Obtain the Right Extension Cord for the Job

Using an extension cord can make a room layout much more convenient, and while you may not use one regularly you undoubtedly do use one from time to time. An extension cord can make it easy to plug your electrical devices into an outlet regardless of how far away it is. You will have no problem reaching an electrical outlet on the other side of the room. Extension cords come in a variety of lengths depending on what they are designed to do, and even though most extension cords look very comparable to each other, looks can be deceptive. When you get a well-made extension cord, it will last for many years while supplying extended power safely.

Extension Cords Available in a Variety of Strengths and Sizes

If you need  an extension cord just to use at home for lighting fixtures, radios, decorative wall clocks or small electronic items, then the regular double-wire extension cord will serve your purpose nicely. You can buy these extension cords as long as one hundred feet and as short as six feet. For appliances and electronic devices that are more powerful like power tools and space heaters, the double-wire cord is not sufficient. For these larger devices a heavier capacity extension cord is required. This is the type of cord that is often associated with outdoor use. Bright orange and yellow color codes make them easy to see. 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 not grounded in a three-wire extension cord, make sure that you always plug it into a grounded outlet.

Getting the Appropriate Cord for the Job

When you are shopping for an extension cord, think about 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 work well for you. If, however, you are using it to run 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 remember as you ponder purchasing a new extension cord is that there are major quality differences between extension cords. So when you are assessing an extension cord for buying, check for a UL listing, which tells you that the cord meets or beats the United Laboratories power cord safety standards. One indication that a power cord is heavy duty is that it has substantial insulation, and insulation is particularly important if you plan to use the cord for a large piece of machinery. Good quality extension cords often offer additional features like a childproof cover for uncovered outlets. Other features that a quality cord may have are grounded terminals, polarized plugs, a power on indicator as well as surge protection. An extension cord may set you back as little as a couple of dollars to over thirty dollars depending on the type and quality of the cord.

Adding Plugs with Power Strips

While an extension cord is certainly great to extend the range between the item requiring power and the electrical outlet, you may also operate an extension cord to expand the count of available outlets that you have in a room. This is when, rather than an ordinary extension cord, you will probably wish to use a power strip. Using a power strip lets you attach up to eight items to a lone outlet, and it will protect your electronic devices from power surges at the same time. You can shell out up to thirty dollars for a quality, power strip.