Whether you work from home or own a business with a specialty that revolves around cutting metal, wood, or other materials, investing in quality extension cords is essential. This is particularly the case if using power tools and clamp lights.
These cords provide a lifeline to various power tools and lighting options, allowing them to function safely and effectively.
Choosing the wrong extension cords could result in trip hazards, equipment damage, or electrical fires.
Knowing what to look for when searching for the best extension cords will ensure you pick a product that caters to your needs and the needs of your equipment.
From selecting the correct length to choosing the right gauge and understanding the electrical requirements of your devices, there are various factors to consider. To ensure you equip your workspace with extension cords, we’ve listed a handful in this blog.
The Ins and Outs of Extension Cords
There are various types of extension cords on the market. In a nutshell, they’re lengthy, flexible cables that link power sources and transfer electricity from one destination to another.
Their biggest advantage is they allow you and your devices to work in various locations instead of directly opposite a wall plug. This makes them both flexible and convenient. In addition, they can power up to several devices at one time, provided the tools don’t exceed the voltage limit.
Extension Cord Options
From indoor to outdoor extension cord options, there are numerous styles, lengths, and extension cord ratings available.
1. Indoor Extension Cords
As the name suggests, indoor extension cords are ideal for office, household, and other internal room usage. They’re often lighter than exterior options and perfect for powering tools and clamp lights. They should only be used in a dry setting safeguarded from physical stress or extreme heat.
2. Outdoor Extension Cords
If operating larger power tools and clamp lights in an outdoor setting, such as a garden or industrial yard, outdoor extension cords are crucial. These cords are designed to withstand UV exposure, moisture, and various temperatures.
This is down to their unique make-up, which boasts a hardy, thick insulation material or a water-resistant or proof cover, which safeguards against moisture or water and various other outside elements. They’re ideal to power exterior lighting, trimmers, and lawnmowers.
Various Gauges
Gauges in extension cords are the dimensions of the wire thickness inside the conductor. Carrying higher currents over longer distances requires an extension cord and lower gauge numbers.
This allows you to power various tools in various locations without worrying about the cord overheating. To better understand gauges, investing in an extension cord gauge chart is wise. You can view some of the most prevalent options below:
1. 10-gauge
This right gauge extension cord is the heaviest and thickest extension cord on the market. It’s often used to fire industry or heavy-duty power tools, particularly devices that require extreme power. Examples include large generators and welding equipment.
These quality cords lessen the likelihood of the voltage dropping or the cord overheating when transferring power between long distances. This is because 10-gauge power cords offer the least resistance to the flow of electricity.
2. 12-Gauge
These gauge extension cords offer a midway point. They’re still compatible with heavier loads and longer distances, yet are more suited to power tools comprising air compressors, circular saws, large heavy and other power-hungry tools.
If you own or work in a workshop or construction site, 12-gauge extension cords are a great investment.
3. 14-Gauge
These extension cords are suited to medium-duty projects and offer slightly more current than 16-gauge cords. They work perfectly with garden equipment, power tools, and lighting. 14-gauge extension cords offer a middle ground and an ideal compromise between power handling capabilities and flexibility.
This means they can be used with indoor and outdoor devices only when the right precautions are taken.
4. 16-Gauge
When powering smaller tools, appliances, lamps, or lighter electronics, 16-gauge extension cords provide a lightweight, versatile option.
They’re better for indoor devices requiring less power consumption and shorter distances.
What to Consider When Selecting Extension Cords for Clamp Lights and Power Tools
When considering safety and efficiency, knowing which extension cords to pick for your clamp lights and power tools is crucial.
In addition to safety, the right extension cords will ensure your devices perform well for many years. Factors to consider include:
1. Length
Extension cords are renowned for delivering power to your tools from a distance. Cords that are longer create a voltage drop. In the case of a high-current draw, this lessens the power reaching the tools.
For best results, pick extension cord lengths that don’t have excess voltage drop yet allow for enough reach.
2. Wire Gauge
Wire gauges in extension cords pinpoint how much current the cord can carry. Lower gauge numbers combined with large wire diameters can transfer power without overheating or voltage drops. Clamp lights and power tools should be used with a lower-gauge cord.
Both 10 and 12-gauge extension cords are good options. If your power tools necessitate more power or need to be used at a further distance, adjust the cord gauge accordingly.
3. Amp Rating
When picking an extension cord, check your clamp light and power tools requirements first. This will ensure they run efficiently and safely. The extension cord should be higher than or equal to your device’s requirements.
You can find this information on the device box, in the manual, or on the twist lock receptacle plug. A 20 amp extension cord is one of the more prevalent options.
4. Indoor and Outdoor Use
Another consideration is whether the clamp lights and power tools will be used inside or outside. This will help you choose a cord that caters to your needs.
Both indoor and outdoor cords offer different features. Those used externally are weather-resistant, highly durable, and often boast water-resistant or UV-resistant-resistant features. This ensures they can operate outdoors. All while still providing your device power.
5. Outer Sheath Material
This part of your extension cord gives this equipment its toughness and flexibility. It also ensures the extension cord is safe, especially when operating higher loads. If using clamp lights and power tools, opt for an extension cord with an outer sheath material that is extra tough and rugged.
This means it will be resistant to abrasion. Popular outer sheath materials that boast better resistant qualities comprise thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), vinyl, or rubber. These are ideal for people who operate in areas exposed to oils and chemicals.
6. Plug Type
This is another important aspect of your extension cord, especially as many tools boast international and European plug types. Before investing in an extension cord, check your power tools and clamp lights are compatible with the fixtures.
In addition, it’s important to be aware that certain power tools are meant to work with grounding to operate the plug configuration safely.
7. Safety Features
Many contemporary extension cords boast built-in safety features. These comprise ground fault circuit interceptors and circuit breakers. Investing in cords that have this feature will safeguard you and your tools against short circuits, overloads, and electrical shocks.
This is crucial in both the home and work environment, particularly if you are employing others to use your tools. Why? You’re responsible for their safety in the workplace.
8. Environment
Before investing in cords, consider the environment they will go in. For example, if the area is cramped or suffers from heavy foot traffic, choose equipment featuring flexible jackets and low-profile plugs or a flat extension cord. This will help to prevent trips from occurring, which can injure individuals and cause damage to your cord, power tools or clamp light equipment.
9. Voltage Rating
Your clamp lights and power tools will necessitate a certain voltage rating. Invest in cords that offer adequate voltage ratings for your devices.
If not, you may experience malfunctions, tool damage, or a fire hazard. Always check your cord and power tool or light are compatible.
10. Certifications and Standards
Never buy extension cords unless they meet set industry certifications and standards. Look for equipment that states ETL (Intertek) or UL (Underwriters Laboratories). This information confirms the cord you have chosen meets the necessary performance and safety requirements.
Top Tips To Consider When Choosing the Best Extension Cords
For efficiency, safety, and flexibility, extension cords should be selected based on various tips. We’ve highlighted a handful of these below:
1. Establish the Power Requirements of your Device
Before investing in an extension cord, read your device’s manual, box, or tag. This will provide you with the information you need to determine the power requirements of your cord. Once you know the power requirements of your power tools and clamp lights, you can pick a cord accordingly.
Extension cords boast varying gauges, each function with a different load. Heavy-duty power tools and appliances necessitate thick conductors. These come in the form of low-gauge extension cords. This allows lots of power to be transferred through them without overheating.
Your gauge choice heavily depends on your tool’s specific power needs. If you don’t have this information, you could overload your cord, causing a fire hazard or damage to the cord’s insulation and the device.
2. Always Check the Specs
The labels on the extension cord will provide information on the maximum amperage or wattage the cord can take. Abiding by these numbers will ensure you don’t overload the cord, which can prove dangerous. In addition, always check whether the cord is an indoor or outdoor version.
If you use an indoor cord outside, it won’t be safeguarded against UV light, moisture, or temperature variations. This can cause damage to your cord and tools and create a potential fire hazard.
3. Checking Safety Certs
As above, you must invest in equipment that features the necessary safety certifications, such as ETL (Intertek) certification or UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification. These certs inform you that the cord has been tested correctly and meets all relevant safety standards.
In addition, it confirms it has been crafted from quality materials that promise to stand the test of time.
Although anything without these certificates may be less expensive, it will likely become a fire hazard and cost you a lot more in the long run.
4. Choose Quality Materials
Ensure you only invest in extension cords that are high-grade, check the materials. The thicker the insulation, the better the safety and the durability of your cord. This means your cord will be resistant to damage through twisting, abrasion, or environmental elements. It will also stand the test of time.
In addition, the connections and plugs on molded cords boast added protection from debris and moisture. This prevents the likelihood of short circuits and electrical shocks occurring.
5. Flexibility
When purchasing extension cords, consider your future requirements. For example, if you intend to invest in more power tools, buying an extension cord with more than one outlet, like a triple outlet extension cord or bulk wires, will allow you to adapt to changing requirements. It will also ensure protection against power surges.
Another consideration is the length. If you plan to expand your work area, a longer cord will equal these changes.
The future versatility of your power cord will ensure a safe, efficient power supply that will stand the test of time.
To Conclude
Extension cords are an asset to homeowners and business owners wishing to power up tools and lights from a distance and those who use devices indoors and outdoors.
If your outlets are positioned far away from the area you wish to work in or have a limited number available, investing in an extension cord or several will ensure your devices run safely and efficiently.
The considerations in this blog will help you choose the correct extension cords for your needs, ensuring your equipment operates to its full capacity without causing a fire hazard or damage.