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Look for Quality when Buying an Extension Cord
By Brenda Reeves
Using an extension cord can make life much more convenient, and while you may not use one often you undoubtedly use them 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 plug in another room if necessary. Extension cords come in many different lengths depending on what it is designed to do, and while extension cords may all look pretty much the same on the outside, looks can be deceiving. When you choose a well-made extension cord, it will operate safely and reliably for a long time. Different Types of Extension Cords
If you are looking for an extension cord just to use around the house for lamps, radios, clocks or small appliances, then the basic double-wire extension cord will serve your purpose nicely. You can find these extension cords as long as one hundred feet and as short as six feet. For appliances and electronic devices that use more power like power tools and space heaters, the double-wire cord is not adequate. For this purpose, you will need to use a triple-wire or heavy-duty cord. This is the type of cord that is frequently associated with outdoor use. They are usually brightly colored, either yellow or orange, which makes them highly visible. This high visibility comes in very handy when you use one for yard work or around power tools. Since the third wire is ungrounded in a three-wire extension cord, make sure that you always plug it into a grounded outlet. Picking the Perfect Extension Cord
When you are shopping for an extension cord, consider how you plan to use it. If you are just plugging in a lamp or a radio, then a basic, two-wire extension cord will work fine 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 keep in mind when you are shopping for an extension cord is that there is a huge variation in quality between extension cords. Always heck for a UL listing which ensures that it is tested to meet or exceed the United Laboratories power cord safety standards. Look for an extension cord that is well insulated, and insulation is particularly important if you plan to use the cord for a heavy appliance or large piece of machinery. Another nice feature to look for on an extension cord is a childproof block that you can use to cover any unused extension outlets. Other options available in an extension cord include grounded terminals, polarized plugs, a power-on indicator and a surge protector. The price point for your cord can range anywhere from several dollars for a simple, basic cord to thirty plus dollars for a heavy-duty extension cord. Power Strips Add Flexibility
While an extension cord is certainly handy to extend the range between the item requiring power and the electrical outlet, you may also use an extension cord to increase the number of available outlets that you have in a room. In this situation, rather than a plain extension cord, you will probably want to use a power strip. Using a power strip lets you plug in up to eight items into a single outlet, and it will usually offer you surge protection at the same time. A good power strip will cost you anywhere from ten to thirty dollars. Photo credit to mat_the_w .
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That surge protection feature on power strips are important when dealing with stuff like computers and TVs.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
You are absolutely right, James. And that is especially important for modern people whose businesses completely rely on computers.
The copyright for this content entitled "Look for Quality when Buying an Extension Cord " has been specified by the contributor as:
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This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
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February, 2012
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