Extension cords are one of the most resourceful electrical attachments. True to their name, these accessories extend the reach of electricity to appliances located considerably far from wall outlets. But like most electrical components, extension cords aren’t without risks. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that extension cords cause an estimated 4,600 residential fires annually, leading to 230 injuries and around 70 fatalities.
Besides fires, extension cords also account for some 2,200 shock-related injuries annually.
The risks of extension cord malfunctions are higher in outdoor environments due to exposure to harsh environmental hazards like extreme temperatures and high relative humidity. Therefore, extreme caution is critical when selecting an extension cord for the outdoors.
Here are the key factors to consider
1. Weatherproof Properties
Weatherproof capabilities are the most crucial element when shopping for outdoor extension cords.
Look out for cables with the designation “W” on their labels or packaging materials.
W essentially stands for ‘weatherproof,’ denoting that an extension cord can withstand environmental hazards like moisture ingress, sunlight damage, and temperature fluctuations.
2. Thicker Insulation Jacket
The diameter of an extension cord jacket determines its suitability for the outdoors, especially if you’re working on rather rough terrain.
Thicker jackets are more resistant to abrasion and fraying. Such cables can safely be used on different surfaces—paved, graveled, grass, etc.—without causing significant damage to their outer jackets.
However, thickness alone doesn’t make an extension cord abrasion resistant. Ensure the cable is also constructed from robust materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or rubber.
3. UV Resistance
Exposing extension cords to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can degrade their outer sheaths. This could cause the cable to weaken over time, eventually cracking.
A cracked extension cord can expose the conductor materials, posing serious safety hazards like shocks and electrocution.
PVC is remarkably resistant to ultraviolet radiation, making it the go-to material for outdoor extension cord jackets.
4. Watertight and Reinforced Plugs
Working with extension cords outdoors increases exposure to rain, snow, and dampness. To minimize the risks of electrical shocks from moisture ingress, select a cable designed with watertight plugs.
Watertight plugs create a tight seal, preventing moisture from seeping into the outlets and causing shocks.
Such connectors are often reinforced with waterproof rubber or silicone gaskets. Besides, they feature a locking mechanism that enables the cords to remain firmly secured while in use.
5. GFCI Protection
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a safety device that automatically shuts off an electric circuit upon detecting a ground fault, preventing electrical shocks.
To determine whether an outdoor extension cord is GFCI-protected, visually inspect the cable for two built-in circuit breakers.
The circuit breakers are typically constructed on either side of the outlet, simultaneously monitoring current flow through the system. A variance in the current supply on either circuit will cause the unit to trip and shut down the power supply to the connected equipment.
Most GFCI-protected extension cords also feature a built-in test button.
6. Surge Protection
Unlike GFCIs that guard against ground faults, surge protectors safeguard your outdoor extension cords (and connected equipment) from damage resulting from voltage surges.
Note that the voltage in any electric circuit continuously fluctuates within acceptable ranges.
Surge protectors only kick in when they pick up dramatic voltage spikes, such as those triggered by erratic power outages or lightning strikes.
7. Flame Retardant
You don’t need to be working closer to an actual flame to insist on a flame-retardant extension cord. The risks of fire could come from secondary factors, such as high temperatures and abrasive chemicals.
Polyvinyl chloride is yet another preferable material when looking for a flame-retardant extension cord.
PVC’s flame-resistant properties are primarily due to its high chlorine content. Besides the material not igniting easily, it can self-extinguish if accidentally set ablaze.
8. Cold Weather Suitability
If you’re planning to use your extension cord outdoors in the dead of winter, you’ll need the most flexible cable you can find. Insist on cords whose jackets are constructed from thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). TPE is remarkably flexible. Extension cords made from this rubber can maintain incredible flexibility even during frigid conditions, preventing them from cracking.
They’re a stark contrast to regular cables, which can become stiff and brittle when exposed to cold temperatures.
9. Oil Resistance
Look out for an outdoor extension cord rated O if you’ll be using the cable in an environment that’s prone to oil spills. Such wires are typically constructed from thermoplastic elastomers, which are exceptionally oil resistant.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU or PU) also provides good oil resistance, making it another excellent material for extension cord sheaths.
To maximize an extension cord’s oil-resistant properties, ensure both the outer jacket and the conductor insulation are oil-resistant. Such cables would be rated OO rather than a single O.
10. Suitable Length
Length may not sound like an important safety specification in extension cords until you discover the cable won’t get to the intended appliance. If an extension cord is shorter, you may be tempted to overstretch it to get to the equipment. This could cause the conductors to break.
Besides, you may want to daisy-chain a shorter extension cord to compensate for its diminished length. Daisy-chaining can overload the circuit, leading to fires or explosions. Too long extension cords aren’t safe either. Such cables present tripping hazards, especially if improperly organized.
However, a bigger problem with longer extension cords is increased resistance. Higher resistance translates to voltage drops, which can significantly impact an extension cord’s efficiency.
11. Appropriate Gauge Rating
Remember how jacket thickness impacts an extension cord’s suitability for the outdoors? Well, it’s important to consider the cable conductor’s diameter too. That’s where gauge ratings come in.
Gauge measures the thickness of an electrical wire’s conductors. The metric is assigned numerical values, which are inversely proportional to a wire’s actual density. For instance, a 12-gauge extension cord is thicker than a 14-gauge wire but thinner than a 10-gauge cord.
Denser wires handle electric current more effectively than their thinner counterparts.
Due to increased electrical hazards outdoors, a good practice is to choose a lower-gauge extension cord (12, 10, 8, etc.).
Final Word
Investing in an outdoor-rated extension cord isn’t enough. You must implement certain tips to maximize the cable’s efficiency.
For starters, always use an extension cord that can handle a similar or higher ampacity as the appliance you intend to plug into it. It’s also best to keep the cable off high-traffic areas and away from water, even if it’s GFCI-protected.
Moreover, inspect your extension cords regularly for signs of damage, such as denting and fraying. And when done with your outdoor project, unplug the cable from the power source and store it safely indoors.
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