Detailed Product Description

Extension Cords come in various lengths and thicknesses, and service duties. In general, the more power needed by the appliance, the thicker the cord should be (that is, larger inside). Cords to be used outdoors, in wet areas, around oils, or exposed to sunlight for long periods should be selected for such specific service.

In the where the domestic voltage is 120V, the customer prohibits the use of extension cords in a 20 A circuit unless they are of 16 or larger (for example, 14 AWG or 12 AWG). As with other flexible cords, the customer also prohibits their use where attached to building surfaces, or concealed inside walls, floors, or ceilings, above suspended ceilings, or where run through holes or other openings (windows, doors) in structures (with limited exceptions). Cords run across the floor should be covered with a suitable device to protect them from physical damage.

Other countries also regulate the use of extension cables but the specific conditions and the nature of the regulation varies. In and elsewhere where the normal domestic voltage is around 230V, there is less risk of causing fire through overheating of cables for any given power due to the lower current. However most European extension cables now include an automatic current cut-out to avoid misuse of the cable. This requires manual re-setting if excess current is drawn through the cable. (American multiplug cords also include such a device but single- or triple-outlet cords do not.)

A is a block on the end of a power cable with a number of (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.