When it comes to electricity, safety measures have to be taken, even with the smallest appliance. However, extension cords are the main focus of this article. Extension cords are common household appliances, and they are in several forms. These cords could be dangerous because people mostly misuse them. So, we have discussed the most critical types of extension cords and their different uses. Keep reading!
What is an Extension Cord?
An extension cord is an adjustable wire with a plug on one end and more sockets. This electrical item has been in use for several years and is not going extinct anytime soon. Moreover, they come in several lengths, colors, thicknesses, and purposes.
Generally, the more electricity a device needs, the thicker the cord feels. Also, it would help if you chose cords based on your preference. For instance, if you need an extension cord in the house, you shouldn’t get one for outdoor use. The reason is that getting a different extension cord for a different purpose can cause harm.
When electricity flows through wires, it makes heat. So, if too much electricity flows through a wire, it can get too hot and melt the plastic insulation. Therefore, it can cause short circuits and fires.
However, plugging an appliance into an outlet with its factory cord poses no harm. The reason is that the manufacturer made the cord the right size for the appliance’s currents. But if you use an extension cord that isn’t big enough to extend the reach of the appliance cord, there could be more weight on the extension cord than it can safely handle. And this is very dangerous.
Therer are various cords like 30-amp extension cord, light duty extensions cord, heavy duty ext Below are the essential types of extension cords and their uses.
Important Types of Extension Cords
Light-Duty Extension Cords
Light-duty extension cords are for interiors, where we can handle them more carefully. They work for clocks, lamp wire cords, and other light appliances that don’t carry much current. Devices like irons and washing machines are not suitable for light-duty extension cords. They make a lot of heat and use a lot of electricity, which is too much for a light-duty cord to handle.
Light-duty extension cords have two plug prongs, no third wire, and prongs for grounding. So, it’s dangerous to use them with appliances that have a three-prong grounded cord.
Moreover, light-duty indoor extension cords have little insulation. Therefore, they break down quickly if we keep them outside for long. But, a light-duty outdoor extension cord is much better because it has more insulation. Therefore, it can stay in the winter and blazing sun.
Medium-Duty Extension Cords
Medium-duty cords are usually grounded extension cords with a third wire and plug prong that connect the cord to the ground. They have plugs that we can use with grounded three-prong cords. The third prong is a ground connection, letting excess electricity flow back to the source.
This process keeps the appliance from getting damaged. It also prevents the user from getting an electric shock if there’s a shock. A typical medium-duty extension cord has 16-gauge wire for about 25 feet, 14-gauge wire for up to 50 feet, and 12-gauge wire for up to 100 feet. Moreover, it can handle up to 10 amps of power.
Further, they can power computers, televisions, and devices that need less than ten amps of power. So, it’s advisable to avoid a light-duty extension cord and go for the medium-duty cord for such devices.
Heavy-Duty Extension Cords
Heavy-duty extension cords are the heaviest among the critical types of extension cords. They are for heavy appliances that have about 15 amps of electricity. They have always grounded cords with a third wire and plug prong for grounding.
Also, they have plugs with three slots for connecting grounded appliance cords. Heavy-duty cords can be as long as 100 feet, and they usually range from 10 to 14 gauge. Applications like air compressors and chainsaws will work with a 12-gauge cord. And they will work well in any weather.
However, it’s essential to know the correct gauge and length of the extension cord you need. That way, you’ll keep yourself and your home from fire and any other damage from electricity.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Extension Cord
Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the wires inside an extension cord. Another name is “AWG,” which means “American Wire Gauge.” However, we should not mix it with the cord’s thickness because they are different.
If the AWG number is lower, the wires are more significant and can carry more power. However, the wires in the cord are smaller and can only withstand less power if the AWG number is higher.
Length
The length of your extension cord affects how much voltage is lost through resistance. So, it’s essential to get a longer extension cord because there’ll be enough cord when you need it quickly.
Conclusion
Extension cords are essential in our buildings, yet dangerous if we misuse them. So, it’s necessary to get the correct type of extension cord for your needs to avoid danger. We have listed the types of extension cords in this article, and we hope it helps.