How to repair an extension cord end?
- Installing a new plug is the simplest solution for most types of cords, including extension cords. ...
- Take the plug with you to a home improvement store to help find a matching replacement. ...
- Many appliances and older extension cords use what is known as polarized cords and caps. ...
What extension cord should I buy?
Extension cords should be rated for loads that are at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the requirements needed to run a tool effectively. Extension cord lengths of 50 feet or less can be used based upon the chart shown below, but runs over 50 feet should implement the next heavier-sized cord to accommodate voltage drop due to the natural resistance of the wire.
How do you fix an extension cord?
- Unplug the cord before doing any work. Use a utility knife to cut through the cord cleanly and expose the inner wires.
- Strip off some insulation.
- Remove the insulation from the inner cords exposing the copper wires.
- Cover all connections individually with black electrical tape.
How to make an extension electrical cord?
Steps in making extension cord
- Electrical cord Wire cutters Male electric plug Screw driver Female electric plug
- 1. Separate one end of electrical wire to about 10 centimeters each.
- 2. Peel off the skin or insulator of the wire ends by 2 centimeters.
- 3. Loosen the screw of the male electric plug. ...
- 4. ...
- 5. ...
- 6. ...
What are the parts of a power cord?
Parts of an electrical cableCABLE CONDUCTOR.CABLE INSULATION.CABLE METAL PROTECTION.CABLE OUTER SHEATH.Related post.
What is the male end of a cord called?
This type of connector is also known as a plug. A male connector can be recognized by the fact that, when it is disconnected or removed, the unshielded electrical prongs are plainly visible. The most common male connector is a two- or three-prong plug attached to the end of the cord for an electrical appliance.
What do you call the end of a power adapter?
The outer plug contact is often called the sleeve, while the inner one is called the tip. The most common plugs are 5.5 mm (0.22 in) in outside diameter (OD) and 9.5 mm (0.37 in) in length.
What is a male to male cord?
Male to male extension cords are simple electrical cords with prongs on both ends, allowing the user to connect one end to the wall power socket and another end to the power generator.
What is a male plug used for?
A male connector is a type of connector with one or more uncovered or exposed pieces of conductor which can be inserted into a female connector to ensure a physical connection. A male connector is also called a plug, and it is used for establishing an electrical or data connection between two devices.
Is there a male to male extension cord?
Male to male household plug adapters are not supposed to be available on the market because they can create electrical arcing and can cause a fire and burn your tree down, possibly even your home. In this case, you want to take the lights down and make sure you string them in the correct direction.
Can you buy an extension cord with 2 male ends?
The short answer is no. Double male end “adapters” are illegal, dangerous and a fire hazard. If you have need of this type of adapter it means you've hung a string of lights backwards.
How long is an extension cord?
Most extension cords range from around two to thirty feet in length although they are made up to 300 feet in length. The term "extension cord" has been in use since at least 1925. Extension cords come in various colors, lengths, thicknesses and service duties.
How to safely use extension cords?
The attention required to safely use an extension cord includes routing extension cords away from where they are likely to be damaged, using the shortest cord that will serve each intended purpose, and examining the cords periodically for damage or signs of overloading (melting deformation, darkening in color, or a “burnt” or “electrical” smell).
Why are extension cords damaged?
The insulation of extension cords, particularly light-duty two-wire cords, is easily damaged by being pinched, crushed, or abraded. The cords can also be damaged at the plug and socket connections by being pulled on excessively, which sometimes happens when people trip on them.
What is an extension reel?
An extension reel is an extension lead that rolls up, usually into the socket end, which in some cases has more than one socket on it (often 2 or 4) . Another type of extension reel hangs near the plug end and permits the user to draw the cord out by grasping the socket end.
Why is my extension cord not dissipating?
This is because the portion of cord on the reel is not exposed to air causing the loss power, (the result of its series resistance ), not to dissipate. An extension cord that is in use while coiled up or coiled in a reel can be a serious shock and fire hazard.
What is a NEMA 1 extension cord?
Extension cord reel (Germany) An extension cord (US), power extender, drop cord, or extension lead (UK) is a length of flexible electrical power cable (flex) with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other end (usually of the same type as the plug).
Why is the diameter of a cord larger?
Therefore, the longer the cord, the larger the diameter of the conductors need be to minimise voltage drop (wire gauge numbers are smaller for larger diameter wire).
Indoor Cords and Outdoor Cords
It is important to know where they will be used when getting extension cords. Indoor cords are very different from outdoor extension cord with multiple outlets. Indoor extension cords are generally thinner and shorter. These cords also don’t carry that much power.
Type of Plug
Different electrical cords have different plugs. The plugs of an extension cord can either be two-pronged or three-pronged. A 3 prong extension cord greatly reduces the risk of an electrical shock since these plugs are grounded. A two-pronged plug has no such function.
Cord Size
Another important factor to consider is the length of the cord. A short extension cord provides the minimum voltage loss. The longer a cable, the more voltage is lost, traveling across the length of the cable. Thus, it is best to use a shorter cord for running any appliance with high voltage consumption.
Amperage Rating
When buying extension cords, it is vital to know their amperage rating. The amperage rating is the power/voltage that the cord is designed to handle. Electrical appliances have their voltage rating written on them. When getting power outlet extension, it is important to ensure that the cord has an amperage rating equal to the appliance.
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
The American Wire Gauge is the unit used to measure the size of the copper wire inside the extension cord. A lower AWG represents a thicker wire with greater electricity carrying capacity. Vica-versa, a higher AWG represents a thinner wire with low electricity carrying capacity.
Other Special Features
Certain cables come with special features that make them safer to use. One of the more common features is a ‘ground fault circuit interrupter’ (GFCI). This feature cuts power to the cord in case of a fault adding another layer of safety. Other features include plugs that light up when powered, locking socket, connector box, etc.
How to Roll Up an Extension Cord?
There are different mess-free ways to roll up your extension cord. You have to follow different methods to wrap the cord based on its length.
What is a female extension cord?
The female connector of an extension cord is a socket that receives the male connector of an appliance. If you have a wall outlet, you have to plug a male connector into its slots to transmit power to the socket on the other end of the extension cord.
What is the difference between a male and female extension cord?
The average extension cord has a male and a female end. The male end is the plug. It has prongs that allow it to enter a wall outlet. The female end is the socket. Plugging the male end into a wall outlet brings power to the female end. This allows you to operate a device by simply attaching it to the female end of the extension cord.
Why Are Male To Male Extension Cords Dangerous?
This is because the exposed prongs can electrocute any passerby that is unfortunate enough to touch a conductor, such as water or a piece of metal, that has come into contact with the exposed prongs of a male plug.
Is It Safe To Use Extension Cord With Both Female Ends?
If your objective is to proceed safely, you cannot do anything with female to female extension cords because you have no way of plugging a female end into a wall outlet. However, if you don’t care about safety, you can always use a male to male extension cord.
What happens when you plug an extension cord into a socket?
When you plug the male connector of an extension cord into a socket, it will energize the contacts inside the female connector, allowing them to power any appliance you plug into the connector. Fortunately, those contacts are concealed. You don’t have to worry about accidentally touching them.
Why do electricians oppose male to female extension cords?
Most electricians oppose male-to-male extension cords because of the danger associated with their use. But they rarely mention female to female extension cords because, for the most part, they don’t exist. You won’t find them in any store and neither will you find them in the homes of those consumers that enjoy re-working extension cords to produce new configurations.
Why are male to male cords discouraged?
The use of male-to-male cords is discouraged because they are an electrocution hazard. They will either shock you or anyone else that is unfortunate enough to touch them.
Why is it important to have an extension cord?
Choosing the right type of extension cord is important to ensure electrical safety and prevent home fires.
What does the letter "W" mean on an extension cord?
W indicates a cord designed for outdoor use.
Why do you need a longer cord?
Longer cords create more electrical resistance and deliver less power to the connected device. It’s best to use a cord of the proper length to reduce power loss, especially if you’re using a device with a high amperage rating.
How many prongs are in an extension cord?
Standard extension cords are available with either two or three prongs. One prong is “hot,” the second is “neutral,” and the third serves as a path to the ground wire. This third prong drastically reduces the risk of shock and electrical fires by giving power surges a safe place to dissipate.
What does S mean on a cord?
S indicates a general-use cord good for indoor applications.
Can you use a 3 prong extension cord with a 3 prong outlet?
Of course, you can only use three-prong extension cords with three-prong outlets. If your home has outdated electrical wiring, you may need to upgrade it before converting your outlets to newer three-prong versions designed for enhanced electrical safety.
Do you overload an extension cord?
DON’T Overload Your Extension Cords. Every cord has a maximum amperage rating, or a limit of electrical current it can safely conduct. Check the device you plan to connect and choose an extension cord with an amp rating higher than the device. If you plan to connect multiple devices, add up all amp requirements to ensure you don’t overload ...
How many pins does an extension cord have?
The typical extension cord comes with a lengthy cable with a three or two-pin plug at one end and a socket at the other end for devices to connect to power. You can find endless arrays of designs, colors, and builts when shopping for extension cords.
What Are Power Cords?
Power cords are the electrical hardware used primarily to transfer alternating (AC) and direct current (DC). Most manufacturers in the electrical industry use copper to manufacture power cords. These copper wires are insulated with a non-conductive material, typically a plastic coating, to protect them.
How many prongs does a NEMA 5-15P cable have?
Although every NEMA 5-15P power cord features three prongs, they come with a variety of connectors. The plugs of these cords would also match their specific purpose. For instance, if a NEMA power cord was to be used behind a desk, you could get the cable with a side-facing head so it would be flush with the wall after you plugged it. Some have several outlets for powering different devices from a single power source.
Why are PVC cords so popular?
To this day, PVC-coated cords are the standard because they are tough and heat resistant. Nevertheless, they exist in a wide variety, characterized by different lengths, sizes, and insulations.
Why is it important to use the correct power cord?
That’s because not only will using the correct power cord for the specific purpose ensure the best supply of electricity. It also safeguards your appliances, saves you money in repair costs, and protects everyone from electrical hazards.
What type of plugs are used in the US?
The types of electrical plugs in use worldwide are 15, ranging from Type A to Type O. However, the types used in the US are Type A and Type B.
Do you need to match your AC cord?
The frequency and voltage vary across different countries. Hence, you need to match your AC power cord with the country’s standard to ensure compatibility.
Overview
An extension cord (US), power extender, drop cord, or extension lead (UK) is a length of flexible electrical power cable (flex) with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other end (usually of the same type as the plug). The term usually refers to mains (household AC) extensions but is also used to refer to extensions for other types of cabling. If the plug and power outlet are of differe…
Variations
A power strip is a block on the end of a power cable with a number of sockets (usually 3 or more), often arranged in a line. This term is also used to refer to the whole unit of a short extension cord terminating in a power strip.
A removable power cord is similar but much shorter, and is designed to connect an appliance to a mains outlet. The female end mates with an appliance inlet.
Regulations
In the United States the domestic voltage is 120 V, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) prohibits the use of extension cords in a 20 A circuit unless they are of 16 AWG or larger diameter (for example, 14 AWG or 12 AWG).
As with other flexible cords, the NEC also prohibits their use where attached to building surfaces, concealed inside structures (walls, floors, ceilings), above s…
Hazards
Fire incident history research has shown that a large proportion of structure fires are caused by extension cords that have been either damaged or overloaded.
The insulation of extension cords, particularly light-duty two-wire cords, is easily damaged by being pinched, crushed, or abraded. The cords can also be damaged at the plug and socket connections by being pulled on excessively, which sometimes happens when people trip on the…
Safety
Cords running across the floor should be covered with a suitable device to protect them from physical damage. However, they should never be covered with a rug or carpet, as this can produce a serious fire hazard.
To avoid the need for rolling-up excess length, using an extension reel or for cutting the cord to size, extension cords are sold in prefabricated lengths of 1 to 150 feet (30 cm to 45 m). Every fo…
Lead content
Extension cords sold in the United States may contain lead in the PVC insulation sheathing. California Proposition 65 (1986) requires manufacturers to warn consumers when products contain toxic chemicals. Many extension cords carry warning labels that advise consumers to wash their hands after handling them.
The European directive, RoHS, restricts the use of hazardous materials like lead in the manufact…
Maintenance
The attention required to safely use an extension cord includes routing extension cords away from where they are likely to be damaged, using the shortest cord that will serve each intended purpose, and examining the cords periodically for damage or signs of overloading (melting deformation, darkening in color, or a “burnt” or “electrical” smell).
Periodic inspection is especially important for cords that may be used in place for a long time, fo…
Signal cable extenders
Extension cords sometimes refer to cables that add to the length of signal transmission cables or combined signal/electrical cables (for example, USB cables). They are more likely to be called "extenders" or "extender cables" or "cable extenders". Such extenders have one male and one female connector.
Passive USB extender cables do not meet the USB standards and thus are for…