The male end is a standard North American two-prong plug, and the box includes a pair of EU converters. The female end is also North American standard, but the plug isn’t actually polarized. If you have a polarized plug, you won’t be able to use the cord without an adapter. While there isn’t an official amperage rating, the cord is rated for 125 volts. As a result, we assume it can handle at least 13 amps. Final Verdict Even the most modern cords are not UL-rated for permanent use. Retail stores and other businesses can actually be fined for using extension cords in a permanent installation. If you own your own home, there’s no reason you should ever have to do this. Use an extension cord temporarily when you need to. But over the long run, it makes sense to have outlets installed where you need them. That way, you don’t have to use an extension cord, and your risk of fire goes down. Unless you like the idea of your home going up in flames, installing new outlets is a no-brainer. Twelve-gauge cords are considered “heavy-duty,” and provide the power necessary for high-power items like table saws, chainsaws, and air compressors, even at longer lengths. You still get a solid 15 amps with a 100-foot cord. Extra Heavy-Duty Tools and services JPost Premium Ulpan Online JPost Newsletter Our Magazines Learn Hebrew RSS feed JPost.com Archive Digital Library Lists of Jewish holidays Law

Outdoor cords have extra insulation to withstand wear and tear, and some are designed to be used in extreme temperatures without compromising performance. Outdoor cords also tend to carry more power, and are available in longer lengths than indoor cords. Light-Duty

On the other end of the cord, there’s a fob with three three-prong outlets. This allows you to plug in devices that require a ground connection, such as PCs and laptops. The material is all white, with a rubbery finish that can withstand a bit of abuse. The standard cord is eight feet long, which is suitable for many applications. That said, there are also three- and six-foot versions available. So if you need a shorter cord, you’ll have options. To avoid these issues, it’s best to buy a cord that’s longer than you actually need. That way, it’s guaranteed to reach as far as you need it to. Not only that, but if you need to repurpose the cord, you’ll have a longer cord with more versatility. Fourteen-gauge cords are usually the most common, and are compatible with a wide range of equipment, including larger tools like router and belt sanders, as well as outdoor power equipment like lawn mowers. A 25-foot cord delivers 15 amps, going down to about 10 amps at 100 feet. Heavy-Duty If you regularly use power tools, electric landscaping equipment, or need to power an appliance from a faraway outlet, an extension cord or two comes in handy. These useful accessories extend the range of your appliances and tools, eliminating frustrating power cord length and electrical outlet limitations. As a homeowner, you probably have a lot of electrically-powered devices. You have kitchen appliances, TVs, and probably a game console or two. You need to run your work computer, as well as your tablet, and you also have to charge your phone. Point being, no matter how many power outlets there are in your house, you probably want more. This can be particularly irritating if you live in an older house, without a ton of outlets. Even if you have plenty of outlets, there’s often not an outlet where you need it. Instead, your outlet might be behind a couch, or under a table, or around the corner. In those cases, you need a good extension cord.

Before we start talking about individual cords, let’s talk about some of the basics. What exactly should you be looking for in a quality extension cord? We can’t possibly cover all the features you might need, but there are a few general guidelines you should follow. Here are three important tips for finding the right cord. Buy a Longer Cord Than You Need Extension cords are useful to have around the house, especially when faced with minimal outlets. However, many extension cords only come with one or two outlets. If you’re in need of a way to plug in multiple devices from a distance, consider the Cordinate Designer 3-Outlet Power Strip With Surge Protection. window, document, "script", "https://95662602.adoric-om.com/adoric.js", "Adoric_Script", "adoric","9cc40a7455aa779b8031bd738f77ccf1", "data-key");The longer the cord, the more electrical resistance, and the less power it’s ultimately able to deliver. If you don’t factor in the amount of voltage loss that occurs (commonly referred to as "voltage drop") when selecting an extension cord, your tool or appliance won’t receive the proper amperage, and unnecessary stress is placed on the motor. I’ve utilized countless extension cords in my career as a residential and commercial carpenter, and used that experience to help guide the decision making process for this list. I also sourced and personally tested several models that we felt would benefit from additional, hands-on review, noting how easy they were to use, any durability issues, and versatility benefits. For international customers: The center is staffed and provides answers on Sundays through Thursdays between 7AM and 14PM Israel time Toll While it’s a solid budget-friendly option for indoor use, this extension cord should not be used outdoors or with energy-intensive major appliances or power tools. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly cord for basic charging needs around the house, it’s worth consideration. In addition to being a convenient combo, the surge protector also features a space-saving design, a whopping 12 outlets, and safety covers that slide over the outlets. It even comes with clips to keep your cords organized.

Extension cords are primarily designed to connect single electrical devices to a power source, while a power strip’s main job is to provide you with multiple outlets in one area. If the cord is long enough, a power strip can technically function as an extension cord, like the Anker 521 Power Strip listed below. What do the numbers on my extension cord mean? The length of your extension cord not only indicates how far it can reach, but also how much resistance is placed on the current flowing through it.HPN: This type of extension cord is built to handle high temperatures, making them more compatible with high-temperature appliances. These 16-gauge cords have either two or three prongs, and are best suited for items that don’t require a ton of power. Two-pronged versions tend to be shorter, making them convenient to use with appliances that are located close to power outlets, like blenders or lamps. Ten-gauge extension cords deliver 20 amps, even at 100 feet. These are essential for generators and high-capacity compressors. Amperage Another concern is whether your cord supplies enough electricity to begin with. This is particularly problematic with flat cords, because thinner cords can deliver less power. A normal household outlet provides 15 amps of power. That can go up to 20 amps if you’ve got a 20-amp breaker and heavy gauge wiring. That said, most electronics don’t actually draw a full 15 amps. If they did, you could only run one device for each circuit breaker! Most PCs, for example, draw less than 4 amps of power. The only devices that draw 15 amps are power tools, space heaters, and other high-powered gadgets. We also did our best to include a good variety of options, from light-duty models to use in your bedroom or living room, to ultra-heavy-duty options for your garage or workshop. In the interest of safety, We also made sure to only include cords that have been listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory, whether that be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratory). You should always look for the UL or ETL mark.