Picture a world without extension cords for a moment!
Every electrical appliance would need to be positioned within considerable proximity to power outlets to remain connected to electricity. That means a standard room in a modern home or office would have to be installed with multiple wall sockets, which unfortunately comes with a hefty price tag. Even worse, most outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws, would be nearly impossible to run on electricity.
Many technological equipment cannot operate conveniently without extension cables. Read below as we uncover these electrical components and highlight their critical role in modern technology.
What Is An Extension Cord?
An heavy duty extension cord is a length of flexible electrical power cable featuring a plug on one end and one or several sockets on the other end. This electrical component goes by many other monikers, such as an extension cable/wire/lead, drop cord, and power extender.
The plugs used in most extension cords are typically of the same type as their sockets. Therefore, a drop cord with a three-pronged plug on one end would ordinarily have a three-holed socket on its other end.
Power extenders are also designed to fit into compatible sockets (two-pronged plugs into two-holed receptacles and three-pronged plugs into three-holed sockets). In instances where a drop cord’s plugs are incompatible with the receptacle, an adapter cord may be used to bridge the gap.
An extension cord is among the most resourceful electrical components in many modern homes and workplaces. These cables are crucial in delivering electric current to electrical appliances or devices whose power cords may not extend to the nearest wall sockets.
How Do Extension Cords Differ From Power Cords?
Extension cords are commonly confused with power cords. But despite their similarly sounding names, these electrical terms are fundamentally different.
As hinted, an extension cord is a length of electrical power cable designed to bridge the gap between an electrical appliance and the nearest receptacle or wall socket. They differ from power cords, typically used to connect electrical devices to a power source.
Since extension cords extend the reach of a power outlet, the cables can be reasonably long (up to 100 feet). In comparison, most power cords average 6 – 10 feet long.
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What Is The Impact Of Extension Cords On Technology?
Extension cords have made it remarkably easy to power multiple home appliances without necessarily inching them closer to the wall sockets. All you need to do is purchase a cable rated for the current consumption needs of the equipment you intend to connect to.
When buying an extension cord for your home, the primary focus should be the gauge rating.
Gauge measures the thickness or diameter of the conductors in electrical cables. Thicker conductors, whose gauge ratings are typically denoted by smaller numbers, handle current more effectively than their thinner counterparts.
Drop cords for home usage are commonly available in 12-, 14-, and 16-gauge ratings.
12-gauge cords have thicker diameters, making them suitable for connecting heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and water heaters. Comparatively, 16-gauge wires are thinner and designed for lighter-duty applications, such as lighting.
14-gauge wires are medium-duty and can power most home electronic equipment.
An extension cord’s gauge ratings further impact its amperage, voltage, and wattage.
Amperage refers to the flow of electrons through an electric circuit per unit of time, while voltage measures the force by which such electrons travel within a circuit. Wattage is the product of amperage and voltage.
Establish that the power extender you’re about to purchase has a similar or higher voltage, amperage, or wattage rating as the device you intend to use it with.
There are several other factors to consider when shopping for an extension cord for your home. They include cable length, number of prongs, intended use environment, and available safety features.
Despite their widespread usage in modern homes, the impact of extension cords goes beyond residential applications. Below are noteworthy places where these cables have proven remarkably resourceful;
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1. Offices
Extension cords have since become a common sight in the modern office, allowing employees to connect multiple appliances simultaneously.
Power extenders are particularly resourceful in highly computerized offices, such as data centers and cybercafés.
A single cable can effectively power several PCs, fostering an organized office layout and enhancing workplace productivity.
2. Industrial Centers
It’s challenging to find an industry entirely unreliant on electrical energy.
Whether an industrial center depends on electricity or solar energy, it will require drop cords to extend the reach of electrical energy to various equipment.
With extension cords, manufacturing plants can power different electrical machines simultaneously, ramping their production output.
3. Construction Sites
Building and construction is another noteworthy sector that relies heavily on extension cords. This industry has particularly benefited from long power extenders.
Remember that extension cords can be up to 100 feet long. Such cables provide a wider range of usage, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Building contractors no longer have to be confined within proximity to the only available power outlets. All they need to do is invest in a proper cable length.
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Final Word
The significance of extension cords in the modern technological era cannot be overstated. As a parting shot, it’s important to remember that the efficacy of power extenders depends both on their quality and proper usage. Besides investing in a premium drop cord, use the cable following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
