Extension Cord
Extension Cord
Choosing the Proper Retractable Extension Cord
A retractable extension cord is helpful in everyday life providing absolute convenience particularly throughout holidays like Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Decorating with lights to celebrate these occasions will not be simple if the outlet isn't where you need it. You may select varying lengths of retractable extension cords that you will need, from 6-feet and 10-feet, to lengths of 20-feet or more.
More important than selecting the lengths of a retractable extension cord, you need to choose the right gauge (i.e., size and current capacity of the cord) as well. The gauge of the cord will help you decide the right kind of cord that is safe for use. It's best to decide on the top quality cords in your operations, so investing just a little extra money to make sure your safety is a good idea.
Varieties of Extension Cords
There are usually two varieties of retractable extension cord: the basic extension cords and the heavy-duty retractable extension cords. The basic extension cords are the standard double-wire cords you can find in a brown, green or white housing. They're generally used for smaller appliances like hand and iron mixers, alarm clocks, table lamps, and other small household appliances. The lengths of these cords vary from 6-feet to a hundred feet, and may be readily found in the marketplace. Nonetheless, the lengths of the cords don't serve the same objective of a retractable extension cord. These cords are not ideal for use outdoors and on appliances that use large amounts of voltage. They aren't advisable for power tools and space heaters, as they're thin and will get hot and dangerous.
For outside appliances that draw a considerable amount of current, it's best to make use of heavy gauge extension cords which are triple-corded. They are often found in highly visible colors such as bright orange or bright yellow. The reason for this is to permit easy spotting of these cords around power tools. It is strongly recommended to use a grounded electrical outlet when using the heavy gauge cords to make the third prong properly grounded.
Selecting the Best Retractable Extension Cord
When selecting the best cord, you will need to first contemplate your intended use for it. Since you know the basic sorts of a retractable extension cord, it is simpler to determine the correct cord to use. For small appliances like desk electrical fans or alarm clocks, the two-wire extension cord will be enough to complete the job. For larger home equipment like a power saw, it is recommended to make use of the three-wire extension cord for improved safety. You can also choose to use a heavily-insulated cord when utilizing major appliances outdoors. When buying a cord, make sure it's certified by UL or United Laboratories. The stamp of UL means that the cord has met or exceeded all of the standards of extension cords set by the industry.
About the Author
Discover More Features, benefits, and precautions for retractable extension cords here. More by Dr. Stoker: Optimum Nutrition Whey Proteinand Mutual Fund Fees
Plugging a refrigerator in using an extension cord?
I have a fridge in my garage and where it's situated, I'll need an extension cord. One of my friends told me that you shouldn't use extension cords when plugging refrigerators, but couldn't tell me why. Has anyone ever heard this before? And why would it be a bad idea?
A refrigerator has a compressor in it, which at start-up will draw about 6 times the rated amperage of the compressor motor ... you can use an extension cord, but make sure that it is of the same wire size as the branch circuit serving the receptacle (plug) #12 wire minimum + ground for a 20A circuit and #14 wire + ground for a 15A circuit
Extension Cord
How to roll up an extension cord...
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Fellowes 15Ft Extension Cord $19.99 Fellowes 15Ft Extension Cord Indoor Heavy-Duty Extension Cord has a grounded single outlet with a three-prong design. |
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JASCO EXTENSION CORD 25F GROUND $28.99 JASCO EXTENSION CORD 25F GROUND |
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JASCO EXTENSION CORD 6FT TAMPER $18.99 JASCO EXTENSION CORD 6FT TAMPER |
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JASCO EXTENSION CORD 9FT GROUND $22.99 JASCO EXTENSION CORD 9FT GROUND |
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JASCO EXTENSION CORD 9FT TAMPER $19.99 JASCO EXTENSION CORD 9FT TAMPER |
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Camco Mfg Inc Rv 30 Amp Extension Cord With Handles 55191 $60.84 Extension cord |
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TTl Remote Extension Cord for Canon OC-E3b (Black) $24.13 TTl Remote Extension Cord for Canon OC-E3b, TTl Remote Extension Cord, Canon OC-E3b, Remote Extension Cord, Cord. |
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Motor Extension Cord;Advantage $15.99 MOTOR EXTENSION CORDADVANTAGE |
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15ft Extension Cord $19.99 Indoor Heavy-Duty Extension Cord has a grounded single outlet with a three-prong design. |
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Softalk Modular Extension Cord $6.99 04020 1 1 x RJ-11 Male Phone 25 ft 7.04 oz Modular line and extension cord feature a universal plug on each end. Extension cord is compatible with any modular phone system jack. Beige Copper Extension Cable Modular Extension Cord Network Cable Phone RJ-11 Softalk Softalk Communications LLC www.softalk.us |
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15' Vibrator Extension Cord $16.43 - Super shaker vibrator extension cord- Extends the distance between clock and vibrating unit by 15 feet- One year manufacturer's warrantySASBE115 |
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GN QDs Extension Cord $17.99 1 x Proprietary 10 ft 1004093 GN Netcom QDs Inserts between GN Netcom QDs Copper Data Transfer Cable Extension Cable GN GN Store Nord A/S QDs Extension Cord www.gnnetcom.com |
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Retractable Extension Cord $10.99 This innovative Retractable Extension Cord provides you with just the right cord length whenever you need it. The 5 foot cord fully retracts into its base to help eliminate the mess of excess cords. The easiest way to keep your living and workspace neat and tidy, this retractable cord allows you to plug in anything from lamps and fans to televisions and other electronics. No more ugly tangled wires! |
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GE Jasco Extension Cord 9Ft Ground $19.99 GE Jasco Extension Cord 9Ft Ground |
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GE Jasco Extension Cord 25F Ground $25.99 GE Jasco Extension Cord 25F Ground |
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GE Jasco Extension Cord 6Ft Tamper $16.99 GE Jasco Extension Cord 6Ft Tamper |
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GE Jasco Extension Cord 9Ft Tamper $17.99 GE Jasco Extension Cord 9Ft Tamper |
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ACS Extension Cord w/New QD $24.27 ACS Extension Cord w/New QD |
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MC-21 Extension Cord For 10 Pin Cord $79.95 Nikon's MC-21 extension cord is used for MC-20, MC-22, MC-23, MC-25 or MC-30 remote cords. |
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Steren 6ft Power Extension Cord $3.99 1.88 kW 120 V AC 505-370 6ft Power Extension Cord 72" PC Printers Black Power Extension Cord Steren Steren Electronics, LLC www.steren.com |
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Motor Extension Cord;Adv Dlx $16.99 MOTOR EXTENSION CORDADV DLX |
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Belkin 2.44m Power Extension Cord for PC $17.99 2.44m Power Extension Cord for PC 96" PC Belkin Belkin International, Inc F3A110-08 Power Extension Cord www.belkin.com |
RV Travel Essentials: Extension Cords & Adapters
Millions of travelers hit the road every year in RV’s and motor homes. Vacations in an RV traversing the country are popular, affordable and educational. Viewing new places as you drive along the highways stopping in various towns, big and small helps travelers really understand the culture of the United States. Recreational vehicles also become home to many workers who travel from one construction site to another, following the available work. Before you set out on an RV road trip or make your life on the road, make sure you have the proper equipment. An important motor home staple item is an extension cord and set of adapters, for power when you need it.
Don’t roll up after a long day on the road, and be just an inch too short to hook up your RV or motor home. Now you might think you can use just any extension cord, or even several strung together with on the end to solve the problem. That’s a mistake with potentially serious consequences. Using an extension cord not made for RV power is a fire hazard and can damage your RV’s power equipment. This risk is not worth taking, especially when there are specialized extension cords that are designed for the specific power requirements of today’s recreational vehicles and motor homes
For a more in depth look at why a long extension cord needs to be Heavy Duty you need to understand some fundamentals about electricity. Though wire is highly conductive, it still presents some resistance to electricity flowing through it. And the longer an extension cord, the more resistance produced. That resistance creates heat which in turn can create fire – a hazard for you and your RV.
The solution is to buy the correct equipment. Depending on the application, an RV extension cord can be from 15 to 50 feet long. With the correct extension cord you will always be able to reach power sources and always feel safe.
Extension cords help provide electricity to your RV as well as power to any generators you may use. For long stays on the road you will want to run your microwave for quick meals, a radio for music and sports, fans for cooling down and even television. Also, if you’re traveling in the winter months or in colder locales, an RV extension cord can help power a generator for extra heat.
For people permanently living in recreational vehicles and motor homes, quality extension cords and RV adapters are a basic necessity. Electricity ensures that you can make food, stay warm and light the area around your camp. An RV extension cord rated for all types of weather and made with durability and longevity in mind is a smart option.
When you travel in an RV or motor home, you might stop at a residential area, a campground, or even an in-town parking area. Often there will be a power source to hook up to. Look for a pole or electrical box with an outlet. This is likely the power source for your RV. If you’re staying in a campground, the grounds keepers or camp hosts should have more information on the cost of the electrical hookup, and the type of extension cord and adapter needed.
Depending on where you travel and when you travel, there are certain conditions you should expect. Anticipate different hookup types at different RV campgrounds. You should have an RV specific adapter so you know you can hook in to the campground-provided power source. Specifically, the types of outlets you might encounter are 15A, 30A or 50A outlets. Expect weather to fluctuate between rain and heat. An all-weather RV extension cord should be water resistant, heat resistant and durable.
For maximum convenience consider the extra features offered by premium RV extension cords. Planned or not, many travelers find themselves pulling into a campground or rest stop after dark. Campgrounds are not always well-lit, so a motor home adapter and extension cord with a lighted end is essential for late-night power set up. Extension cords with ends that light up when current is flowing help you know that your equipment is working properly. No need to walk from your RV to your hookup over and over, the lighted end signals a working connection.
Another convenience found on premium RV extension cords is foldaway nylon handles on both male and female connectors. You will find it easier to connect and disconnect your RV extension cord or adapter with far less effort and stress.
As a final recommendation, consider personalizing your extension cord. Often campers lend equipment to other campers needing help hooking up and getting settled in. Having your name, personal slogan or other identifying legend printed down the entire length of the cord will ensure that it makes its way back to you.
A vacation or lifestyle in an RV or motor home can be rewarding and fun. Make sure you have the correct equipment so you can enjoy the sights. Milspec Direct provides RV extension cords and RV adapters that are all-weather rated, have lighted ends and patented Pro Grip™ handles.
About the Author
Milspec Direct is a wholesale extension cord provider of Pro Glo lighted end extension cords, adapters and custom printed extension cord products.
Extension Cord