[JIMMIEM]

I've got a couple of power tools e.g. 1 HP Table Saw and 1.5 HP Dust Collector and both of their instruction manuals specify that they be run on circuits protected by 20 Amp Breakers. Both motors come pre-wired with 14 Gauge power cords. Shouldn't their power cords be 12 Gauge? Both motors' plates are 14/7 Amps.
Thank You

 

[Jim Port]

The cords are fine for the loads the motor draws.

 

[HotRodx10]

The companies that make the tools know their business. Ambient temperature and the temperature capacity of the insulation matters.

 

[JIMMIEM]

The cords are fine for the loads the motor draws.

Thank You.
One more question. The Table saw motor came prewired (14 Gauge) with
a 3 prong plug that is then plugged into the ON/OFF paddle switch that came with the table saw. The wire coming out of the paddle switch is 16 Gauge.
This is the original wiring that came with the table saw and motor.
Should I upgrade the 16 Gauge paddle switch wire to at least 14 Gauge?
Thank You.

 

[Oso954]

Don’t worry about the MFG supplied wiring. He’s working to standards other than the NEC. They are also using some wire insulation types that are not normally used in residential wiring. The terminal connections are often higher temperature range.

You are worrying because the wire sizes are smaller than the minimum NEC wire gauges (which do not apply).

It’s an apples vs oranges thing.

You need to worry about the permanent wiring you install or modify in your house/garage/shed/etc. That is the stuff the NEC applies to.