Extension Cords
Extension cords, also known as power extenders or extension leads, are a type of
cordset with longer cords that are capable of supplying electricity to portable electrical equipment or appliances from a main power source dozens or even hundreds of feet away. There are many different types of extension cords, ranging in strength from light household to heavy-duty industrial. Extension cords are used in a wide range of applications, such as electrical power tools, lighting, sound equipment, shop equipment, maintenance, repair or demolition of buildings and remodeling. Almost all industries utilize extension cords including construction, industrial manufacturing, commercial, electronics, medical, appliance and food processing.
Extension cords transmit electricity through an insulated line portable electrical appliances and equipment. Attached to one end of the insulated line is a prong that fits into the electrical supply's receptacle and transmits the electricity through the insulated line and into the portable equipment through a socket on the other end of the insulated line that attaches to the prong of the equipment's power cord. Extension cords are constructed by encasing conducting wire, usually copper, of differing gauges in rubber. These wires then conduct voltage from a wall socket through the extension cord's prong to the socket end. Along the way, it keeps the circuit flowing through whatever appliance happens to be attached. Cord length, wire gauge and distance are all important factors to consider when choosing an extension cords because they will directly affect the quality of the electricity transmitted.
Extension cords are often misused, which can result in injury, death and/or expensive OSHA fines. Extensions cords are only designed for temporary usage and when people use them for long-term purposes there are often negative consequences. Extension cords injuries and deaths are monitored by the US Consumer Safety Commission, who estimates that each year there are about 4,000 injuries that resulted from extension cords that required emergency room treatment. However, there are new technologies are coming out to try and lessen the potential hazard of using extension cords such as polarized sockets and polarized plugs. Polarized sockets accommodate asymmetrically-sized plugs that are currently used on appliances, while polarized plugs avert electrocution through connection to a ground wire that prevents accidental shock to users from any hot, exposed parts. Circuit breakers are also being used in some cords, which will serve to cut off power in the instance of a power surge or overheating.