Life is much easier with an extension cord since you can plug in multiple items and operate them simultaneously. You can also operate devices away from the power sources without any adjustments. For outdoor needs, you can easily accomplish various energy-dependent tasks without sweat. Therefore, it should be one of the must-have household electrical items and for other occupations reliant on energy.
For them to serve the right purpose, you must select the right one. Note that not all cords are suitable for all activities. They are designed to supply up to certain energy limits, limiting usage.
Therefore, whenever you buy one, you should carefully select the ideal one for your needs by paying attention to the features and how they affect your needs. You can begin by considering the voltage limit, safety features, length, thickness, and many more features discussed in this article.
1. Cord Length and Thickness
Electrical cords can be reliably used to transfer energy over longer distances; however, this is not ideal since the longer the distance, the more energy is lost. Therefore, when using an extension cord, you should use it for energy needs around a major power outlet.
However, for other needs, such as outdoor functions, you need a longer extension cord since the power sources may be located further to the areas where you work. For such needs, you must consider other factors to prevent energy loss.
For longer cables and extension cords, the thickness should matter to prevent energy loss. The thicker the cord, the less energy is lost due to environmental conditions. Secondly, thicker cables can carry high energy voltage, making them suitable for high-energy needs and activities.
The thickness should not be an issue for indoor uses unless you use the cord to support high-voltage electronics or the electrical cord serves as a power source for various electrical appliances. When buying these cords, pay attention to the voltage limit and ensure it can support all the appliances. This is critical to avoid damaging the cord or the plugged electronics.
The thickness is usually expressed in gauge, hence the need to pay attention to the markings on the cables. The distance can also help you select the ideal thickness; for instance, for 100 feet cord, select a cord of 10AWG thickness.
2. Insulation Matters
When selecting the cord for various activities, you must ensure sufficient insulation to protect the cord from various environmental conditions. Pay attention to the marking, which will determine the type of protection it guarantees. Generally, a cable should be insulated to avoid energy loss and environmental interference, such as water and heat.
Therefore, the materials used to make the cord should be investigated to determine its safety. The type of insulation selected will also depend on your environment. Focus on the labels and markings; for instance, the W marking is water- and moisture-resistant. This makes it suitable for humid and wet regions and can prevent shock due to water effects.
H means it is insulated against high temperatures, which can cause fires. R is thermoplastic rubber insulation, providing the best insulation against most weather conditions. Letter T means thermoplastic insulation, and O is for oil resistance and insulation, which makes it ideal for garages, warehouses, and other factory settings.
Read about the labels, understand what they insulate against, and their suitability for certain environments. For outdoor needs, ensure the cable is insulated against multiple environmental conditions. Besides that, you can inspect the cord surface to ensure it is thicker and well-insulated against energy loss and other damages.
3. Safety and Sustainability Matters
Safety matters when using extension cords, especially in a family environment with kids. For such needs, buy an extension cord with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter called the GFCI. GFCI is critical for the current balance to avoid any certain accidents caused by short-circuiting. It can also create a balance in case of excess voltage supply to avoid overvoltage that can damage the equipment plugged into the extension cord.
In case of a ground fault, it can shut off the power supply to protect the devices. It also protects the extension outlets, especially when kids insert things into the extension outlet. Therefore it protects them from any issues and damages. It is ideal for protecting children from contact hazards, the greatest danger children will likely face in the house.
Sustainability matters; hence you should buy an extension cord that adheres to eco-friendliness and sustainability standards. Ensure the extension cord abides by sustainability energy regulatory practices and standards. Also, buy a modern extension cord with features to avoid energy wastage. For instance, buy cords with features that automatically switch off the outlet whenever the plugged object is off. This enables you to conserve energy.
4. Select the Right Prong
Extension cords come in two main types of prongs. Double and triple prongs enable you to plug the extension cord accurately and safely into the power sources. A two-prong extension cord can fit into different outlets, i.e., two or three outlet sources. One thing to note with two-prong extension cords is that it lacks the ground; the ground is ideal for preventing electrical shocks and acts as the earthing.
Consider a three-prong extension for three-prong outlets, making inserting the cord into the outlets easier. Whenever you buy a device with three prongs, ensure all your power outlets and extension cords can accommodate it.
If you buy a two-prong extension outlet, do not cut the third prong on the dives to plug successfully into the extension cord. This will lead to damage to the device. Therefore, when buying an extension, pay attention to the prong on the outlet, the extension cord, and the prong on devices you plan to plug into the extension cord.
5. Voltage capacity
When buying an extension cord, consider the voltage capacity to ensure it handles all your energy needs. When selecting the cord, determine the device voltage capacity, enabling you to buy the cord that provides the energy needed by all these devices.
The voltage capacity will also vary depending on whether you use the extension cord for outdoor or indoor needs. Generally, when buying an extension cord, ensure the voltage capacity is more than 15A, do not consider anything below that; such extension cord is ideal for indoor and household appliances, including those used in areas such as kitchens. However, buy one with a high voltage capacity and supply for bigger machines such as fridges, washing machines, and dryers.
Conclusion
Buying the right extension cords is ideal for addressing your energy needs. Pay attention to the number of prongs, cord insulation, safety features, and voltage capacity for your electrical needs. Finally, ensure the electrical cord has all the safety and sustainability features.