Heavy Duty vs Basic: Choosing the Right Extension Cord

 

Extension cords have made life much more convenient, for homeowners, for contractors and for the weekend warrior looking to work on home improvement projects. Extension cords are not typically something people spend a lot of time researching, other than looking for the best price. However there are considerations for safety and performance. Our goal is to not only provide quality at the best price, but also to be an informational resource to keep you safe and give you maximum performance.

With that in mind, you should know there are many types of extension cords available today and many of them vary in length. Some extension cords may even include lighting in order to be more visible, such as Pro Glo extension cords. In some cases, you may only need 15 feet. In other cases, you may need 100 feet of additional cord. Although the length of the extension cord that you choose is important, the gauge is a vital factor to consider as well. The gauge will help you determine which extension cord is best to use for the task at hand. Extension cords for heavy duty jobs are different than your average lightweight extension cord.

When choosing the length and the gauge of the extension cord, your main concern will be what you will be using the extension cord for. In most cases, it makes sense for homeowners to have multiple cords to meet the various different needs. Contractors definitely need a variety in their truck to safely be able to complete any task on the job.

If you need an extension cord for a small appliance, such as an alarm clock, a basic extension cord will be suitable. On the other hand, if you need to supply power to a power saw, you will probably want to choose a heavy duty extension cord. For outdoor purposes, a heavily insulated cord will be the best option, such as extension cords heavy duty. If you need to plug in several devices in one location there are several options. Depending on the distance from the power source, n extension cord with a “Triple Tap” or 3-Way connector will certainly be a wise investment. For shorter distances, or if more than three outlets are required, a power strip or surge protector will allow you to plug in several different devices at one time.

In general, a basic household extension cord has a standard gauge, is double -wired and can often be found in brown, white or green. A basic extension cord is best used for small appliances, alarm clocks and other nonessential electronics. The lengths of a basic extension cord will range between 6 to 100 feet; however, the length is not the only factor to consider. Although the length may be suitable for the device you are using the extension cord for, it may not necessarily mean that it is the right type of extension cord. For example, basic extension cords are not recommended to use with devices that use significant amounts of voltage, such as a power tool or space heater. If you need an extension cord that can be used outdoors, you will want a heavy duty power cord that has a heavy gauge. Despite the fact that a majority of extension cords look similar, it is usually not the best idea to grab whatever extension cord you see first, especially if you require heavy duty extension cords. Quality is an extremely important factor when it comes to purchasing an extension cord as it could affect the overall lifespan and safety of the cord itself.

Many heavy duty extension cords are specially designed for outdoor use and can be used safely. Find yours today here at Bad Ass Extension Cords and see why our customers stick with us for their power needs. From printed extension cords to an array of heavy duty cords, we’ve got you covered.

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