An extension cord is a temporary yet essential source of power supply. Every household, workplace, or any other institution has the availability of several extension cords. It is not because the extension cord is a must-have item, but ironically, no place can work without it till you get all your electric connections done at proper places. Providing extensions to your electrical power source is just one application. Your cord can multitask by running quite a few electrical appliances at a time. The advanced cords also own a USB connector for ease of use.
With all these essential yet straightforward benefits, opting for an extension cord always remains trivial. Price is the only factor of consideration, and users often exclude typical research, which is often associated with other electrical equipment. Users often forget that without selecting the right cord and maintaining proper caution, cords can pose risks and turn into fire hazards. According to a study about residential firee in the U.S., the fire administration reports more than 24000 fires every year, which accounts for 6.3% of an electrical fire. One of the biggest and most common causes of these fires is the misuse of extension cords.
Why extension cords pose threats?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S., the main reason behind an extension cord threat is fire, which occurs due to the overheating of the wires. Overheating, on the other hand, can occur because of overloading or connecting many appliances at a time that consume more power. Damaged cords can also pose a fire threat. Even the right size of extension cords makes a lot of things easier. With undersize cords, the loading capacity might exceed, and with oversize cords, there can be a tripping hazard.
Broken cord and how to handle it?
Regular wear and tear, such as tripping and pet-bites, can break your extension cord. There may be other reasons for breakage like improper coiling of wires and exposure to harsh weather. If there are no other cords instantly available and the damage is fixable, electric cord repair is the only option. Remember that the broken cord can be dangerous, and the best way to avoid damage is to replace it. Prevent exposure to live wires by isolating them and switching to a heavy-duty extension cord immediately.
Why do you need a heavy-duty power cord?
Heavy appliances in the home like a refrigerator, outdoor appliances like a lawnmower, and all other tools and heating appliances that collectively draw up to 15amp of power require a heavy-duty power cord. Similarly, in workplaces, air conditioners, portable heaters, and freezers, which consume more power, can use an extension cord, if power sources are not readily available. These extension wires not only come with the right length but also have several benefits. Some advantages of using a heavy-duty power cord are as below.
- Extensive outdoor Safety
The most important benefit of a heavy-duty cord is the safety against the electrical devices. These rugged wires are double insulated and are perfect for outdoor use for high-amperage tools. Apart from this, these cords are durable in all weather types, are flexible, and are less susceptible to breakdown. With the correct thickness, these cords protect water, moisture, oil, and grease, thus, eliminating the chance of getting an electric shock.
- Less susceptible to indoor damages
For extensions cords used indoors, prolonged use can often lead to visible damages. Improper handling, pinching between floor and furniture, abrasion by feet, misuse of a surge suppressor, aging, or excessive current flow can be responsible for wear and tear of cords. These damages can be harmful as loose electrical cords are more likely to have short circuits and fire hazards. Heavy-duty cords are coated with thick plastic or rubber, thus, making it tougher against indoor damages. The tamper-resistance feature of the cords also makes them safer for a home with small children.
- Better protection from electric shock
With an electric current leakage from the body of electrical appliances to fluctuations and high voltage, grounding is necessary to prevent electric shocks and respective damages. Heavy-duty cords have a built-in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to reduce electrocutions. These cords usually come with three prongs plugs. The third prong provides the grounding. Therefore, these cords can avert risks associated with the massive flow of electric current through them.
- Convenience and versatility
Multiple sockets make a heavy-duty cord flexible and convenient to use. Whether in the workplace or home, if you want to use several electrical appliances or gadgets simultaneously, extension cords are the best. The heavy-duty cords are designed in such a manner that it provides easy configuration to any equipment with the setup. These cords are, therefore, not only versatile but are robust and effective at well.
- Saves money and increases the utility of appliances
The heavy-duty cord is a one-time investment. If you store it properly, an extension cord can run for several years. This cord is relatively cost-effective as you cannot take the electrical circuit all through your house and offices. Also, by running several devices together, it increases the utility of appliances, which otherwise you are not using much because of short wires.
Conclusion
Your heavy-duty extension cord might be a temporary source of electrical power to your instruments, but you cannot imagine your place without one. Keeping a few points in mind increases the longevity of your wires. Storing the cords without knots and not running them under the rugs or furniture is necessary. Avoid connecting multiple extension cords at a time, or coupling the surge protector to the extension, and keeping it away from submerging in water, are other handfuls of things to remember to keep your cords safe. Remember, a healthy wire will create a safe work environment. So, next time when you purchase an extension cord, don’t go for saving a few bucks, instead go for a right heavy-duty cord for your appliances for safer use.
