Is Extension Cord Safe to Use?

Nowadays, it is common practice to pair a computer with a long extension cord. But is it safe for your computers or laptops? With laptops, you don't have to think about electricity, but they can only work if you don't have any battery issues. Has the thought ever crossed your mind whether your laptop or computer is safe or not with the continuous use of an extension cord? Keep reading further to explore it yourself.

Proper Specifications:

The most expensive laptop or computer cannot work if you don't use the required amperage and voltage. So, it is apparent that you will need a PC power cord. It helps provide power to computers, printers, and monitors. The general specification is that 15 Amps is a proper rating for an extension cord for computers. Apart from the amperage, it would help if you also considered voltage and wattage to determine the power rating. With voltage, you need a 120V setting in countries like the US or 240V in other countries. It would be best to keep the wattage around 1,825W to avoid potential issues.

How to Find a Heavy Duty Cord?

The next step after picking up a cable with a proper specification is to find a heavy-duty unit. Usually, the computer power cords come in different settings ranging from 12-18 gauge. The thing to remember here is that performance improves with a decrease in the gauge number. However, a 12 gauge cord will carry more current than the 18 gauge one. You must also choose a properly grounded design of the cord. It should have three prongs, as it is one of the safest options to use with a PC, a monitor, or a laptop. You can use SPT-1 VS SPT -2 for the same.

Time to Use extension Cord:

After choosing the correct specifications, you must choose the right extension cord for your computer. It would be best to place it properly so it is not bent. Also, you must place it optimally so that it is placed properly and no damage is done to it. You need to keep these cables away from the doorsteps, furniture, and carpets. In no way should these things cause damage to the cable, and also, you need to place it so that nobody trips over it and falls, so you also need to be careful with that.

Safety Measures:

Nowadays, since everyone uses the extension cord to run their computers and laptops, you need to ensure that you follow the safety precautions so that your computer and laptops remain healthy.

Keeping all this in mind, here are a few tips to ensure that you use an extension cord, safely and constructively.

Tips:

1. At any given time, DO NOT use more than one extension cord for a single device. You can use more than one clip, as it would not damage the extension cables, and you need to ensure that everything is effective and flawless. Do not plug one extension cord into another to create a longer chain of plug points. One cord can only handle the voltage of the number of sockets it has, and not of additional devices.
2. Please turn OFF the extension cord when you are not using it. It keeps the device free from heating and protects it from any damage.
3. Always PULL the PLUG, but not the cord. It would help if you pulled the cord by its plug so that the device is not into insulation or exposed to wires.
4. DO NOT use multiple power strips, a single strip is more than enough for a single device.
5. Avoid adding extension cables to add to the length, as it increases the risks of getting a fire started.
6. The longer cord handles less current. The optimal length is 100 feet for an extension cord for a computer.
7. Never touch the cords while in use. You should not play with the cord while it is plugged in, and you need to be careful that it is not even bent.
8. Perform occasional inspections on the cord. You need to ensure that there are no damages to the cord; you can check it through a magnifying glass; even though you can repair and use the cords, the experts should do so. So, even if you have minor damage, you need to buy a new one and use it; it is also healthy for your electrical appliances.
9. DON'T plug in heavy appliances into an extension cord. And don't plug in an extension cord into a socket that has high voltage.

Conclusion:

It is important that you choose the correct cord and take all the safety measures so that the shell life of the accord is increased. You need to ensure that you do not just keep increasing the length of the wire, as it is not good for the device, and anyone can trip. You also need to ensure that if you have a pet, these cables need that extra protection, or you need to keep your pets away from them. Also, it would be best if you did not use it once there is some damage to the cable as it does not last long, and you need to take care of the heating process. And before buying it, look for the proper optimal standardization of the country you are buying for.

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a california based online retailer of all kind of Computers, electronics, electrical accessories, networking accessories, cables, wires. Jennifer has extensive experience in the Electronics industry and blog.