Top 5 Important Points to Consider While Choosing an Extension Cord
Published: 2023-06-30 11:28:26

It is always advisable to place electrical outlets nearby to plug in when you need to use them easily. You won't always find an electrical outlet in the ideal location, and this is only sometimes the case. A domestic extension cord is useful in these situations. Although an electrical cord is an essential household item, most people need to give buying one more thought. 
The ideal cord must meet the required specifications and be a suitable size. Electrical mishaps always result from poor choice of extension cords. The most regrettable aspect is that many domestic mishaps can be prevented by utilizing high-quality, secure cords, such as the 30-amp extension cord that supports heavy use. Let's go over the factors you should consider before buying extension cords. 

## 1.Consider the Length of Your Extension Cords






If you need more clarification on the length of an extension cable you require, give yourself wiggle room and purchase the next-longest cord. A longer cord is not just more practical—it is inconvenient almost to reach your work area—but also safer. That is because you shouldn't connect extension cables in a daisy chain. A [10/3 extension cord](https://www.americord.com/extension-cord-9722/10-3-extension-cords.html) however fits in as a perfect sized cord for various needs. 
Electrical resistance between the outlet and the object you're trying to power increases due to the additional length of many cables plugged in simultaneously (without bigger wires to compensate for the distance). Additional resistance can result in voltage drops, reducing the power tools like drills, saws, and vacuums can operate. Since daisy-chaining cords create more resistance, more heat may accumulate along the route, raising the possibility of one cord melting or igniting a fire.
Even if you typically disregard the safety dangers and choose the less expensive, shorter connection, there is another useful incentive to do so instead: You won't likely need to get a second extension cord for your next project if the cord is long.

## 2.Wire Gauge is Important

Not every extension cord can be used for every situation. Extension cords can be classified as either light or occasional, medium to frequent use, or heavy-duty or tough. These phrases describe the wire gauge of the cord. Although most heavy-duty extension cords tend to be outside-rated, the gauge of the wire determines whether the cord may be utilized for heavy-duty or continuous use, such as with power tools, computers, heaters, etc. The numbers on gauges can be perplexing. 
The actual gauge of the rope is less the higher the gauge number. American Wire Gauge (AWG) AWG 16, AWG 14, AWG 12, AWG 10, and AWG 8 are the most popular gauges. The thicker the wire or bundle of wires, the lower the number and the more watts you may anticipate to power through it. Therefore, a 10–12-gauge cord would be more powerful than a 16–gauge cord, which would be lighter and normally utilized for tasks requiring less energy.

## 3.The Flexibility of Your Cord


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fu2p1yndxcpddwmed5z9.jpg)

The cord's flexibility is yet another crucial aspect to take into account. The flexibility of different extension cables varies depending on the temperature. These sorts will be simpler to spread, coil, and store. Additionally, it is easier to utilize, particularly if you need to manage a tiny space. Not all of these are obvious from a packed extension cord. As a result, you must purchase cords designed for colder climates. This information needs to be printed on the box of all cables. If forced to decide, always choose an extension cord with a temperature rating below freezing.

## 4.Extension Cord Thickness

The thickness of the wires inside an extension cable, in addition to its length, determines how much power it can safely transport. More power may travel farther on thicker wires. Any cord purchased from a big-box retailer should be able to run low-power devices like lights, battery chargers, and stereos. However, the bare minimum won't cut it if you want to operate power tools like drills, saws, or wet/dry vacs securely and at maximum power.
In the US, cord thickness is typically expressed in gauge or AWG. Smaller wires result from larger numbers, which reduces the amount of power that can be carried. The thinnest cord we advise using is 14 AWG, but only for lengths of 25 feet or less; an extension cable's thickest gauge is probably 10 AWG, which is substantially thicker. When choosing the best cord, look for the figures in the table above.

**Chose the Cords That Can Handle 15 Amps**

If the relationship between length and cord thickness is unclear to you, at the very least, check the packaging for the amperage rating. Avoid using indoor/outdoor extension cords rated 10 A or 13 A. Get one that is rated at least 15 A instead. If the cord's maximum amperage is not specified, you should not use it. Any household item or appliance can be plugged in this manner, and 15 A breakers or fuses—the kind you'll find in most residential electrical panels—will turn the power off before the cord is stretched above its capacity.
You don't need to be concerned about voltage ratings for residential use. Most cords will be designated for 125 V or 130 V to correspond with the household voltage in the US. To meet criteria for workplace safety, contractor cords intended for working sites may have a rating of up to 300 V. Although these cables may be a little more durable if you're not a professional, there's no need to spend more money on them.

## 5.Do Not Select Indoor/Outdoor Cords with Multi-Outlet Ends

Purchasing an extension wire with more outlets is a good idea. However, these wires are prone to overheating. There are better choices than they if you plan to utilize power tools, equipment, and other items at home for light labor. Avoid using the banana tap and opt for outlet cords, particularly outside ones.

## Final Thought

There are many different types, brands, and constructions of electrical extension cords. You must take into account two variables in order to select the best type for your household. The first is the maximum load that you anticipate your cord can support. Consequently, you must consider how it transmits electrical current. And by examining the wire gauge and length, you can ensure an extension cord satisfies these two requirements. The amount of current your extension cord carries, and the heat produced is determined by the wire gauge, which is the same as the wire diameter.