– Whether or not it’s in use, a power extension cable is transmitting electricity as long as it’s hooked into an outlet. Always remember to unplug extension cords when not in use to minimize potential safety issues.
Is it possible to leave an extension cable plugged in if nothing is plugged into it?
Extension cords should only be used for a short period of time and should not be kept plugged into wall outlets when not in use. Despite the lack of a connection, this connects into a wall socket and is considered a power strip. Do not use it to plug in an extension cord or a power strip.
Is it true that using an extension cord consumes more electricity?
The current carrying capacity of the cord decreases as the cord lengthens. A 16 gauge extension cord with a length of less than 50 feet, for example, may power a 1625 watt (W) appliance. A 16 gauge cord with a length of more than 50 feet can only power a 1250W appliance.
How much power does an extension cord consume?
Electricity is not used by an extension cord. It’s just a conductor that sends power to the appliances plugged into its outlets. As a result, unless it includes indicator lights and displays, it will not drain vampire power if left plugged in.
This question won’t make sense until you learn how widespread vampire electricity is in many households.
Even when not in use, over forty products in the average American household are always connected to power.
The homeowners who forget to unplug them are unaware that the vampire power they consume adds an estimated $100 to their monthly utility bills. However, while vampire power is a problem with most household gadgets, several homeowners are unsure whether it affects extension cables.
They have no idea if extension cables even consume electricity in the first place. The answers to these inquiries will differ depending on a number of circumstances, including the extension cord’s design, length, and whether or not appliances are plugged into its outlets. Continue reading to learn how all of these factors affect an extension cord’s energy consumption.
Why should you avoid using an extension cord?
When extension cords are used incorrectly, they can overheat and cause fires. Overloading or connecting equipment that require more watts than the cord can handle are the most common causes of overheating. Extension cords that have been damaged can potentially cause fires.
When is it not a good idea to use an extension cord?
Is there not enough cord to connect your lamp or radio to the nearest outlet? Just looking for an extension cord in the garbage drawer? This might not be the best idea. Extension cables can be really useful for getting power to where we need it. An extension cord, regardless of its gauge or rating, is a temporary solution and should not be utilized as a long-term expansion of your household’s electrical system.
- Extension cords should not be overloaded or run through water or snow on the ground.
- Running through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors is not a good idea. When a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, thus posing a fire risk.
- If you use a lot of extension cables, it means you don’t have enough outlets to meet your needs. Install more outlets where you’ll need them.
- Multiple plug outlets cannot be connected together; they must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles.
- Check that the extension cord or temporary power strip you’re using is rated for the products you’ll be plugging in and is labeled for indoor or outdoor use.
- The wattage rating of the appliance or item with which you are using the cord will be listed on it. Use a cord with the same rating as your extension cord, and avoid using a cord with a lesser rating.
- Never use a cord that is hot to the touch or has been damaged in any way. You can get an electric shock or a burn by touching even a single exposed strand.
- When using outlets with only two slots for the plug, never use three-prong plugs. To force a fit, don’t chop off the ground pin. This violates the function of the three-prong plug and may result in an electric shock. If a plug doesn’t fit in an outlet, don’t force it in.
- Only purchase cords that have been approved by a third-party testing lab, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) (CSA).
When appliances are turned off, which ones use the most electricity?
- Television. You’ll consume significantly less electricity if you have a new LED-lit television than if you have an older one. Modern televisions, on the other hand, waste electricity even when they are switched off. To prevent electricity from flowing, unplug them or purchase a surge protector.
- Computers. You could be wasting a lot of electricity if you keep your computer or laptop plugged in to charge overnight. That power cord will continue to draw electricity even when it is turned off.
- Phones. Leaving your phone plugged in overnight to charge is also a poor idea. The phone will continue to drain electricity even at full power, raising your electric bill.
- Stereos. Even when not in use, almost any sort of stereo equipment will draw electricity as long as it is plugged in.
- Microwaves and coffee makers are two of the most common household appliances. Even when they aren’t in use, these kitchen gadgets need electricity to power a digital display.
- Lamps from the past. When the lights are turned off, a plugged-in lamp draws additional electricity.
How much power is lost when you use extension cords?
For safe and efficient appliance use, consider how much the voltage will drop throughout the length of the extension cord. If the provided voltage is 120 volts and the wire carries no more than 12 amps, 50 feet of 14-gauge wire will create a voltage loss of around 3%.
When a power strip is turned off, does it still take power?
Installing a smart power strip (also known as an advanced power strip) in your home is a simple and cost-effective approach to begin saving money and making your home more energy efficient.
“Why should I bother with a power strip when I already turn my electronics off?” you might wonder.
The explanation is simple: vampire loads; and no, this isn’t some masked monster that sneaks into your house and turns on your devices while you’re away.
Even when your gadgets are in sleep mode, vampire loads eat energy.
Consider your smart TV, laptop computer, or cable box: even when turned off, these devices consume energy.
It’s simple to include a power strip into your home office or entertainment center; just make sure you’re looking for a smart power strip!
Traditional power strips can accommodate a variety of gadgets and only have one outlet, but keep in mind that devices that are plugged in will continue to consume energy.
Because smart power strips can identify when a gadget is in standby mode, they can turn off the electricity and save energy.
To discover the proper smart power strip for you and your family, check out this simple infographic from NREL.
Which extension cord is the safest?
Extension cables are a frequent and easy way to connect electrical equipment to a power source. However, if not utilized with prudence, they might become fire dangers and endanger your personal safety.
Selecting extension cords
- Only buy cords that have been approved by a third-party testing facility.
- Read the instructions (if available) for information on how to use the cord properly and how much power it consumes.
- Choose cords that are rated for the wattage of the gadgets they’ll be utilized with. The gauge of a cord indicates its size: the lower the number, the bigger the wire and the greater electrical current it can safely take.
- Think about how long you’ll need. Shorter cables of the same gauge can handle more current than longer cords of the same gauge.
- Thick, circular, low-gauge extension cords are ideal for use with larger equipment. You can utilize thin or flat wires for smaller appliances and electronics.
Using extension cords
- To fit into a two-prong outlet, never remove the extension cord’s grounding pin.
- Extension wires should never be taped to the floor or stapled or nailed to surfaces.
Why are extension cords a safety hazard?
- Heat cannot escape if the extension cord is covered, which could result in a fire.
- Make extension cables visible and, if feasible, avoid running them through high-traffic areas. For those strolling through the area, they can be a tripping hazard.
- Take extra precautions to avoid electric shock when using an extension cord. It’s crucial to ensure sure it’s not submerged in water or snow. If you’re going to use an extension cable outside, be sure it’s weatherproof.
Also, keep in mind that extension cables are only meant to be used as temporary wiring solutions. Consider improving your home’s electrical system if you find yourself using them on a regular basis.
