How to Choose a Safe Extension Cord
The process of choosing the right extension cord is a very crucial factor that must not be overlooked when the need arises to avoid compromising the safety of the home or workplace.
Due to the large number of providers and varieties, it is difficult to find out which option is the most suitable for you.
As always, extension cords vary in quality, and if not chosen correctly, a person may end up with a hot extension reel, a dangerous electric shock, or a fire. read A Safety Guide to Handling Power Cords.
These are aspects that have to be looked into, such as the cord length, wire diameter, and power supply. This information is presented for the purpose of helping you make the appropriate decision. In this blog, we shall expound on features that can assist you in choosing a safe extension cord.
How to Choose the Right Extension Cord?
1. Don’t Exceed The Cord Rating
It is also advisable to consider an extension cord’s number of volts or amps with respect to the devices being used.
The amperes refer to the ability of the cord in as far as the amount of electrical current it can manage. However, if the rating of the cord is crossed, the cord is likely to become hot and hence become a potential fire threat.
Some electrical equipment may use more watts or amperes when turned on hence, always check this aspect of the equipment that will use the socket first.
Ensure that the extension cord’s rating is higher than the total load wattage. This will help ensure that devices are safe and operate optimally.
2. Don’t Use The Wrong Gauge
The one aspect that matters when selecting an extension cord is the gauge. The gauge, in this case, is the thickness of the wire used in the cord.
A lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire so that it will carry more electricity compared to a number with a higher value. The wrong choice of gauge is always perilous.
When the gauge number is too high, and the wire is too thin for the device’s power demands, it may get hot and perhaps cause a fire.
Remember to always use an extension cord that matches the gauge to the power requirement of your equipment to avoid any danger.
3. Length
Length is an essential factor to consider when selecting an appropriate extension cord. A longer cord means more convenience but less power at the other end. The longer the cord, the more resistance it offers, and therefore, more voltage drop occurs. This means that your devices may not get the power they require.
Less cable may be preferable for high-power tools or appliances because less cable length will lead to less resistance. It is always good to choose the shortest length that is possible for your CFI.
4. Check For Damage
When selecting an extension cord, it is a very important function to check for damages. Observe the surface and structure of the cord along its entire length. This would include any cut, crack or even exposure of any wires present.
Using a cord with defects is dangerous as it may cause electric shocks or even fires. Check on the plug and the socket to make sure they are in good condition as well.
An extension cord should never be used if the cable is damaged in any way, even if the damage seems insignificant.
5. Safety Practices
An extension cable should be chosen according to certain safety precautions.
Choose cords with adequate insulation to allow the safe passage of electricity without causing electric shocks. If you intend to use the cord with devices that have 3- 3-prong plugs, ensure that it has a grounding option.
Ensure the cord can carry the power load; using a cord that cannot bear the load may lead to overheating and fires.
It is recommended that you always use approved cables that carry labels such as UL or ETL, among others. Finally, it is essential not to use cables that are worn out or appear to be frayed since they are very dangerous.
How to Store Extension Cords?
To ensure neat webbing, the extension cords should first be wound into loops the size of a dinner plate.
Twist the top of the loops to lock them and prevent loosening, or use a Velcro strap on top of the loops. To prevent the coiled cords from falling to the floor, they can be placed on a wall hook or on a pegboard at random.
Another option (if you have several seeds) is to put the seeds in a plastic food storage container and label the container with the seeds. You should not be winding or coiling the cord around your hand as this could strain some of the wires and cause them to snap.
Keep them at a low temperature because they are easily susceptible to deterioration from heat or exposure to light for an extended period.
Can You Plug an Extension Cord into a Power Strip?
Yes, you can insert an extension cord into a power strip but it is disadvantageous since it causes overloading problem of power strip.
Extension cords are generally designed to carry a small amount of current, and linking them to the power strip could cause this amount to increase.
Overloading is dangerous because it causes the power strip to heat up and may even start a fire. Instead, use an extension cord with a longer reach that can directly contact the outlet. Be aware of the total power these connected devices consume at all times.
What Gauge extension cord do I need?
When selecting a gauge extension cord, the power requirement of the device and the length of the extension cord must be considered.
For most home tools, 16-gauge cords are acceptable for distances up to 50 feet when the device does not have a rating of more than 10 amps.
But if you are working with a tool that demands more power, like a space heater or circular saw, then you should get the 14-gauge cord.
Employ 12-gauge cords when operating power tools or when the distance between the outlet and the tool is large.
The amp rating of the cord should always be above or the same as that of the tool that it is connected to. That’s why it is essential to use the right gauge to avoid overheating issues and ensure the device functions correctly.
Can I Bury an Extension Cord?
Hiding an extension cord is dangerous and should not be done. Extension cords are not intended for burial as they do not have the right insulation for use underground.
The effects of moisture and pressure from the soil on the cord can be disastrous since it can affect the electrical part.
However, you should use a conduit or outdoor electrical cable specifically meant for underground applications. This helps prevent the wiring from being damaged by water or physically. One should always adhere to safety measures as this sample shows that this will greatly minimize the occurrence of mishaps.
Can You Plug a Heater Into an Extension Cord?
You should not plug a heater into an extension cord. The electricity used by heaters is immense, and it may cause the extension cord to overheat.
When its temperature continues to rise beyond what is considered safe, it can also become a fire hazard. Heaters themselves are high-power, and extension cords are not meant to work with such a load.
They both always plug a heater directly into a wall outlet. This makes the heater and your home secure. If the heater’s placement requires it to be placed away from an outlet, use an extension cord designed to handle high power.
Why are male-to-male extension cords dangerous?
Male-to-male extension cords are dangerous because they have bare ends on both ends of the cable. If the prongs contact someone while the blender is connected to power, this can lead to electric shocks.
When connected, they form a direct electrical connection and work independently of protective gear and mechanisms such as circuit breakers. This increases the chances of fire outbreaks or short circuits.
It is also common to misuse them in dangerous ways, such as back-feeding electricity, which may destroy appliances or hurt individuals. This is dangerous because these cords do not follow electrical safety standards.
What Are Some Common Extension Cord Safety Tips?
When using extension cords, ensure that they are not damaged, either by exposed wires or cracked cables. Ensure that the cord provided can adequately meet the power demands of the devices connected.
They should not be concealed under rugs or furniture as this will lead to overheating the cords.
Do not overload a cord with appliances that use more power, such as calculators, electric water heaters, and computers.
Removing the plug must be done by pulling the plug and not the cord to minimize the chances of damaging the cord.
Last but not least, use cords designed for outdoor use, as they are immune to weather conditions and all sorts of wear and tear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the necessity of choosing the right extension cord is related to the compatibility of the needed specifications.
It is recommended that you consider the power demands of the gadgets that will be connected to the cord and opt for the cord with the right AWG capacity to meet those needs without burdening the circuit.
It is vital always to observe the length of the cord to create one that is neither too long nor too short which may ultimately cause a power drop.
It is also essential to ensure the cord is well-insulated and meets all the safety requirements needed to avoid mishaps.
Finally, ensure that you keep it well to have a longer life span when not in use. If you consider these general admonitions, you can use an extension cord that is not only powerful but also secure. also read the Choosing The Right Extension Cords for Power Tools and Clamp Lights
