All About Power & Extension Cords In The Home and Business
Are you excited to use your new device but find there is no power outlet at the location you need?
Extension cords make it easier to stretch your device’s wires to their absolute limits.
Extension cords can pose dangers, especially if they are going to be used for a long time.
On Electrical Contractors electrician gives their tips on using extension cords safely in your home. Also, what dangers or risks you should be aware of.
Is it safe for an extension cord to be used?
Temporarily, you may need to use extension cords for heating or cooling.
You might also consider using extension cords in the long-term, such as in your bedroom or home office.
In this case, you might find it easier and more secure to place another power outlet right where you need it.
These sockets should be installed by licensed electricians who are qualified in domestic electrical services.
Extension cables can pose dangers, including:
- Tripping on the cord
- Chewing – just like a pet
- Safety hazards for children
- If the cord is too heavy or worn out, electrocution can occur
- Electric fires
- If you have children, it is important to follow electrical safety tips. Children are most at risk from electrical accidents.
What’s the significance of an extension cord and why is it important?
Extension and power cords can be dangerous and also reduce danger compared to the device’s attached cord.
If you have a tight power cord that runs from your vacuum to the socket, it can cause a trip hazard because the cord is stretched and possibly elevated above the ground.
This can cause the socket head to eject from the outlet when the vacuum is on, which could damage the vacuum (or any other appliance).
An extension cord allows the vacuum to reach farther in your home and reduces the chance of it tripping.
You also have more flexibility to place your electronics and devices wherever you like with extension cords.
What should I look out for when purchasing an extension cord
Extension cords should not be purchased second-hand and shouldn’t be considered cheap.
Talk to your local electricians to learn which cords to buy based on the purpose of the cord.
What happens if an extension cord is overloaded?
We live in an environment that is power-hungry.
You can use a powerboard to extend the cord for multiple devices or put it at the end of an extension cord to accomplish the same goal.
You might also use an extension cord that has multiple socket heads.
These things can lead to an overloaded circuit.
You might find that the power outlet is not in the exact location where you have your TV, gaming device or sound system. A power board can pose the same dangers to your health as an extension cord because it has a longer cord that runs a certain distance.
This is in addition to the dangers of an extension cord and the additional danger of an overloaded power socket.
These are the signs that a circuit board is overloaded.
- Overheating
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Making buzzing or humming noises
- Be warm to the touch
Sometimes more than one can occur at once, e.g. Your lights might flicker, but your socket or power board may be making an unusual hum.
You may feel the heat from your cord, socket, head or another device.
Overloaded circuits can lead to power tripping, which can have a negative impact on your house and even the houses of your neighbours.
If your power goes out due to an electrical tripping event, it can spark a spark that can ignite an electric fire.
How to correctly use a power cable
You may have noticed random letters on your extension cable. These letters are not a barcode or batch number, but codes for different cord qualities.
These are some letters that you might find on your cords and their corresponding meanings:
- W – Outdoors use
- J – The cord only has 300-volt insulation. (No J indicates that the cord has 600-volt insulation. This is better for larger devices and a powerboard.
- P – Parallel wiring used mostly indoors
- O – Indicates an oil resistant cord
- T – Made from vinyl
- E – Made from elastomer
- S – General Use
When making a decision, consider the following:
Attach a power board if you have it.
You need to connect devices permanently
If the cord can be used outside, It is best not to plug it in
Notice: A cord-marked “W” is not to be used outdoors or in inclement weather conditions unless there is an outdoor roof like a pergola.
How to hide cables and power cords safely
It’s tempting to place your extension cords underneath a table or rug, but this makes them more vulnerable to trip and fall.
You can hide electrical cables by either mounting them on a wall or covering them with cable protectors.
If the cord is in a convenient location, you can either strategically roll it behind a couch or attach it to a wall with electrical tape.
For mounting high up, hooks and clips work best.
If you are looking to store cables for future use, it is best to use the over/under method. This will prevent internal wires from fraying.
Need help with wires, cords and plugs? On Electrical Contractors is available for help today.
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Electrical Contractors in SE Queensland
Electrical contractors in Queensland offer a comprehensive range of services across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. From Electrical Safety and Compliance to Electrical Wiring for New Homes, they cater to various needs, ensuring that all properties are safely and efficiently powered.
Residential Electrical Services
- Electrical Installations
- Lighting, power points, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and appliances.
- Home Automation
- Smart home systems, lighting control, security systems, and Home Theatre Installation & Setup.
- Switchboard Upgrades
- Replacing old fuse boxes with modern switchboards featuring safety switches.
- Rewiring
- Full or partial rewiring of homes, especially older properties.
- Electrical Inspections
- Safety checks, compliance inspections, and pre-purchase inspections.
- Surge Protection
- Installation of surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices.
- Smoke Alarm Installation, Testing & Inspections
- Compliance with Queensland legislation requiring interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
- Outdoor Lighting
- Garden lighting, pool lighting, and security lighting.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
- LED lighting upgrades, solar panel installations, and energy audits.
- Fault Finding and Repairs
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues.
- Renovations and Extensions
- Electrical work for home renovations and extensions.
Commercial Electrical Services
- Commercial Lighting
- Installation of interior and exterior lighting, including LED lighting and emergency lighting.
- Data and Communications
- Cabling for internet, phone systems, and data networks.
- Electrical Fit-outs
- Electrical work for new offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties.
- Power Distribution
- Installation and maintenance of electrical panels, transformers, and power distribution systems.
- Security Systems Wiring Installation
- CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Regular maintenance and testing of electrical systems.
- Energy Management Systems
- Installation and monitoring of systems to reduce energy consumption.
- Testing and Tagging
- Compliance testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
- UPS Systems
- Installation and maintenance of uninterruptible power supply systems.
- HVAC Systems
- Electrical wiring for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Industrial Electrical Services
- Industrial Automation
- PLC programming, automation systems, and control panel installations.
- High Voltage Installations
- Installation and maintenance of high voltage systems and equipment.
- Machine Installations
- Electrical wiring and setup of industrial machinery.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Preventive and reactive maintenance for industrial electrical systems.
- Power Factor Correction
- Installation of equipment to improve power factor and reduce energy costs.
- Electrical Upgrades
- Upgrading electrical systems and infrastructure in industrial facilities.
- Instrumentation and Control
- Installation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems.
- Emergency Power Systems
- Installation and maintenance of backup generators and other solutions.
- Hazardous Area Electrical Work
- Electrical work in hazardous environments, including explosive atmospheres.
- Electrical Design and Engineering
- Custom electrical system design and engineering services.
Additional Services Across Sectors
- Electrical Cost for New Home Construction
- Electrical Contractors For Building Sites
- Electrical Wiring Services
- Electrical Repair & Fault Finding Services
- Electrical Contractors For Real Estate & Property Managers
- Electrical Preventative Maintenance For Commercial & Industrial Machinery
- Three-Phase Power Upgrades & Installation
- Hot Water System Installation & Repairs Services
- Emergency & Exit Light Testing Electrical Services
- Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Electrical Services
- Exhaust Fans & Bathroom Heating Installation Services
- Air Conditioning Services
- Electrical Appliance Installation
- Electrical Renovations & Extensions
- Electrical Safety Test Inspection
- Test and Tag Services
- Lighting Installation
- Power Point Installation, Upgrades & Replacement
- Switchboard Upgrade & Replacement
- Commercial Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Residential Electrician
- Home Automation Installations & Repairs
These services ensure that all properties, from homes to large industrial complexes, receive the highest level of electrical safety, efficiency, and innovation.