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 Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tip of the Day Categories » Electrical and Lighting

Tip of the Day



Using Extension Cords

In today's electronic world we have 10 items for every outlet: stereos, TVs and lamps, computers, faxes and answering machines. So how does a handful of electrical outlets power-up the Starship Enterprise? Simple, just run another extension cord until outlets look like a spaghetti factory and you brown out the neighborhood or worse -- burn the house down. Here's what you need to know about extension cords: the gauge of the wire and the length of the cord determine the power it can safely deliver. The heavier the wire, the more amperage it will safely conduct. A light-duty 16-gauge cord is fine for a table lamp but you'll need a heavy-duty 12-gauge cord to power a circular saw. Also, electric power decreases as length increases. So, for a longer run, upgrade to a heavier cord for maximum power and always uncoil an extension cord before using it. Coiled cords build up heat and can melt the outer covering, creating an electrical hazard or even a fire. That's the shocking truth about extension cords. Wiring minds want to know. And that's the On The House tip for today.

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