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How to choose the right extension cable
Many homeowners don't think about extension cords until they need them. Unfortunately, in the rush of need, many may choose the wrong wires for their needs and jeopardize their safety, not to mention the risk of their appliances being damaged in the process. So, how can they be sure they're getting the right extension cords, and how can they tell if those cords are effective and safe?Here are some tips to guide homeowners who want to save themselves the stress of choosing great extension cords.

1. Always purchase a longer cord than you need.

Whether you're buying a 12-gauge extension cord or another type of extension cord, you need to remember that length matters. It's always a good idea to choose a longer cord than you need. This gives you the opportunity to play around with any adjustments you may need without sacrificing the actual length you need. It's always better to have an extra wire than to have a shorter wire that won't get you where you want to go in the first place.

In addition to the convenience of a long extension cord, it is also safer because there is less resistance. Typically, when you connect several cables to get to the right place, there tends to be higher resistance. Such a process minimizes efficiency and can end up being a bigger problem. If cost is your motivation for picking a shorter extension cable, be aware that if you have to grab a few shorter sections to make up the length you need, it's not going to be cheap in the long run.

2. Do you want to use more power?

Well, there are a few things that happen whenever you decide to choose a wire. Besides the length, there is the issue of the power of the appliances you will be using. If you are dealing with high-power devices, it is advisable that you choose thicker wires. These wires can safely carry more power without putting a strain on your system. Therefore, https://www.servinails.com/product/100-ft-50-amp-rv-extension-cord-with-finger-holder/ should always consider the use of power when choosing an extension cord.

Small household appliances, such as stereos, cell phone battery chargers, and other household items, can use standard cords. However, when using high-powered gadgets such as drills, dry and wet vacuum cleaners, and chainsaws, make sure you have a suitable extension cord to support the power source. Finally, ask an expert for the recommended wire gauge for the appliance or use you intend to apply. A major consideration is to check the numbers. The larger the number, the thinner the thickness/gauge of the cord and the less power it will carry. If the relationship between length and thickness confuses you, be sure to consult with an expert to choose the right one for you.

3. Weather concerns

Extension cords and the weather

You may also want to know that some extension cords are designed to work best in certain weather conditions. For example, those cables that work in cold weather are usually more flexible and perform well in lower temperatures. This makes it easy to stretch them over your work surface and roll them up for safe and proper storage.

With this in mind, you should permanently remove extension cords from their packaging before you buy them. Also, check that the material is made for lower temperature use, especially those with a temperature gauge below the freezing point.

4. Where do you want to use it?

You need to realize that your intended use will guide your decision to select an extension cord. The wire used indoors will certainly be different from the wire used outdoors. Instead of thick and long cords, you're looking for something that will easily fit your low-powered appliances, such as cell phone chargers, desk lamps, and perhaps your wireless speakers.

This indoor extension cord will most likely not overwhelm the primary indoor extension cord. However, you may want to consider building codes before choosing an indoor cable. If there are specified specifications, then you must stay within the set regulations.

There is a good chance that this indoor extension cable will not be crushed even with a primary indoor extension cable. However, you may want to consider the building code before choosing an indoor cable. If there are specified specifications, then you must be within the set regulations.

Set to 14 gauge or 12 gauge-what you must know

Now that you have a general idea of what to expect or look for when choosing an extension cord, you need to decide which of the most popular gauges will work in different situations. 14 and 12 gauge extension cords are among the most commonly used types of cords. While there are different gauges, including 16 gauge and 10 gauge, 12 gauge and 14 gauge are the most common. However, they carry different amounts of power depending on the length of the wire in question. For example, for lengths of 25–50 feet, 14-gauge wire would be ideal for 14–15 amps, while 12-gauge wire would be suitable for 16–20 amps.

For 100 feet, 14 gauge wire is good for 11–13 amps, while 12 gauge wire is best for 14–15 amps. If you have 150 feet of wire, 14 gauge wire is best for 1–7 amps, while 12 gauge wire will support 8–10 amps. This shows that the length of the extension cord also plays a role in how much power it safely helps.

Whenever you purchase an extension cord, be sure to understand the load it carries, depending on the length of the extension cord. This will help you avoid overloading the extension cord and causing any harm to your appliances or yourself. The last thing anyone needs is to create an electrical fault, which can be more dangerous than good.

So, what should you choose?

Based on the information provided above, it's easy to see that the choice of extension cords depends on your own needs. You will be guided to the length and power load that the cor can support. The most important things to consider are thickness and length. 12 gauge wire is thicker than 14 gauge wire.

Note that the 12 gauge steel plate is 0.1084 inches thick, while the 14 gauge metal plate is 0.0785 inches thick. This is because the 14 gauge frame has 212" x 212" steel tubing while the other is 214" x 214". However, they are both safe for buildings, including commercial buildings, workshops, and even garages. It's best to work with a good technician to understand what's best for you.

Final Thoughts

Choosing extension cords is not a challenging task. One must understand the relationship between the thickness and length of the wire in order to make the right choice.
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