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Understanding The Superiority of Flat Extension Cords Over The Round Ones
If you're like most people, the design, layout, color, and shape of an electric appliance play a crucial role in your purchasing decision. That's the power of visual appeal. This fact isn't lost on electric manufacturers. So, they build appliances like bulb holders, sockets, switches, and extension cords to meet industry standards and pass the eye test. Talking of extension cords, most people must choose between flat and round cords.
Think back to the last time you bought an extension cord for personal or commercial use. Which shape was the cord you chose? What factors did you consider before making your choice? Why did you settle for the flat over the round, or vice versa?
For starters, your choice shouldn't only come down to personal taste. There are certain advantages a flat extension cord has over its round counterpart. This post will provide this info and more.
What Differentiates Flat From Round Extension Cords
The primary distinction between flat and round extension cords is the route electric current takes when traveling through them. Flat cables use multiple wires to transmit electrical current through the cords. On the other hand, round extension cords employ a single wire to convey currents, resulting in voltage drop over distance, which limits their performance.
Owing to this difference, flat extension cords provide more power over the same length when compared to round ones. Therefore, you'll find them more useful whether you intend to use them for light, medium, or heavy-duty appliances. You'll never have to worry about your outdoor extension cord losing power if you choose the flat ones.
But that's just a piece of the proverbial iceberg. Let's cover other advantages that separate the flat and round extensions, putting the former over the latter.
Unique Benefits of Flat Extension Cords vs. Round Extension Cords
- Occupy Less Space
Among the most practical benefits of buying a flat extension cord is its compact nature. Naturally, when you compare flat versus round shapes, you find flats occupy less space when packed together. Given their compact and narrow nature, you only need a little space to pack them. Thus, those with small apartments and tight spaces will appreciate flat extension cords.
So, if you are running out of space for extra gadgets in your room, keeping your space organized should be a priority when looking for an extension cord. And since the flat cables are easier to organize and pack, they're worth the first choice.
- Safer to Use
If you've ever stepped on a small round object, you know how easy it is to trip over objects with this shape. And this is just one of the hazards that round extension cords pose. They are also more likely to overheat due to their single-wire design.
The overheating problem is a byproduct of heat build-up after prolonged use. Meanwhile, flat cords were built to effectively withstand prolonged use by dissipating heat and transporting more current, particularly if you buy a GFCI extension cord with flat cables. If your household has pets and children running around or stepping on your cords, you should take this point seriously.
- Endure Rigorous Usage
If you bend or flex a round extension cord a lot, it can get damaged quickly. Flat cables, on the other hand, are more durable. They do so due to the many lines within them, helping to uniformly spread the force out so no area gets too stressed.
Additionally, flat extension cables have equal load sharing compared to circular ones, which further reduces the likelihood that they may cause harm to electrical devices.
- More Convenient
Another significant advantage of flat extension cables over round ones is their ease of use. This is because the wires are flat on the floor, which makes it less likely that they will loop around or get caught on something.
Additionally, they are less susceptible to warping, which eliminates the need to manually untangle them before using them.
- Cost Less
Flat extension cables have the advantage of being less expensive than their circular counterparts—the secret lies in their manufacture. Usually, flat cables are easier to produce than the round ones.
Consequently, their cost per unit is usually lower for these power strips. Therefore, a good flat extension cord costs much less than a quality round one.
- Looks Better
Don't know about you, but round extension cables are less attractive than their flat counterparts. They won't hog as much room as circular cables and offer a sleek design that's great for most modern homes.
If you want a fashionable choice to enhance the appearance of your home's interior design, then a flat extension cable is the ideal choice.
Final Words
Seeing is believing, and there you have it - all the reasons you shouldn't pass on the flat extension cord next time you shop for one. And let's face it, they look way cooler, depending on how you look at it (trendy or old-fashioned).
But purely from a functional perspective, you can't go wrong with a flat extension cord since it boasts several electrical advantages over traditional round ones. Which of these upsides do you find most convincing? Or would you like to know where to find high-quality and reliable sources for bulk extension cords? Look no further than Americord.