There are a raft of extension cords out there , and sometimes it ’s hard to fuck which one to use . Often , citizenry just go to the same one for everything — and it ’s not always a safe choice for the wire carrying the current , the vent , or the machine itself . Eliminate the guess by using the best cord for 16 usual diligence .
Your house is the big appliance of all . A Gizmodo Home Mod shows you how to reload it , clear its stash , and update its operating systems .
observe : The corduroy recommended here are the minimum thickness cord permitted for each software by the National Electric Code . Any appliance can use a forgetful or thicker , lower - gauge electric cord . Dangerous site arise when substituting a longer electric cord , or a thinner , mellow - gauge electric cord , than the one recommend for these 16 jobs . For more worldwide info on secure extension corduroy use , look at these fact sheets from thestate of TexasandFlorida State University .
1 . folio blower . For blowers will 12 amps or less , use a 16 - gauge faint - tariff cord within 50 feet of your outlet . Go with a 14 - gauge medium - duty cord for a mellow amp or a greater distance from the outlet . check that the corduroy is rated for outdoor use — look for a “ W ” on the jacket crown .
2 . Table lamp . Use an 18 - calibre , two - prong , lite - duty extension electric cord . It can care up to 7 amps up to 25 feet — perfect for discreetly running to a nightstand from the exit behind the bed . A retractable cord , like this one fromTV Time Direct , cuts down on clutter .
3 . Laptop computer . A 14 - gage , three - prong , medium - tariff cord is a worldwide - purpose tool nonesuch for powering small home gismo , like a laptop .
4 . Treadmill . Treadmill manufacturers generally discourage the use of an extension corduroy with the merchandise . But if you ca n’t move your exercise equipment nigher to the outlet , go with a electric cord made specifically for treadmills — like the 9 - footTreadcord .
5 . Toaster . Heat - producing contraption like toasters , irons , and umber pots pull at least 10 - 12 amps of current , which is beyond the limits of most indoor extension cord . Hopefully your kitchen layout permits the small , portable appliances to live near an outlet , far from the cesspool .
6 . Hair Dryer . blank out it . You ’ll have to let your haircloth air dry if you ca n’t plug in the hair dryer straight to an outlet . hairsbreadth dryers typically pull 15 adenylic acid , which can cause an extension electric cord to get hot enough to start a fervor .
7 . rotary proverb . Go with a 12 - gauge threatening - obligation out-of-door cord , which will have you covered for up to 100 foot from the outlet . Get a corduroy with alighted plugso you ’ll know when the power is on .
8 . Home berth . You ’ll need a surge protector or top executive strip to protect your computer , printer and other electronic equipment from spikes above 120 volt . Some surge protectors have alloy oxide varistors , which are essentially semiconductors that check the short-lived voltage . strip like theFellowes 6 Outlet Surge Protectorare designed for small berth electronics .
9 . Indoor void . Use a typical , off - the - ledge 16 - gauge cord , or buy a speciality one , like theVacuum Cleaner Cordfrom Prime Wire and Cable .
10 . Outdoor vacuity . A three - prong , 12 - gage electric cord ferment best . Get one with alocking plugsince you ’ll be proceed the vacuum around a lot and it can easily come unplugged .
11 . vacation lights . Go with a 16 - gauge cord for 25 foot or less , or 14 - calibre for more than 25 feet . Get the length you need — don’t ever daisy - chain two extension cords together . face for a “ W ” on the jacket to confirm that it can be used outdoors .
12 . Entertainment center . You ’ll want a upsurge protector , like for your home office . When you ’re not watching television receiver , wrick off the surge guardian to arrest vampire appliances from using electricity . turn over theConserve Switch from Belkin , a surge protector with two electrical outlet that remain alive for gadget that necessitate uninterrupted power , like a wireless router .
13 . quad heater . This is not safe for use with an extension electric cord . place heater are portable — move them closer to an outlet .
14 . Bug zapper . A inadequate 16 - gauge extension corduroy will keep the lamp cooking .
15 . Portable compressor . A 10 - gauge supernumerary - heavy - obligation extension cord will let you put air in a flat tire up to 100 feet out from an electrical outlet .
16 . shop . There are never enough outlets in a shop , and run multiple file name extension cords can be a hassle — and a tripping luck . Go with a 14 - caliber corduroy , which will power most peter , and search for a model with multiple outlets so you may plug away in more than one puppet . A retractable model , like theTasco Professional Grade Plastic Retractable Cord Reel , can keep the corduroy out of the agency when not in employment .
Daily Newsletter
Get the best tech , skill , and cultivation news in your inbox day by day .
News from the future , delivered to your present tense .
