How to Choose a Safe Extension Cord

How to Choose a Safe Extension Cord

If you have an electrical outlet situated exactly where you need it, you are living the dream because we mostly use extension cords in real life.

While using cords can be convenient, it is important to remember that choosing an unsafe or inappropriate extension power cord can be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, extension cords are the most dangerous electrical devices among other household equipment. However, it can be easy to prevent most accidents simply by choosing the correct type of cord. SF Cable has prepared a small guide that will help you choose the right extension cord for your use.

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What Makes Extension Cords Dangerous An extension cord is basically a bundle of insulated electrical wires with a plug on each end. Generally, electrical current flows through these wires that generate heat. However, when too much current flows through a wire, it might overheat the wire causing short circuits and fires. Here is how to avoid that situation:

1. When you choose an undersized extension cord to extend the reach, it is important not to exceed the safety capacity of the extension cord; otherwise, the results can be disastrous.

2. Extension power cords come in various lengths and sizes. The thickness of the wire affects how much current the wire can withstand and how much it heats. The length affects voltage drops, how much voltage is lost with resistance in cord wires. The gauge is a numerical rating of copper wire diameter identified by American Wire Gauge. For example, 12 AWG, 120-volt cord includes 12-gauge wires suitable for 120-volt outlets. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire. For example, an 18 AWG cord may be rated only for 5 to 7 amperes at a length of up to 25 feet. So it is recommended to use the shortest extension cord possible.

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3. Light-duty extension cords should never be used with anything other than light-duty devices. They can be dangerous to use with space heaters, roastes, clothing irons, etc. They are often not grounded.

With only two plug prongs, they do not have a third wire and prong for grounding. So, make sure to never use them with appliances that have a three-prong grounded cord. To be safe with your computing equipment, buy C14 to C13 power cords from SFcable.

4. For drawing 10 to 15 amps of power, heavy-duty extension cords are suitable. They are always grounded cords that have a third wire and plug prong for grounding with plugs and three slots that suit grounded appliance cords.

5. It is important to use the cord with GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter) for outdoor usage or plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. Some have built-in GFCI protection that helps in preventing shock hazards.

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Bonus tip: Holiday season has just started, and it is important to make choices for extension cords safely. Make sure you do not overload outlets, extension cords, or power strips, and also don’t allow the extension cords to dangle off kitchen counters or at any other place.

Have a safe holiday season! Happy cable management!

Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/safe-extension-cord

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