Shopping for the right power cord for your electrical appliances can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster ride.
Some cables are marketed as versatile or heavy-duty but have a price tag. Others are reasonably priced but aren’t ideal for all-weather applications.
With so many conflicting factors to consider, it’s prudent to possess in-depth information on electrical cords and proceed with an abundance of caution while scouting for the best cable for your needs. One way to narrow your search is to insist on customized power cords.
But if you’re unfamiliar with the concept of ‘customized electrical cables,’ you’re probably wondering what they entail and why they often come up highly recommended. Well, this post will hopefully put your mind at ease.
We’ve gone ahead and researched everything there is to know about customized power cords, as well as the ten incentives for investing in them.
What Are Customized Power Cords?
Customization is a concept of designing a product, item, or environment to serve a user’s specific needs.
For instance, when undertaking a home remodeling project, you may want to incorporate specific lighting fixtures and colors into your interior décor. That’s a classic case of customization.
In electrical cables, customized power cords are electrical wires manufactured for certain applications.
Note that all electrical cords are fundamentally used to transmit power to nearby appliances. They achieve that critical role by bridging the gap between the main outlets and the equipment that needs to be powered.
However, customized power cords come with extra incentives. These cables are designed to serve unique applications. They may be ideal for use with certain appliances or in specific weather conditions.
10 Reasons to Upgrade to Customized Power Cords
1. Better Efficiency
This is unarguably the biggest reason to switch from regular power cords to customized ones.
Customized wires enhance the efficiency of both the connected appliances and the cables themselves. That’s because these cords are meant to meet the connected equipment’s specifications.
Buying a customized power cord gives you access to a cable with proper gauge ratings. Gauge refers to the diameter, thickness, or cross-section area of an electrical cable. It denotes explicitly the thickness of the conductor material, exclusive of the insulation jacket.
Electrical cables differ substantially in the thickness of their conductor materials. More importantly, a power cord’s gauge determines its electrical handling abilities.
Thicker conductors handle current more efficiently than their thinner counterparts. Connecting a power-hungry appliance to a low-gauge cable may cause the circuit to blow up, subjecting you to costly electrical repairs.
Electrical wire gauges are typically denoted with the initial AWG (American Wire Gauge), followed by a number. It’s that number that assigns the cable its specific gauge ratings. Common power cord gauges include AWG 10, AWG, 12, and AWG 14.
Note that higher numbers correspond with lower gauges. The implication is that a 10 gauge extension cord would suit you best if used with heavy-duty appliances like ovens and dryers. That’s in contrast to 14- and 16-gauge cables, suitable for less power-intensive applications like lighting extensions.
Meanwhile, a 12 gauge wire is considered medium-duty. You can comfortably use such cables with most water heaters.
2. Superior Performance Vis-à-vis Cable Length
Length is a critical aspect many often skimp on when looking for power cords. They only realize they purchased an overly long or undersized cable when it’s too late.
Fortunately, you can avoid those pitfalls by investing in customized power cords.
There’s no shortage of reputable electrical stores that sell power cords customized for different lengths. You only need to determine the cable size you’re looking for to make an informed choice.
Ideally, you’d have to measure the distance between the nearest mains outlet and the electrical equipment that needs powering. You can choose a cable a few inches longer than the determined length.
Note that a power cord loses voltage and acquires more resistance with each increase in footage. That explains why experts discourage using a very long electrical cable unless you have to.
However, customized power cords are designed with those limitations in mind. These cables perform exceptionally well despite their size.
3. Seamless Compatibility
We’ve already highlighted the central role that a customized power cord’s gauge and length play in determining the wire’s compatibility with the intended application. But that’s not all there is to love about these cables.
Customized power cords are also designed to plug seamlessly into different sockets and appliances.
For instance, a C13 plug is a power cable with a mains plug at its other end, which typically plugs into equipment with a C14 socket. Such cables are suitable when powering a PC or monitor from NETIO 4C outputs.
Customized power cords are clearly labeled to indicate the receptacles they can plug into. This eliminates guesswork and allows you to pick the most compatible wire.
Still on compatibility, you’ll encounter plugs labeled “twist-lock.”
A twist lock plug is a plug that you twist to lock firmly into a receptacle, preventing it from accidentally coming loose. Such plugs are suitable for industrial and commercial applications where it’s critical to maintain electrical connections at all times, such as data centers.
4. Extended Durability
Power cords don’t come cheap. Therefore, you want a cable that can serve your needs for years without repairing or replacing it.
It turns out that customized power cords are more durable than regular wires. That’s due to the use of premium conductors and insulation materials.
Copper remains the gold standard for electrical cables. The metal stands out for its superior conductivity and low resistance.
However, some power cord manufacturers experiment with various copper alternatives like aluminum. Aluminum is lighter and more durable due to its resistance to rust and corrosion.
As for the insulation material, there are three primary options to pick from - plastic, rubber, and fluoropolymer. Each material has its pros and cons.
However, customized cord manufacturers usually choose the strongest and most durable insulation option. The choice may also depend on a power cord’s intended use environment, which brings us to the next point.
5. Suitable for Different Environments
Power cords fall into two broad categories, depending on their intended use environment. There are cables designed exclusively for indoor use and can be delivered indoors and outdoors.
Buying a customized power cord allows you to designate the wire for the intended environment. As you shall find, these electrical attachments come with unique features that determine where you can safely deploy them.
It’s important to define where you’ll use a power cord the most to adapt it to the right environment.
Most residential and office cables are ideal for indoor use. However, due to their fragile insulation jackets, such wires may not be efficient when used outdoors.
However, even outdoor power cords differ in the external worksites where you can safely use them.
Some cables maintain their flexibility and performance in extreme temperature conditions. Others are moisture-proof and can be placed underwater. You may also find a power cord to resist chemical impact and corrosion.
The limit is only your imagination.
6. Easier to Care and Maintain
Custom-made power cords are fashioned from high-quality materials, which speaks to their durability. These cables can serve you for several months without needing to be repaired or replaced.
A customized extension cord can withstand significant mechanical stress, making it excellent for high-foot-traffic areas. Depending on its intended application, the cable may also brave extreme weather conditions.
These features consequently make custom power cords easy to maintain and care for.
However, routine inspections are necessary to prolong the longevity of power cables. Scheduled maintenance is especially encouraged for commercial and industrial centers that rely heavily on power cords.
Have a professional electrician visit your worksite at least quarterly to probe the efficiency of your electrical systems. The technician may recommend the best outdoor extension cord based on your power consumption needs.
Scheduled maintenance might also help uncover potential issues with your electrical connections and fix them before they result in costly repairs.
7. Cost Effective
Cost shouldn’t be the principal factor when looking for a power cord. But after all is said and done, you’d desire a premium cable that doesn’t break the bank.
Granted, custom-made power cords have a higher price tag than regular cables. But that’s only when you consider the initial purchase price.
Customized power cords last considerably longer than standard cables, making them a more economical investment in the long run.
As mentioned, custom-made electrical cables also require minimal maintenance due to their superior performance. Once installed, you don’t have to employ a full-time technician to monitor the wires’ efficiency.
More importantly, customized power cords are designed to minimize electrical hazards, such as fires, explosions, or electrocution. Switching to these cables can reduce needless expenditure on electrical malfunctions.
Just remember to match a cord with the right appliance. That means an extension cord for refrigerator should be utilized specifically for that purpose. Do not connect a low-gauge electrical cord to a power-hungry device.
8. Safe and Secure
Electricity is one of the most fascinating inventions. But it’s also one of the most dangerous.
Electrical malfunctions account for billions of dollars in property damage and dozens of fatalities worldwide. The surest way to minimize these hazards is to insist on premium electrical attachments, such as customized power cords.
Most customized power cords are designed with high-end safety specifications. One such feature is a surge protector.
Using a power extender fitted with the best surge protectors can prevent the wire from melting during sudden power surges. This may preserve the integrity of both the wire and connected equipment.
Another essential safety feature you may find in customized power cords is ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
GFCIs interrupt current flow when a power cord comes into contact with water. They’re a critical safety spec for wires in moist environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Easier To Manage
Efficient cable management minimizes tripping hazards caused by electrical wires strewn throughout the house. Besides, a better cable management policy prolongs extension cords’ durability by preventing accidental twists.
Learning how to organize cords is particularly key in crowded work sites with high foot traffic. Note that many industrial centers and outdoor worksites require bulk wires.
A bulk wire should be deployed judiciously to prevent it from twisting. After usage, wrap the cord per the manufacturer’s guidelines and keep it in a color-coded box for easy storage and identification.
You might consider running wires that must remain plugged into receptacles behind furniture or screen dividers. Buying an extension cord with a switch might also encourage proper cable management. The switch lets you track the power supply to each connected device.
The good news is that customized power cords come in different lengths to suit various applications. These wires boast remarkable current handling abilities despite their sizes. However, that shouldn’t discredit the significance of proper power cord management.
10. Helps Foster Compliance
Using customized power cords may also foster compliance, especially in commercial and industrial centers.
Extension cords are typically standardized by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Some regulators require industrial installations in their jurisdictions to be installed with IEC power cables, while others may prefer NEMA.
Knowing which electrical standards apply in what country or industry isn’t always clear to most shoppers. Regardless, failure to comply with the laid-down codes might cause your company to suffer the specified consequences, ranging from subtle warnings to operational shutdowns.
Fortunately, customized power cord makers are current on the electrical codes applicable in various jurisdictions. They’ll often label their products based on the technically and legally approved use cases.
When discussing compliance, it’s also important to reiterate the significance of matching an appliance with the right extension cord.
For instance, a 20 amp extension cord is rated for 20 amperes and up to 2,400 watts. Be sure to plug it into a device with similar amperage and wattage ratings.
Remember that most electrical hazards result from using inferior products. You may have criminal charges preferred against you if investigations uncover gross negligence in your electrical connections.
Wrap Up
Investing in a customized power cord allows you to get a suitable cable for your electrical equipment. Despite the cost implications, switching from regular to customized cables can be ultimately rewarding. Not only does it enhance the efficiency and durability of the connected appliances, but it also minimizes the risks of electrical fires in your home or workplace.