Technology drives today’s life, and cables, cords, and wires are at the heart of it. A tangle of cords around your office space or entertainment is not only ugly, but it also poses a potential hazard to you, your pets, family, and your valuable gadgets. Kids and pets enjoy nibbling on the extension cord, and everybody has come dangerously close to slipping and falling or tearing a machine off a desk by stumbling upon an errant cable.
Not to mention the difficulties of securely and efficiently plugging all your gadgets into your power sockets. Trying to cover cables by pushing them behind items or stitching them to walls can be daunting, irritating, and almost always futile. Extension cords help to power electronics that come with cables that cannot reach nearby power outlets. Consider choosing the right flat extension cord for electrical safety and avoid household fires and properly use them.
Below are some of the tricks of keeping your cords in good condition and ensuring they last longer.
1. The Over-under coils
A standard coil, stacking loops on top of loops, twists an extension cable from its standard curve, making it harder to manage in the long run and stretching the inside wires. On the other hand, the over-under approach works well with the cord’s natural curve instead of against it, allowing your cord to rest without any strain. The over-under technique will enable one to throw a 15-Meter over-under-coiled cable in a straight path while standing still.
It’s an intelligent way to charm passers-by while saving time. You can conveniently hang the completed coil on a hook or move it in a kit or gear bag if you’re using a strap to hold it together. The advantage of this technique of using the extension is that It won’t destroy the cable, and it’ll be ready to use again next time. The disadvantage, however, is that you’ll have to adjust to the process since it doesn’t come naturally to you.
2. The Chain-link
The chain-link approach takes a little getting used to, but it does a great job keeping your extension cord compact and easily transportable. It can be hanged on a wall or stored in a sizeable bucket with no difficulty. This, however, adds some twists to the extension cord, which might not extend out if the cable is rigid or kept in low temperatures. Additionally, unlike an extension cord in an over-under coil, you cannot stretch it around a workspace in one cast.
The advantage of this method of using an extension cord is the cord is left in a readily usable state, while the disadvantage is it requires practice, and in the long run, it might result in twisting the cord.
3. Cord Wraps
You’ll need some cord wraps if you’re planning to store your extension cords in a coil. Take a moment to put some in your shopping trolley, either online or the next time you go to a hardware shop if you don’t possess any. No matter what size you get, it will get the job done. Whichever you choose, look for one with a tiny opening or belt that allows you to wrap the brace around the cord when you are not using it. Long, cut-to-fit rolls appear to be a good bargain, but a strap that remains in place after you unwrap your cord is far superior.
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4. Mounted Extension Cord Reels
If you store an extension cord in a central location, such as your workshop or garage, mounting it on a detachable cable reel may be a good idea. It’s the simplest way to have your cord on standby at all times, and it’s just as easy to put the extension cord away. Unfortunately, certain cable reels come with cords that are too short compared to their length or with a multi-outlet that is useful also easy to overpower and cause a fire risk. Furthermore, if your cord breaks or wears out, you will be unable to change it inside the reel quickly.
The advantage of this technique of using extension cords is that the cable is in an easy-to-use state.
5. Your cords should be hung high
Create a loop in the extension cord by tying a quick overhand knot while you’re high in the air on support beams, a ladder, or a roof doing a job that needs air hoses or extension cords. Use the loop to bear the weight of the cord’s heavy section as it dangles towards the ground. You may use it to suspend it on a nail, a scaffolding peg, or something else with a hook. That way, you won’t have to bother with dragging several loads of hose or cord around in your unusual position, and your circular nailery or saw won’t fall to the ground if you drop it.
Safety Tips
- Always choose an extension cord with greater rated power than the gadget to which it will be connected. If the gadget’s amp rating is more excellent than the extension cord, the tool may be damaged, and a fire may occur.
- Don’t use an extension cord that is longer than the length you want. For instance, if all you need is 20′, don’t use an 80′ extension cord. Using a cord that is longer than necessary may impact the output caused by power leakage over a greater distance.
Conclusion
With the following tips and tricks, you will have your extension cords well organized, and wire entanglement will not be an issue of concern. Also, remember to be careful and don’t overpower your cords due to the risk of fire hazards.
