Outdoor extension cords can be a lifesaver when working on a project in your yard. These electrical components help supply power to equipment that must be used several feet away from the nearest electrical outlet.
Whether you’re seeking to mow the lawn, host a barbecue party, or light up your Christmas tree, you can trust an outdoor extension cord to deliver.
Besides the home setting, outdoor power extenders are a crucial investment in workplaces. They’re notably used in construction sites and major industrial centers to connect various equipment to electricity.
In this post, we highlight the various ways an outdoor extension cord may improve your convenience and safety.
Unpacking Extension Cords
Before we examine how extension cords improve comfort and safety, it’s important to draw a clear distinction between these electrical components and related attachments.
Extension cords are electrical accessories used to extend the reach of electricity from nearby wall outlets to equipment that needs to be powered. The cables are typically longer than regular electrical wires, with sizes often starting from ten feet.
Extension cords fall into two distinct categories, depending on their intended use environments. They include indoor and outdoor extension cords.
Outdoor cables feature unique specifications that enable them to brave harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat and cold, high ambient moisture, oil spills, and physical abrasions.
Extension cords may also be classified based on the anatomy of their conductors and plugs. One such cable is the 5-15P, which is a NEMA-rated standard wire featuring a three-pronged plug.
Common in North America, 5- 15P cables are meant to handle up to 125 volts and 15 amperes. The designation ‘P’ implies that it’s a male “plug” and corresponds with 5- 15R, which signifies a “receptacle.”
Extension Cords versus Power Cords versus Power Strips
Many people confuse extension cords with power cords and power strips. However, these are all distinct electrical attachments.
Power cords are cables designed to connect a single electrical appliance to a wall outlet. Most devices come with their power cords, although the cables are replaceable.
Unlike extension cords, which can be up to 150 feet long, power cords typically measure around three feet. Therefore, the connected appliance must be positioned close enough to the wall outlet.
Meanwhile, power strips are blocks of electrical devices featuring multiple sockets for connecting multiple appliances simultaneously.
Power strips are slightly longer than power cords but way shorter than extension cords.
How Do Outdoor Extension Cords Improve Comfort?
1. Extending the Reach of Electricity
Extension cords are designed to power electrical appliances that cannot be used or placed closer to the nearest electrical outlets.
Outdoor extension cords can be resourceful when you need to run your electric lawnmower, water pump, or reciprocating saw, but the nearest outlet is located several feet away.
These cables may also come in handy during festive seasons like Christmas, enabling you to transform your yard into a colorful spectacle.
With an outdoor extension cord, you don’t need to move bulky appliances closer to a power outlet. This helps minimize undue damage to the equipment.
2. Flexibility in Size
Outdoor extension cords come in varying lengths. You get to choose a size depending on the distance that needs bridging.
Let’s say your lawn’s outer perimeter is 100 feet away from the nearest power outlet. To use an electric lawnmower, you’ll require an extension cord that measures at least 105 feet.
In contrast, a shorter cable would suffice if you’re planning a barbecue party in the backyard.
With varying lengths to choose from, outdoor extension cords minimize the risks of daisy-chaining.
Daisy-chaining involves connecting multiple extension cords in a series to compensate for shorter cables. While the intention may be good, this practice can cause dangerous circuit overloads and lead to serious explosions or fires.
3. Ability to Connect Multiple Devices
There may be instances when you need to use multiple outdoor appliances simultaneously. Perhaps you wish to listen to your favorite radio show while making plunge cuts with your corded oscillating multi-tool, or your phone has suddenly run out of charge while on a construction site.
There are other scenarios where an extension cord can come in handy. Besides bringing electricity near your appliances, many extension cords feature multiple outlets for plugging several devices concurrently.
However, ensure that the connected appliances have a cumulative amperage and voltage rating that is equal to or greater than the cable rating. This is necessary to prevent circuit overloads.
How Do Outdoor Extension Cords Improve Safety?
1. Weather Resistance Capabilities
Outdoor extension cords boast excellent weather resistance. The cables are designed to withstand all harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and humidity.
Since the outdoors presents varied environmental hazards, it’s important to select an extension cord rated for your intended use of environment. Look out for the following designations on the cable’s outer jacket or packaging material;
W
W stands for weather resistance, especially regarding moisture ingress.
E
E signifies elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). TPE is commonly used on outdoor extension jackets for its exceptional flexibility, making it ideal for cold weather. The material is also incredibly resistant to abrasion.
O
O denotes oil resistance. Insist on extension cords bearing two “Os,” indicating that both the insulation and jacket are oil-resistant.
2. Proper Insulation
Outdoor extension cords often feature heavy-duty insulation to shield the conductors from damage caused by physical abrasion and harsh environmental factors. With thicker insulation, you can use the cables on rough terrain without worrying about fraying.
As mentioned, prioritize outdoor extension cords made from thermoplastic elastomers.
Besides its flexibility and anti-abrasive properties, TPE is also resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Studies have shown that the material can withstand harsh UV radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and moisture ingress. It’s also nearly as robust as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), another popular extension cord material best known for its sheer strength and flame-retardant abilities.
3. Minimal Electrical Hazards
Nearly all outdoor extension cords come equipped with GFCI and surge protection.
Short for ground fault circuit interrupter, GFCI extension cords automatically disconnect the power supply through a circuit when they pick up a ground fault.
Ground faults occur when electrical current diverts from the intended path, typically flowing towards a person or the ground. It’s usually due to moisture intrusion, faulty connections, or damaged insulation.
Meanwhile, surge protection shields appliances from voltage spikes.
Final Word
To unlock the benefits of outdoor extension cords, it’s essential to invest in a quality cable.
Insist on a NEMA-rated extension cord designed for the outdoors. Besides, ensure the wire is matched for the same amperage, voltage, and wattage ratings as the device you plan to use with it. Don’t forget to select an extension cord built with safety features like GFCI and surge protection.
