How to choose outdoor extension cords?

Working with mains-operated power tools and appliances can often be done outdoors. The length of the electrical cord, which is equipped with this or that tool, in most cases reaches only 1.5-2 m. And the master, moving away at such a small distance from the power source, it is difficult to perform this or that manipulation.

Outdoor extension cords can be exposed to high or low temperatures, excessive pressure, or stretching. To withstand any of these factors, outdoor extension cords are made of special materials to withstand external influences. They have a number of features.

1. The winding of the wire for the outdoor extension cord must be made of rubber. This material is able to remain flexible and not crack when exposed to both high and low temperatures, unlike PVC sheath, which hardens in the cold and is easy to break.
2. The socket and plug of such an extension cord must be made of a mixture of rubber and rubber. These materials make the parts not only frost-resistant, but also moisture-resistant, and can also withstand high amperage, for example, when working with a welding machine.
3. The marking of the cable intended for outdoor use must contain the symbol "ХЛ". This marking means that such an extension cord can be used at air temperatures up to -40 ° C. An insulating seal must be present at the junction of the wire with the socket and plug.

Each type of outdoor power strip consists of an outlet, an electrical cord, one or more sockets. But despite the identity of the design, all extension cords intended for outdoor use can be divided into several types.

1. Portable. They are lightweight and can be carried from place to place depending on the working conditions.
2. Stationary. These models of extensions are designed to be fixed in one place without the possibility of frequent movement.
3. Non-collapsible. All parts of such an extension cord are manufactured as a single system. The device of non-separable extension cords allows for a higher protection against moisture or damage.
4. With a collapsible body. The advantage of such extension cords is the ability to replace one or more damaged parts. The device is easy to assemble and repair.
5. Waterproof. The outer wrapping of these carriers is made of high-density rubber. The joints between the socket and the cord are sealed with a moisture resistant sealant.
6. Frost resistant. The outer cover of this type of extension is made from a mixture of rubber and rubber. The mixture of these materials is able to withstand the effects of low temperatures, without bending or breaking when working in low temperatures.
7. Household. The length of cables for household use does not exceed 10 meters, the cross-section of wires is not more than 1.5 square meters. mm.
8. Professional. These extension cords have a reel-to-reel design with a robust armored cable that can be up to 60 meters in length. Used to supply current to a power tool.

You can purchase a carrier with protection against external factors in any specialty store. Before buying an outdoor cable, there are a number of parameters to consider.The presence or absence of any characteristics depends on the individual characteristics and conditions of the upcoming use. The important criteria for choosing a street extension cord include several points.

1. Number of socket outlets. This indicator depends on how many tools are to be used at the same time. It is better if the extension cord has at least 3 of these sockets.
2. The cross-sectional thickness of the electric wire must be at least 1.5 sq. mm. This wire thickness will protect the cable from high voltage and help maintain the integrity of the winding.
3. Length of cable. Preference should be given to the model where the wire length is 2-3 meters longer than the distance from the power source to the location of the power tool.