How Do You Secure an Outdoor Extension Cord?

Extension cords are extremely useful items, and they can be your best companion when it comes to ensuring all your appliances work correctly. However, if you want to make the maximum out of your extension cord, you need to use it properly, especially if you plan on using it outdoors.

These cables come in various sizes, amperage ratings, and wire gauges. That makes them incredibly versatile, but only if you choose the right type for your requirements.

In this article, we are focusing on using an extension cord outdoors. These are somewhat specific because you need to secure them adequately. Take a look at five essential tips to keep things safe when using your cords outdoors!

Limit Its Use to a Single Appliance

The beauty of power cords lies in the fact that they can get electricity almost anywhere. We are not only talking about your home, but also your backyard and other outdoor spaces.

However, these cables need to be used cautiously outdoors. For starters, it is vital to limit the use of a single appliance per cord. It is the best way of ensuring that you won’t overload the cable, which may be a fire hazard. Furthermore, professional firefighters frequently warn about the dangers of misusing power cords.

If you use an extension cord with switch, you can choose when you want the power to reach your appliance. That can be convenient for outdoor grills, and other products you don’t use constantly. Not only that these take safety to the next level, but they can also reduce your utility bills. That means you will save in the process!

It’s Not Smart to Attach Multiple Cords

The length of your power extension cord suited you when you bought it. However, you would now like to get an additional ten feet to reach the other end of the patio. It may seem like a smart idea to connect two cables, but that will increase the risk of mishaps.

If you are having a short power issue, you may consider using multiple cords. But it is vital to avoid using this option as a long-term choice. It increases the fire hazard since it may decrease the actual capability of your cord.

That is why the experts recommend buying a longer cord than your current one. You can get it at an affordable cost, and you can’t put a price on your safety.

Picking the Right Length

Here is the first and simplest thing that you should determine – the length of your cord. For starters, choose the designated outdoor area for the product you want electricity for, and confirm that is the location where you will place it.

Next, measure the distance from that position to the power outlet. Give it a couple of extra feet so that the cord won’t be too tight as that may cause problems, too. The good news is that you can choose between lengths from one to 100 feet or more.

You will now have the length of the cord, and now you should confirm the right voltage supply. Make sure to pick the correct option between a 120V and 240V extension cord, and that will only depend on from the country you are residing in at the moment.

It may be interesting to check out a flat plug extension cord. It is a convenient option as it looks aesthetically pleasing while being a real space saver.

Steer Clear of Overloading

It sounds logical, and you are probably aware that you shouldn’t overload your power cord. But to ensure you avoid overloading, you need to know more about the characteristics of your unit.

These cords can vary in wattage and amperage they can handle. A single thing determines both these characteristics, which means your top priority is assessing the wire gauge.

You should consider the maximum potential amperage and wattage that you might use with your unit. We already mentioned that you should only use a single appliance, even if you choose a 30 Amp extension cord or stronger.

However, the chances are you will plug different appliances in your cord. That is why you need to consider the capacity the strongest appliance requires. You can find this information on the label of any product, or in the instruction manual.

As for the wire gauge, a #18 will support 600W and 5 Amps, which should be enough for a jigsaw or a drill. However, if you need to use a more powerful tool, such as a table saw, you might go up to 1.900W and 16Amps supported by the #12 wire gauge. You can find an extension cord gauge chart online, and it may make it easier to understand the capabilities of power cords.

Make Sure the Cords Don’t Get Wet

Water might be the biggest enemy of power cords. That is why it is imperative to keep the cables dry, or it may cause a short circuit. That can destroy the cord, but it can also be a safety hazard. If you want to keep an outdoor cord safe, you should keep it dry.

If you don’t use cords often, you can store them inside, and only use them outdoors in dry conditions. An extension cord with switch will minimize the risk of problems even if it starts raining suddenly. But what if you need a permanent solution?

In that case, you want to protect your cord by adding a cover to it. Here is a quick guide on how to place a cover for an outdoor power cable:

• You want to use a plastic container as a “dry box.”
• Place it on the ground and drill holes next to each end. You want the cord to fit, but as tightly as possible because water should remain outside.
• Cut the holes and insert the plug by spreading the container apart. Add the top back on, and you have a DIY protective cover for your cord!

Conclusion

An extension cord is an incredibly useful and versatile product. You can use them in your home and outdoors, and that takes convenience to the highest level.

As with any other product, it is vital to follow the basic guidelines when using these cords. That especially applies when using them outdoors. However, as long as you are careful, a power cord will exceed your expectations and deliver electricity right where you need it!