug connection under 10A.
- Anyone who prefers a clean, sturdy plug and a flexible SJT jacket over the flimsy cords that often show up in bargain kits.
The bottom line
The Enersystec 18 AWG pigtail cord does the simple things right: a solid plug, flexible jacket, clear conductor colors, and a practical six-foot length. In my projects it installed cleanly, held up under typical loads, and made quick work of conversions and tests. The included lever connector is a nice bonus once you figure out the lever action, though I still favor wirenuts with heat-shrink in a box for permanent setups.
I recommend this pigtail cord for light- to medium-duty applications up to 10A, indoor use, and anyone who appreciates a sturdier plug and jacket without paying a premium. If your use case pushes beyond 10A, involves damp locations, or demands a right-angle plug, choose a heavier-gauge or differently configured cord. For the many DIY and bench tasks that fall in its wheelhouse, this one is a dependable, straightforward choice.
Project Ideas
Business
On‑Site Cord Replacement Service
Offer a local service replacing worn or damaged appliance cords (garbage disposals, small kitchen appliances, shop equipment). Market to plumbers, restaurants, property managers and homeowners. Fast turnaround and proper grounding compliance are strong selling points.
Pre‑wired Replacement Cord SKUs
Package and sell model-specific pre-wired replacement cords (lengths, plug types, connector options) for common appliances. Include clear labeling, a wiring connector, and basic safety instructions. Sell through an e-commerce store or platforms like Amazon and Etsy.
Repair Kits + Video Tutorials
Create DIY repair kits containing the 6' pigtail, connectors, a strain relief, and a step-by-step safety video. Target homeowners and makers who want to fix garbage disposals, lamps, and other appliances themselves. Upsell with virtual support or a local partner network for complex jobs.
Wholesale Supply for Tradespeople
Buy cords in bulk and sell branded packs to plumbers, electricians, handymen, and small appliance repair shops. Offer volume discounts, custom lengths, and co-branded labeling. Position as a reliable, ready-to-use replacement part for service vans.
Custom Lighting/Decor Product Line
Build an Etsy/Shopify brand around bespoke pendant lights and industrial fixtures made with this cord. Offer customization (cord length, plug orientation, socket finish) and bundle with installation guides or optional qualified installer referrals to meet safety/regulatory expectations.
Creative
Vintage-to-Grounded Lamp Conversion
Convert an old two-prong or cloth-cord lamp into a modern grounded fixture using the 3-prong pigtail. Keep the cord visible as part of a vintage-industrial aesthetic (black jacket, reinforced prongs). Use a ceramic socket and an inline switch or dimmer rated for the cord's 10 A capacity. Note: include a grounding connection and follow electrical safety codes.
Portable Tool Pigtail for the Workbench
Make a short, rugged pigtail to power bench tools, soldering irons, or testing rigs. The 6' length gives reach; the reinforced prongs resist bending in a busy shop. Add a molded strain relief and secure the open end with a quick-disconnect connector so individual tools can be swapped without rewiring.
Upcycled Pendant Light Collection
Design a line of minimalist pendant lights using the black 18/3 cord as a visible design element. Pair with brass or ceramic sockets and simple shades for a modern-industrial look. Offer color and length variations (short, medium, long) for different ceiling heights.
Holiday/Outdoor Temporary Power Kits
Create weather-aware temporary power pigtails for holiday displays or outdoor events by adding a GFCI inline adapter and a weatherproof junction box at the open end. Use the kit to power low- to moderate-load decorations, string light segments, or blow molds safely.
Appliance Rescue Craft Projects
Use the cord in maker projects that repurpose appliance components—e.g., turning a vintage grinder or motor into a lamp or kinetic sculpture. The open wiring end makes it easy to integrate motors, switches, or outlets into creative builds while preserving a grounded connection.