What you didn’t understand about extension cords...
Making sparks fly might be a great thing for your romantic relationships...
...but not so much when it comes to your home improvement projects. Hence, why choosing the right electrical cord is SO important! Not all extension cords are designed for every job or application.
We want to break down what it is you need to understand about extension cords before you plug it in.
1. Plug Type
You have two options here!
2 prong OR 3 prong.
It is important to remember that 2-prong is not grounded and 3-prong is grounded.
So, what the heck does that mean?
Having “a ground” significantly reduces the risk of shock or fire. Three prong routes the electricity to ground rather than to your hand.
2. Measurement
Having a basic understanding of amperage, voltage & wattage is not as challenging as it sounds! Understanding the lingo will help you in understanding which cord to purchase for particular devices.Here is the break down:
Amperage: The current of electrons that flow through an electrical conductor
Voltage: Measures the electrical force that puts the electrons into motion
Wattage: Measures the electricity used
Extension cords are designed to handle only a certain amount of amperage. It is dangerous to connect devices with higher current. Be sure you choose a cord that has an amperage or wattage rating equivalent to the device it will power.
3. What will be plugged into it
Connecting multiple devices to the cord at the same time increases the energy requirements - so don’t forget to calculate for additional current!
Wire gauge is super important to get correct. Size does matter here folks. If that copper wire is too large or too small, it can really mess things up!
American Wire Gauge or AWG is how to determine this detail...
The LOWER the number the THICKER the wire - thus greater the capacity to deliver power.
The HIGHER the number the THINNER the wire - thus lesser the capacity to deliver power.
Common extension cord sizes are: 16, 14, 12 & 10
16 gauge: light duty, general purpose. Ex. work lights, portable fan.
10 gauge: EXTRA heavy duty. Ex. high power tools, table saw.
If a cord is undersized, it does not produce enough electricity. This leads to the cord heating up, melting & causing a fire. It also causes tools to work harder. It winds up causing damage one way or another!
If you want an extensive list of what cords to use on all your indoor & outdoor items, we have you covered.
4. Cord length
This one is super tricky!
JK, the longer the cord the more the voltage drops.
REMEMBER shorter cords are better for running devices with higher current, like appliances.
If you put a longer cord on an appliance with high current could damage your equipment or cause a fire.
5. Indoor Vs. Outdoor
Outdoor cords use covers made of weather-resistant materials, allowing them to survive the ever-changing climate. These CAN be used indoors as well as outdoors.
Indoor cords should NEVER BE USED OUTDOORS, as they do not have the same protective layer. If used outdoors, it can lead to overheating and increase risk of shock or fire.
Have any questions directly regarding extension cords?
Drop us a message!
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