How to Choose a Power Extension Cord?

A power strip is required to connect high-power devices in situations where you cannot use household outlets directly. The convenience of such a cable lies in its long length - it can be used to carry out repair work at a remote distance from the outlet, for example, in the yard, on a personal plot.

The power strip on the reel has a cable, plug and sockets. Moreover, the sockets here are more reinforced than those of ordinary household extension cords.

A power cable has three important characteristics that differentiate it from a regular household power strip.

1. Power. The cable can withstand the power of the connected devices up to 3 kW.
2. Length. An extension cord wound on a spool can be up to 50 meters long.
3. Reliability. Has a double insulation system that protects against external factors and risks of electric shock.

The use of a power extension cord is necessary in the following cases.

• During repair or construction work to connect non-standard equipment: compressor, concrete mixer, and so on.
• When performing the function of a node for connecting other electric carriers.

The brand of the cable used for the extension cord divides the models into types designed to solve different problems.

According to manufacturers, extension cords with PVA cable can operate at temperatures from -20 to +40 degrees. However, in severe frost, it is better not to use the products, as they become tanned and lose their flexibility. But they have good resistance to hot weather conditions. The service life under frequent load is more than 6 years.

Extension cords with PRS cable are designed for extreme temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees. Endowed with good performance properties. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Service life - over 6 years.

Extension cords with a KG cable are designed for field work in hot conditions. Withstand ambient temperatures up to +50 degrees. Under intense stress, they can last up to 4 years.

Extension cords with the type of cable KGN do not like to stay in direct sunlight for a long time, although they can withstand ambient temperatures up to +50 degrees. They have excellent protection against external mechanical influences: sparks or chemicals.

When choosing a power extension cord, you should pay attention to several criteria.

• Length. To determine this parameter, you need to know where it will be used. You will have to take into account the bends of the relief, vegetation, structures that come across on the way to the place of work, that is, you need to calculate the footage with a margin.
• Sockets. When choosing an extension cord, you need to decide on the number of outlets, taking into account how many devices will be connected to it at the same time. You should also pay attention to the type of nests - open or closed.
• Cable. The choice of an extension cord by the type of cable (PRS, KGN or other) depends on the conditions of its use.
• Section. The power for which the extension is calculated depends on the size of the section. For example, for street lighting or household equipment, a cross section of 0.75 mm (at 2200 watts) is suitable. And to connect more powerful building units, you will need a 2.5 mm section, which can take a load of up to 3500 watts. It is better to make the choice with a margin.
• Coils. They are metal, plastic, you can purchase an extension cord in the bay. The latter option is suitable for products whose length is less than 30 m. It is advisable to choose a coil on a metal base. Make sure that unwinding the cable is not a problem.

In addition to the main selection criteria, you can pay attention to additional points:

• it is more convenient to use an extension cord if it contains a switch on its body;
• the presence of a fuse will protect household equipment and electrical wiring at the time of an emergency;
• to be sure of good quality, you should pay attention to branded products.

When using the power cable, certain rules must be followed.

1. Before connecting the extension cord to the outlet, you should carefully inspect it, make sure that the insulation layer is intact, and that all components are in order.
2. Avoid loading more than stated by the manufacturer.
3. Try not to bend the wire, crush it, or tie it in a knot.
4. Do not lay the cable on thresholds, under carpets (i.e. where people might step on it).
5. It is important to avoid getting moisture on the outlets.

With the right choice and use, the power extension cable will last a long time without problems.

How to choose a power extension cord, see below.