Using Electrical Equipment Safely With Indoor Plug-In Custom Extension Cords
Using Electrical Equipment Safely
The right power cords can make all the difference in keeping your equipment running smoothly and safely. However, a faulty cord can result in electrical hazards like fires and electrocutions. Whether you're installing holiday lights, or plugging in a tool, it's important to use the right extension cord for your purpose.
Length and Gauge: The wire length of an indoor plug-in custom
extension cord plays a big role in determining the amount of current it can handle. Appliances with higher amperage ratings need thicker wires to power them, whereas tools that don't require high amperage may be fine on shorter extensions.
SPT Rating: A SPT rating is a measure of how strong a wire is. A short, thin wire with a low SPT rating will struggle to power up your appliances and can cause them to overheat. A longer, thicker wire with a high SPT rating will be able to power your appliances without breaking a sweat.
How to Select the Right Indoor Plug-in Custom Extension Cord
The best way to determine which length and gauge is right for your needs is to test out the cord at home before buying it. You can do this by removing one end of the cable, and holding it up to a light bulb.