| Using an extension cord can make the function of | | | | you simply plan to plug in a lamp or a radio, then |
| a space much more convenient, and when you | | | | a basic, two-wire type will work fine for you. If, |
| need to place a lamp in a certain spot for your | | | | however, you are using it to work a power tool |
| room design it really comes in handy. An | | | | like a saw or a sander, then, in order to be safe, |
| extension cord can make it easy to plug your | | | | you have to use a heavy-duty extension cord. |
| electrical appliances into an outlet regardless of | | | | Another thing to remember as you ponder |
| how obscure its location is. You will have no | | | | purchasing a new extension cord is that there is a |
| difficulty reaching an electrical outlet across the | | | | huge variation in quality between them. So as you |
| room. You can find longer and shorter cords | | | | are shopping and comparing prices, check for a |
| depending on what they are designed to do, and | | | | UL listing, which ensures that it is tested to meet |
| even though most of them appear very | | | | or exceed the United Laboratories power cord |
| comparable to each other, looks can be deceptive. | | | | safety standards. One indication that a power |
| When you get a well-made one, it will function | | | | cord is heavy duty is that it has ample insulation, |
| safely and dependably for a long time. | | | | and insulation is particularly important if you plan to |
| Different Types of Extension Cords | | | | use the cord for a large piece of machinery. |
| If you are looking for an extension cord just to | | | | Another nice characteristic to look for on you |
| use around the house for lighting fixtures, radios, | | | | extension cord is the childproof block that you |
| kitchen wall clocks or small electronic items, then | | | | can use to cover any unused extension outlets. |
| the regular double-wire type will get the job done | | | | You may also wish to purchase a cord with |
| perfectly. The regular double-wire type comes in | | | | grounded terminals, polarized plugs, a power on |
| lengths up to one hundred feet. For appliances and | | | | indicator as well as surge protection. The cost of |
| electronic devices that use more voltage like | | | | your cord can range between several dollars for a |
| power tools and space heaters, the double-wire | | | | simple cord to thirty plus dollars for a very |
| cord is not sufficient. For these larger machines a | | | | durable extension cord. |
| heavier capacity extension cord is needed. This is | | | | Power Strips Increase Flexibility |
| the type of cord that is frequently associated | | | | To begin with using an extension cord is a great |
| with outdoor use. They are usually brightly | | | | way to give yourself some design options as you |
| colored, either yellow or orange, which makes | | | | are placing electrical equipment in a room, it is also |
| them conspicuous. Being easily seen is a huge | | | | an effective way to add to the number of |
| benefit when you use one for yard work or | | | | electrical outlets present in a room. This is when, |
| when a construction professional uses one on a | | | | instead of utilizing a basic extension cord, you will |
| construction project. Since the third wire is not | | | | probably wish to use a power strip. Using a power |
| grounded in a three-wire version, make sure that | | | | strip allows a single outlet to become as many as |
| you always plug it into a grounded outlet. | | | | eight outlets, and it will give you surge protection |
| Picking the Best Cord | | | | at the same time. A good, power strip will set |
| Next time you are in the market for an extension | | | | you back anywhere from ten to thirty dollars. |
| cord, think about how you expect to use it. If | | | | |