Electronic appliances or devices with wires that can’t reach any electrical outlets can be powered using extension cords effortlessly. It’s crucial to pick the right extension cord type to maintain electrical safety and avoid house fires. The next time you choose extension cords, remember to abide by these dos and don’ts.
Don’ts of Extension Cords
Overloading your extension cord
Each cord has a maximum ampere rating or a determined amount of electricity wattage load it may safely carry. Check the gadget you intend to connect, then pick an extension cord with a greater amp rating. If you plan to connect many devices, sum up all the wattage requirements to be sure the extension cord won’t be overloaded as per rating provided in each packaging or product.
Pro Tip: To convert a device’s power needs from watts to amps, divide the wattage by rated voltage i.e. 3300W/240V=13.75 (Amp (when indicated in watts).
If the cord you’re looking for about lacks an amp rating, you can determine its current capability by looking at the wire gauge. The capacity of a wire increases with decreasing gauge.
Here are some general recommendations:
- Light-duty applications call for a 16-gauge extension cord (holiday lights, portable fans, hedge trimmers, etc.).
- For medium-duty applications, a 14-gauge cord is used (lawnmowers, power drills, table saws, etc.).
- Applications requiring exceptionally heavy duty must use a 10- to a 12-gauge cord (chainsaws, circular saws, shop vacs, air compressors, etc.).
When selecting the appropriate extension cord type, you should consider chord length in addition to amperage and gauge. Longer cords supply less power to the connected device and increase electrical resistance. To minimize power loss, selecting a cord with the right length is essential, especially if you’re using a gadget with a high amperage rating.
Difference between surge protectors and extension cords:
You cannot use surge protectors with standard extension cords. Although some extension cords can serve as power strips, this does not necessarily make them surge protectors. Extension cords are only used to connect items too far from a power outlet. Extra features on surge protectors protect your electronics from sudden electrical overflows. Read product labels before you buy, and avoid plugging extension cables into surge protectors.
Extension cord usage:
- Don’t tamper with the extension cord’s grounding pin to fit it into a two-pronged outlet.
- You should not use indoor extension cords outside.
- Extension cords shouldn’t be run underneath rugs or furniture.
- Never staple or nail extension wires to surfaces or tape them to floors.
- When using cords, avoid coiling or bending them.
- Childproof coverings should be placed over unused cord outlets.
Keep Away from Children or people with determination or differently abled
When using the extension socket, do not allow children or people with specially-abled to be used. It should be used under strict supervision as there is a high risk of electrical hazards. Though these products are made for safety, when not used in a specific way they can turn out to be hazardous.
Do not spray liquid, aerosol or water in the sockets
Spraying liquid or getting the product wet may be hazardous to using any electrical product. The sockets anywhere in the world are not waterproof so be careful while using an extension socket.
DOs of Extension Cords
Choose the right type of extension cords for powering your electronics. KHIND provides you with a range of choices for occasional, frequent and rugged uses. Check the specifications to select the right cord for your needs.
Select the Correct Extension Cord Type
Be sure to thoroughly examine the power cord’s label, product information, and packaging before selecting the one that best suits your requirements. Use only indoor cords indoors only and outdoor cords can be used outside and inside as well.
Generally, a commercial extension cord has different ratings and different usage than a domestic extension cord. While interior cables are normally thinner and lack the thick, noticeable jacket, outdoor cords are typically thicker and have a protective, insulating yellow or orange coat or jacket.
Make sure the cord you select is long enough and that it has been approved by a reputable testing facility or certification such as bodies CB, ESMA (in Dubai), etc.
Care for the Extension Cords
If an extension cord is not being used, unplug it and discard frayed cords. When unplugging from an outlet, pull the plug and not the cord.
KHIND’s Extension Socket
KHIND provides users with a variety of extension sockets starting from the 3way to the 5way with USB, also has BS plug type or universal type extension sockets.
With 100% copper wire and components type, the length of the wires range between 3m and 5m and come along with a fire-retardant body. With a USB Output Voltage of DC 5V (for 3way and 4way extension sockets), these devices provide a comfortable output current of 2.1A. Our universal power sockets are extremely durable and reliable.
