An extension cord, also known as an extension cable, power extender, drop cord, or extension lead (UK), is a flexible electrical cable designed to extend the reach of a power outlet. It consists of three main components:

• Plug: A male plug on one end that fits into a standard wall outlet (receptacle).
• Cable: A length of flexible electrical cable that conducts electricity. The cable’s thickness and length determine its amperage (current) rating and maximum power handling capacity.
• Socket(s): One or more female receptacles on the other end, allowing you to connect multiple electrical devices.

Key Characteristics:

• Portable Power Extension: Extension cords provide a temporary solution to extend the reach of a power outlet, allowing you to use electrical devices further away from a wall outlet.
• Variety of Lengths and Ratings: Extension cords come in various lengths to suit different needs and are rated for specific amperages to ensure safe operation within their capacity.
• Temporary Use: While extension cords can be convenient, they are not meant for permanent electrical installations. Overusing or overloading extension cords can pose safety hazards.
• Safety Features: Some extension cords may include built-in safety features like surge protectors or circuit breakers to offer additional protection against electrical surges or overloading.

Types of Extension Cords:

• Standard Extension Cords: These are the most common type, with a single plug on one end and one or more outlets on the other.
• Heavy-Duty Extension Cords: Designed for appliances with higher power consumption, these cords have thicker cables and higher amperage ratings.
• Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cords: Weatherproof extension cords are suitable for outdoor use, protected against moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Power Strips: These extension cords have multiple outlets along their length, allowing you to connect several devices simultaneously.

Safe Use of Extension Cords:

• Match the amperage rating: Ensure the extension cord’s amperage rating is sufficient for the device you intend to connect.
• Avoid overloading: Do not plug in too many devices or exceed the cord’s amperage rating. This can cause overheating and fire hazards.
• Inspect for damage: Regularly check for damage to the cord’s insulation or plugs. Damaged cords should be discarded and replaced to avoid electrical hazards.
• Uncoil the cord: Avoid using extension cords in a coiled state, as this can trap heat and increase the risk of overheating.
• Temporary use only: Extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring. Consider installing additional outlets if needed for long-term use.

Alternatives to Extension Cords:

• Relocating outlets: If feasible, consider installing additional outlets closer to where you need them to avoid relying on extension cords.
• Surge protectors: For valuable electronics, using a surge protector with your extension cord provides added protection against electrical surges.
• Rechargeable batteries: If possible, opting for devices with rechargeable batteries can eliminate the need for extension cords altogether.

By using extension cords safely and responsibly, you can extend the reach of your outlets and power your devices conveniently. However, remember they are a temporary solution, and permanent electrical solutions might be necessary for long-term needs.

Extension Cord (Wikipedia)

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An extension cord (US), extension cable, power extender, drop cord, or extension lead (UK) is a length of flexible electrical power cable (flex) with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other end (usually of the same type as the plug). The term usually refers to mains (household AC) extensions but is also used to refer to extensions for other types of cabling. If the plug and power outlet are of different types, the term "adapter cord" may be used. Most extension cords range from around 2 to 30 feet (0.61 to 9.14 m) in length although they are made up to 300 feet (91.44 m) in length.

The term "extension cord" has been in use since at least 1925.

Extension cords come in various colors, lengths, thicknesses and service duties. In general, the more power needed by the appliance, the thicker the cord needs to be (meaning larger wires inside). Cords which will be used outdoors, in wet areas, around oils, or exposed to sunlight for long periods of time should be selected for such specific conditions. An extension reel is an extension lead that rolls up, usually into the socket end, which in some cases has more than one socket on it (often 2 or 4). Another type of extension reel hangs near the plug end and permits the user to draw the cord out by grasping the socket end.

Some extension cords also incorporate safety features such as a polarized plug and receptacle, grounded terminals, a "power-on" indicator, a fusible link, or even a residual-current device (also known as a ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI).

Some cords contain multiple female connectors in close proximity of one another; others have female connectors spaced along the length of the cord. Cords generally contain either grounded or ungrounded connectors. While a grounded male connector can be forced into an ungrounded female socket, this is unsafe.