50-foot cord vs 100-foot cord: 50 feet is safer, 100 feet pushes voltage drop limits

For a 14-gauge cord at 10 amps, 50 feet loses about 2% voltage — fine for lights and most tools. At 100 feet, you get a 4% drop that dims lights and may strain motors. If you need 100+ feet, step up to 12-gauge instead of pushing 14-gauge.