If you have bought an extension cord that did not last a week or didn’t meet your expectations, then you know why doing your due diligence is essential. Maybe it’s your first time buying an extension cord; knowing what to consider when buying one will help you get started on the right foot.
The average consumer does not understand many things about extension cords, from wire gauge to appropriate use. So, while you can purchase extension cords easily from your local shop or favorite online store, there are a few things to know about them that we’ll uncover in this guide.
If you are in the market for a long extension cord, these essential points will help you avoid accidents that could cause fires, injuries, and even death.
Here’s a rundown of what to consider before buying an extension cord:
Your Power Requirements
You require an extension cord ideal for your power requirements. Extension cords come in three categories for light, medium and heavy use. Light-duty extensions are appropriate for powering light devices such as mobile phones, lamps, and small gadgets.
If you want to power your television or personal computer, go for a long extension cord with a medium usage rating. But for use with a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner or cooker, buy a cord designed for heavy use.
Where You Plan To Use It
The environment matters when choosing an extension cord because each extension is designed for a specific use. To power electrical machines or tools outdoors, get extension cords durable enough to withstand extreme weather. Such cords come with thick cables and handle up to 15 amps loads.
If you want to buy an extension cord for your bedside lamp or any appliance in your living room, something less robust is ideal. However, you should be aware of the power rating limits so that you don’t use a cord meant for a photo frame to power your home theater.
Go For The Right Gauge
Extension cords have conductors whose diameters vary concerning the American Wire Gauge (AWG) or gauge. Household extension cords come in 16-gauge, 14-gauge, 12-gauge, and 10-gauge. This information is usually labeled on the extension or the jacket. A 10-gauge cord is labeled as 10AWG on their plastic jackets. It is advisable to only go for the correct gauge to avoid potential accidents and damage to your electrical appliances.
Length of the Extensions Cord
It can be annoying to buy a cord only to find out it is shorter than expected. Therefore, when shopping for a new extension cord, buy one slightly longer than you need to be safe.
It is also safer to use a long extension cord. Remember, connecting electrical cords is not advisable. The additional resistance from such connections can cause voltage drops, affecting the efficient running of your appliances or equipment. Besides, you are more likely to need a longer cord for your future projects than a shorter one.
Consider GFCI Protection
You want to buy an extension cable that comes with ground-fault interrupter protection. This is critical when you plan to use it outdoors or in places exposed to water, such as sinks and bathrooms.
Electric shocks were high before the widespread adoption of GFCI technologies, but the figures are now down as more people go for GFCI-protected electrical devices. GFCI detects a current interruption in your extension cord that cuts power to protect you and your loved ones from electric shock. So, before buying a new cord, spare a moment to check that it comes with this latest life-saving technology.
A Few More Things To Know
There are a few more things to know concerning using extension cords around your home. For instance, you should ensure that your cords are visible and not around high-traffic spaces because they can be a trip hazard. Also, when disconnecting them from an outlet, pull their plugs and not the cords themselves.
Always unplug them when not in use, store them in a dry place, and replace faulty ones. And keep in mind that cords are for temporary use only. Therefore, if you find yourself using them permanently around your home, it could be time to update your electrical system.
Conclusion
Buying an extension cord is not a walk in the park, especially with many products entering the market. It can be hard to identify high-quality ones that offer value for money.
Apart from buying from reputable sellers, you need to have a checklist to ensure that it meets your requirements. In this guide are essential tips on buying an adequate long extension cord. Keeping in mind, these factors will ensure that you have a helpful device.
