Choosing the Right Electrical Extension Cords for Your Needs

An electrical extension cord is a roll of insulated electrical wires with a plug on both ends. However, it is essential to choose the right kind of extension cord depending on the purpose of usage. Since electrical current rolling through wires produces heat and should be monitored.

If it overheats and the plastic insulation melts, it can cause short circuits, smoke, and even fire. Check the load, demand, and ampere before buying an electrical extension cord. Also, look for any breakage or damage before use. Read below to learn more about the types of electrical extension wires and decide what suits you the most.

1. Amperes and Watts

Amperes is the measure of the current of electrons through an electrical conductor. The larger the number of electrons moving through the conductor, the greater the current is. In an extension cable, the conductors are the copper wires within the cord with outer plastic insulation. Voltage is the degree of electrical force causing the electrons to transport. The larger the electrical force, the greater the voltage. And, wattage is the measure of electricity used. Light bulbs, fans, AC, televisions, refrigerators, and other appliances are usually rated in terms of the watts they consume, like in a 12/3 extension cord.

The extension cables' rate depends on how much amps or watts they can safely transmit and contain without getting damaged. At all times, choose an extension cable rated for at least the same total amps or watts of the lights, machines, and other gadgets that will be power-driven. An undersized cord can melt, and this can cause dangerous fire and smoke. Wattage is usually written on the electrical gadget label, the guidelines, or the owner's handbook.

2. Gauge

The width of the conductors within an extension cable is measured and communicated by a number. Standard domestic extension cables are available in 16 gauge (least), 14 gauge, 12 gauge, and ten gauge (largest) like in 12/3 extension cords. The lesser the number of the cable, the higher is the gauge. Furthermore, a cable with a more significant gauge will transmit power to a more considerable distance without reducing as much voltage paralleled to a cable with a lesser gauge. Voltage drops over distance. So to offset this, select a cord with a larger gauge. It is particularly significant for appliances with an electric motor. Attempting to operate a motor on inadequate voltage can cause permanent destruction. The gauge is acknowledged on the product package and written on the cable's outer insulation (covering).

3. Plug and Connector

The plug end of a non-grounded (two-prong) extension cable has two parallel edges. The connector end has two corresponding slots. Both ends are distinguished, meaning that one blade/slot is broader than the other. It is a security aspect to confirm that the extension cable's hot and neutral conductors always match the plugged circuit conductors. One can plug a non-grounded cable into a grounded (three-prong) opening.

The plug and connector of a grounded (three-prong) extension cable is also separated and comprises a third grounding pin/slot. It is better to facilitate an extension cable with a machine that has a deal of (three-sided) male end of a socket. Do not take out the pin from the plug or evade the preparation feature. Many of the grounded extension cables feature a lighted connector or a lighted locking connector for perceptibility and illustrate that the cable is power-driven.

4. Contractor

Contractor mark extension cables are for challenging construction site use. They stand up to dangerous heat and cold and offer more excellent scrape resistance and outstanding tractability. Contractor extension cables feature high-visibility sheathings and have superior resistance to oil and elements. Hence it is a brilliant choice for both factory and garage usage.

5. Indoor compared to Outdoor Extension Cords

Extension cords power indoor items like televisions, moveable fans, laptops, toasters, mixers, and many other equipment pieces. These cords help with outdoor work like mowing the lawn, cutting shrubs, lighting the garden area, etc. The dissimilarity between outdoor extension cables and indoor extension cables is a structure based on usage. Maximum indoor cables are usually thinner, smaller, and have a reduced amount of power than outdoor alternatives. Outdoor extension cables have a dense, tough layer of defensive insulation. They can also come in much lengthier distances and transmit more current. Outside extension cables fall into three extensive groups:

Intermittent use cables are appropriate for smaller developments and gears.
Common-use cords can handle more significant tools and apparatus and greater use.
Rugged cables are designed for frequent use on occupation sites, even in dangerous weather, and are appropriate for high-amperage gears.

Conclusion

Electrical extension cords make life much more convenient for owners ubiquitously. Extension cables help bring power to several appliances and gadgets, both inside and outside. Extension cords are of a wide variety and are used for numerous different tasks, and this purchasing guide will help you find the adequate extension cable for any use.