When Purchasing an Extension Cord Demand Quality
Using an extension cord can make the function of a space much more convenient, and while you may not use one often you undoubtedly do use one from time to time. An extension cord can make it easy to plug your electrical appliances into an outlet regardless of how obscure its location is. You can even use a outlet in another room if needed. You can find longer and shorter extension cords depending on what they are designed to do, and even though most extension cords appear very similar to each other, looks can be deceptive. When you get a quality built extension cord, it will operate safely and dependably for a long time.
Extension Cords Come in Many Strengths and Sizes
If you need an extension cord just to use at home for lamps, radios, decorative clocks or small electronic items, then the regular double-wire extension cord will serve your purpose nicely. The basic double-wire extension cord comes in lengths up to one hundred feet. For appliances and electronic devices that use more voltage like power tools and space heaters, the double-wire cord is not adequate. For these larger machines a heavier capacity extension cord is needed. These heavy duty cords are commonly used for construction or yard work. They are usually brightly colored, either yellow or orange, which makes them conspicuous. Being easily seen is a huge benefit when you use one for yard work or when a construction professional uses one on a construction project. Since the third wire is ungrounded in a three-wire extension cord, exercise caution and always plug it into a grounded outlet.
Picking the Best Cord
When you are shopping for an extension cord, consider how you plan to use it. If you simply plan to plug in a lamp or a radio, then a standard, two-wire extension cord will get the job done safely and efficiently. If, however, you are using it to work a power tool like a saw or a sander, then, in order to be safe, you must use a heavy-duty extension cord. Another thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for an extension cord is that there are major quality differences between extension cords. So when you are evaluating an extension cord for purchase, check for a UL listing, which tells you that the cord meets or exceeds the United Laboratories power cord safety standards. One indication that a power cord is heavy duty is that it has ample insulation, and insulation is particularly important if you plan to use the cord for a large piece of machinery. Another nice feature to look for on you extension cord is the childproof block that you can use to cover any unused extension outlets. Other features that a quality cord may have are grounded terminals, polarized plugs, a power on indicator as well as surge protection. The price point for your cord can range between several dollars for a simple cord to thirty plus dollars for a heavy-duty extension cord.
Power Strips Expand Opportunities
To begin with using an extension cord is a great way to give yourself some design options as you are arranging electrical equipment in a room, you may also use an extension cord to increase the number of usable outlets that you have in a room. This is when, instead of using a basic extension cord, you will probably [wish|want] to use a power strip. Using a power strip lets you plug in up to eight items to a single outlet, and it will protect your machines from power surges at the same time. You can shell out up to thirty dollars for a quality, power strip.