How to Choose the Right Extension Cables?
How often has this happened to you that you are using a mobile phone or a laptop while comfortably seated and you see that its battery is about to die? You look around and see that there is no electrical outlet near you and the one that you do have is quite far away. You curse mentally and make a note of buying that electrical extension cord that you had always wanted to buy but couldn’t gather enough information on what to look for in one. Lucky for you, we are here to help. A lot of people put little to no thought before purchasing an extension cable as they have no idea what to even look for in the right one. According to a report by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, extension cables are known to kill 50 people each year with another 4000 sustaining extreme injuries. They are one of the common causes of residential fires as most people end up buying extension fixtures with the wrong specs and sizes. So read on to beef up your knowledge on extension reels and on how to find the right one that best fits your needs.  Considering the Right Length, Size, and TypeJust like all electrical equipment, extension cords come in shapes, sizes, and types of varying kinds. The two important factors that should be ensured before buying an extension cord are: their electric load capacity and the ability to transmit current properly. The thickness of the wire, also known as the wire gauge in electrical terms, will help you fulfil the two above-mentioned criteria. As a rule of thumb, remember- the thicker the wire, the more current can be transmitted through it without causing it to heat up.  Now the length of the cables is a tricky metric to understand. If the extension cord is too long, it will cause the voltage across it to drop because of the increase in resistance. Longer cables have lower capacity as well. To make it easier for the understanding of the consumers, we often use a term called American Wire Gauge (AWG). If the AWG is lower, it implies that the cord is thicker. So, a 12 AWG of a 120-volt cord means that there are 12-gauge wires in the cord that would work well with the electric source of 120 volts. Using them for the Right PurposeIn terms of power usage, there are two types of extension cables – light duty and heavy duty. As their names suggest light duty cables must be used for appliances that have lower power needs. Heating appliances, on the other hand, draw heavy load and hence demand heavy-duty cables. Light-duty ones are easier to identify as they come with two prongs that are suitable for charging phones and lamps. The heavy-duty ones have a third prong that provides grounding and can be used for microwaves, refrigerators, and televisions.  Safety GuidelinesNo matter what kind of power extension cord you are using, there are a few safety steps that MUST be followed. It is a fire hazard to chain more than one cord together. Buy a long one of the desired AWG instead. Inspecting an extension cable thoroughly for cracks and damages is also suggested as a broken cord possesses a great threat. Most of the cords come with a preinstalled GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection to prevent the shocking hazards that might occur because of any reason. If the extension cable is employed in an area that experiences moisture or dampness, it is suggested to use a cord that has a GFCI protected electric source. There is a kind of cord called the banana tap that offers a few more outlets. But since they are easier to overload, we suggest that you refrain from purchasing those and go with the simpler ones.  ConclusionWith so many different kinds of extension cord options available in the market, it is easier for consumers to feel confused and invest in the wrong type of extension cable. But if you understand how the thickness and the length of the cable affect its performance, you are now in a better state to buy the cable you have so long been stalling. At Homesmiths, we have extension cables that support all kinds of load capacities, wire gauges, and lengths. Check which ones best suit your power needs. |
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