Protection of Extension Cords from Conditions Conditions
Tips for Safe Use of Extension Cords
From maintenance tasks to recreational activities, there are many uses for electricity outdoors throughout the year, from using power tools for projects to routing power for patio appliances to decorating your property for the holidays. You lot'll need a rubber extension string, designed for outdoor use, to forestall a potentially devastating fire, or serious injury, or decease from electrical shock. Just, how tin can you tell if the extension string you lot take in listen for the job is safe for outdoor utilize?
Which Kind of Extension Cord Is Prophylactic to Apply Outdoors?
There are several types of ratings for extension cords. One rating is for their type of intended apply: heavy, medium, or light duty. Another rating is by amperage: the power load they are designed to carry safely. However another rating is for indoor or outdoor usage. The "Due west" symbol is used to label cords fabricated for outdoor use. There are yet other ratings used past some manufacturers to signal the intended frequency of use for which the cord was designed.
Cheque the packaging, or expect on the cord, to be certain the extension cord yous've selected is advisable for outdoor electricity use. Or, utilize this quick checklist to confirm that the cord is designed for outdoor apply:
Rating Indicator — Look for the letter "West" on the cord or on the packaging. That's the letter used to place cords that are designed for outside electricity use.
Insulation — Extension cords rated for outdoor use accept boosted insulation around the wires in the cord. This makes outdoor cords thicker than standard power cords made for general indoor utilise just, though at that place are some thick indoor cords designed for some purposes.
Colour — Many cords sold for exterior maintenance or other utility purposes have bright yellowish, orange, blue, greenish. Others are blackness or brown, to blend in aesthetically in outdoor living spaces where cords may be more permanently placed for electricity on patios or decks.
Coverings — The covers of outdoor extension cords are typically made of heavy-duty rubber, plastic, or vinyl. Their sturdy construction protects outdoor cords from moisture, sunlight, temperature changes, and other elements that cause rapid deterioration of less durable indoor cords.
Plugs — Outdoor extension cords always have three-prong plugs, whereas indoor cords may have either two or three prongs, depending on detail needs. The third prong is continued to the cord's grounding wire, to reduce risk of electrical shock or fire.
Amperage — Extension cords made for outdoor use accept high amp ratings, because they are designed to deliver the college amounts of power oftentimes required by outdoor electric devices.
How to Protect Extension Cords from Weather Conditions
All outlets mounted on the exterior of your home should have a footing mistake circuit interrupter (GFCI) built into the outdoor outlet. A GFCI is a excursion breaker that shuts off electricity to the cord, if it detects irregular electricity period, such as when it is passing through water, or a human, or something else other than a normal power conduit.
The GFCI is particularly important in rain or melting snow or ice, in which weather events create a lot of water around the connection of the outside outlet where the extension string is plugged in. The GFCI-protected outlet helps safeguard users from electric shock when using the outlet.
If the outlets exercise not have GFCIs, y'all tin use a GFCI adapter, which you can buy and place on the terminate of the extension cord. When using the string, information technology should exist plugged into the GFCI adapter, and the adapter should then be plugged direct into the electrical outlet.
Tips for Safe Use of Outside Extension Cords
In addition to making sure you have the right type of extension cord for outdoor use and a GFCI, here are another of import ways to aid go on people and pets safe while using outdoor extension cords around your home:
Inspect Cords Earlier Each Use — Before using an extension cord that has been stored, inspect all sides along the full length of the cord for cracks in the covering and exposed wire. As well bank check to ensure that the plugs on both ends of the cord are attached securely, not loose or allowing exposed wires higher up the plug.
Protect Extension Cords — Keep cords away from exposure to spots where there is rainwater, or melting snow or ice.
Exercise not Overload Cords — Do not try to run likewise many electrical devices or appliances at the same fourth dimension on one extension cord.
Choose Highly Visible Cords — While powering structure tools, maintenance equipment, etc., utilize cords with bright coloring, to assist avoid creating a trip hazard.
Storage of Extension Cords — Unplug the extension cord after use, coil it properly, and store it in a space that is protected from extreme temperatures and wet atmospheric condition.
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