Think about a situation where you are comfortably typing on a laptop or using a smartphone, and you realize that the battery is low. You look around and realize there is no socket nearby, and the few available are quite far off.
Most consumers are unaware of what features to consider when purchasing an extension cable; hence, they will buy one without considering a few factors. Moreover, they use extension cords of the wrong size and specifications; this often results in mishaps.
Read on to learn more about extension cords and how to choose the best that fits your needs.
1. Determine the Appropriate Length
The length of the extension cord is one of the most important factors to consider since they come in different sizes.
That said, it might be more convenient to have the longest cord possible, but longer cables lead to voltage drops, especially when used to power devices with high power ratings. A voltage drop is when the electrical current diminishes over the wire’s length, which may lead to the inefficiency of the electrical appliances or overheating.
On the other hand, a cord that is too short may cause users to engage in other hazardous practices, such as joining several cords in a daisy chain fashion that is known to spark fires.
Tip: Take a tape and stretch it to the distance from the outlet to the device that will be connected to it. Choose a cord that will be slightly longer than the cable length needed but should not be long if it is avoidable.
For instance, if you need an extension cord to supply power to a device 10 feet away from an outlet, you should use an extension cord of 12 feet.
2. Understand the Wire Gauge
Wire gauge is the measure of the actual size of the individual wire that is used in the extension cord. It is normally expressed in American Wire Gauge (AWG) numbers. The smaller the number of AWG, the thicker the wire, and the higher current could pass through the cord without damaging it.
Considering the gauge, if you use a cord with a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the power rating of the device plugged into, it will start heating up until it catches fire. However, a thicker cord can guarantee safety during use and when powering high-stake appliances.
Tip: A 16-gauge cord should suffice in most cases for household appliances. However, when it comes to heavily powered devices such as electric space heaters, refrigerators, or power tools, you should go for a 14-gauge or even a 12-gauge cord. These thicker cords can safely supply the high currents that these devices need.
3. Check the Ampacity Rating
Ampacity is defined as the maximum amount of current that a specific cord can handle or transmit. This is normally written either on the cord itself or on the packing material of the cord. Familiarity with the ampacity is highly important to assess the load that the cord is capable of holding concerning the intended devices’ connection.
Going beyond the cord’s ampacity results in overheating, which then results in insulation degradation and can result in electrical fire. Therefore, select a cord with an ampacity higher than the maximum load intended to be supplied by the cord.
Tip: First of all, measure the wattage of the devices that you are going to connect with the help of the extension cord. Subsequently, by applying Amps = Watts / Volts, the necessary ampacity is determined.
For example, let’s assume you have an appliance that consumes 1200W and the electrical system in your home uses 120V; then, you would require a cord with no less than a 10-amp rating (1200W/120V=10A).
4. Think About the Environment
When deciding which extension cord to use, where and how you plan to use the extension cord should dictate your decision. Depending on the location, you must be certain of the degree of resistance required in the extension cord.
Having said that, outdoor extension cords are intended for use where the environment exposes them to UV rays, moisture, and harsh temperatures, otherwise deteriorating standard cords.
In a nutshell, using an indoor-rated cord in the outside environment is dangerous as it may lead to cracking of the cord’s insulation, exposing live wires, escalating the chances of being shocked or contracting a fire.
Tip: For indoor use, standard extension cords are considered adequate most of the time. However, if you are using the cord outdoors or in a garage or workshop, consider cords that are made for use in an outdoor environment.
These cords are usually thickly sized and have more abrasion-resistant insulation for better protection from moisture, fluctuating temperature conditions, and generally rough usage.
5. Look for Safety Feature
One thing that should not be compromised when choosing an extension cord is safety.
Modern cords have several safety features protecting the operator and the connected devices. These safety features could help eliminate life-threatening mishaps, safeguard your widgets, and even aid in extending the life expectancy of the extension cord.
Tip: Some of the characteristics to look at when choosing cords include:
- Surge Protection: Safeguards your gadgets from voltage fluctuations, which can result in damage.
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): Cuts off current and electricity if the electrical current is either too high or too low and hence avoids electric shocks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right extension cord can be a challenging task, given the number of options in the market. Nevertheless, if you follow the tips mentioned above, you can easily select an extension cord with the right length and loaded with all the features. A safe and appropriate extension cord can significantly reduce fire accidents and enhance your comfort using different devices.
