Sometimes when we buy an electronic device, we find a trouble with its cable such as it is too short, for example the vacuum cleaner. We cannot move it to anywhere if we only rely on the original cable. It also happens in the fan. Sometimes we want to enjoy the breeze of the air when we are reading a book in the living room but the cable is too short to move.
Some electrical devices do not have a long cable and it makes it cannot reach the electrical outlet in our house. If this happens, the homeowner must find the extension cable to connect and power the device. Do not ever underestimate the extension cable by choosing the random unknown product. Here are several tips to help you choose the best power extension cable which is safe to be used.
Things You Should Know When buying the extension cable
• Know The Place
When you buy an extension cable for your device, you should know about the place where it will be placed, for example: will it be placed in outdoor or indoor? Do not ever put the indoor extension cable in outside your house since the wire can be damage and risk the safety for your family. The indoor and outdoor extension cable is different to each other. The indoor extension cable is usually made from rubber, vinyl or plastic so it is suitable to face the extreme weather change.
The outdoor power extension cable is made from tougher insulation, which can stand from weather, UV rays, moisture and chemical so it will not damage easily in the term of use.
• The Usage
When you buy an extension cable, define what it is for first, for example if you work with a high voltage tools and often meet the weather change, the rugged cords extension cable. The extension cable jacket types are described in specific chart that you can read on the label of the extension cable package, or you can ask the seller
• The Electrical Requirement
This is important information when you are buying the extension cable for your needs. Make sure that you check the electrical requirements such as distance, wattage rating and gauge.
First we will talk about the gauge. Gauge and distance is related because the thicker the gauge. The longer the distance it can carry. To find out how thick the gauge is, you can find out from the number, the thicker the wire, the lower the number is. Or, you can see from the diameter of the conducting wire inside the cable. The larger diameter of wire can deliver bigger voltage
Next is the wattage rate. If you only use one power extension cable to give power for multiple devices all at once, make a calculation of the total electrical voltage first. The total amount should not bigger than the capability of the extension cable itself. If it is ignored, over heating may occur and lead to the fire.
• The length of the cable
You should remember that the longer the cable, the lower the electricity power can be delivered.